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Apprentice Design Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Apprentice Design information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$22

$38

How much do apprentice design jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice design in Chicago, IL is $22.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an apprentice designer do?

An Apprentice Designer is an entry-level professional who works under the supervision of experienced designers to learn the fundamentals of design. Their responsibilities often include assisting with concept development, creating drafts or prototypes, and supporting the design team in various projects. They may work in fields such as graphic design, fashion, interior design, or industrial design. The apprenticeship provides hands-on experience, allowing them to build their skills and portfolio while gaining insight into industry practices. Over time, apprentice designers may take on more complex tasks as they grow in their role.

What types of projects can an apprentice designer expect to work on, and how much creative input is typically allowed at this level?

As an Apprentice Designer, you can expect to work on a variety of projects ranging from supporting senior designers with ongoing campaigns to assisting in the creation of assets for digital and print media. While much of your work will involve following established guidelines and direction from more experienced team members, many organizations encourage apprentices to contribute their ideas and bring a fresh perspective to brainstorming sessions. Over time, as you demonstrate your skills and initiative, you'll likely be given more responsibility and creative freedom on projects. Collaboration with other departments, such as marketing or product teams, is common, providing valuable exposure to the full design process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Designer, you need a solid understanding of design principles, basic proficiency in graphic design or related coursework, and a strong creative portfolio. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is typically expected. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and a willingness to learn from feedback help set you apart in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing high-quality design work, collaborating with senior designers, and growing professionally in a fast-paced creative environment.

What is the difference between Apprentice Design vs Junior Designer?

AspectApprentice DesignJunior Designer
Required CredentialsBasic education, often in progress of learning design skillsSome formal education or training, basic design skills
Work EnvironmentMentorship-focused, entry-level projectsSupervised projects, collaborative team settings
Employer UsageTraining roles in design firms or agenciesEntry-level position in design teams

Apprentice Design roles are primarily focused on learning and gaining hands-on experience under supervision, often with minimal prior skills. Junior Designer positions require some foundational skills and involve contributing to projects with more independence. Both roles serve as stepping stones in a design career, but apprenticeships emphasize training, while junior roles focus on applying skills in real-world projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Design jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Apprentice Design jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Apprentice Design job openings:

Infographic showing various Apprentice Design job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,187 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Casting Apprentice (Foundry)-7:00 am to 3:30 pm

Babbitting Service, Inc

South Elgin, IL โ€ข On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Casting Apprentice

Pay range: $19.00 to $24.00 DOE

Job Type: Full-Time

Shift Hours: 7:00 am to 3:30 pm

Benefits: Comprehensive Benefit Package

BSI participates in E-Verify

Babbitting Service, Inc (BSI) is a leader in the manufacture, design and repair of Hydrodynamic Fluid Film Bearings (Babbitt Bearings) and related parts since 1961. BSI services OEM's, aftermarket, and end users across the globe. We are seeking to hire a Casting Apprentice to produce metal castings by melting raw materials and pouring them into molds, followed by finishing and quality checks.

Foundry work -- casting a manufacturing process in which a liquid material is usually poured into a mold, which contains a hollow cavity of the desired shape, and then allowed to solidify. The solidified part is also known as a casting, which is ejected or broken out of the mold to complete the process.

Casting Apprentice Job Responsibilities:

  • Set up and operate various forge type, centrifugal casting machines.
  • Perform static pouring/casting of hot metal as needed.
  • Prepare parts for casting including chemical washing, heating of parts with torches or submersion furnaces, dipping parts in various tanks prior to casting.
  • Perform additional miscellaneous tasks as assigned by supervisor.

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Profit sharing
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Referral program
  • Tool loan program
  • Tuition reimbursement

Requirements:

  • Proficiency in blue print reading
  • Basic mathematics skills
  • Able to use measuring instruments
  • Ability to drive a Forklift. Training provided.
  • Be able to work with extremely hot material
  • BSI Rigging Training