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Apprentice Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Hulcher Services Inc

Apprentice Operator I

Chicago, IL

$26.84 - $28.52/hr

Description Hulcher Services is seeking a motivated and success-driven Apprentice Operator I. You will play a vital role in transporting, operating and the servicing of assigned heavy equipment used ...

Hulcher Services, Inc.

Apprentice Operator I

Hammond, IN · On-site

$26.84 - $28.52/hr

Hulcher Services is seeking a motivated and success-driven Apprentice Operator I. You will play a vital role in transporting, operating and the servicing of assigned heavy equipment used in clearing ...

Apply Early

Hulcher Services, Inc

Apprentice Operator I

Hammond, IN · On-site

$26.84 - $28.52/hr

Job Type Full-time Description Hulcher Services is seeking a motivated and success-driven Apprentice Operator I. You will play a vital role in transporting, operating and the servicing of assigned ...

Hulcher Services, Inc.

Apprentice Operator I

Chicago, IL · On-site

$26.84 - $28.52/hr

Hulcher Services is seeking a motivated and success-driven Apprentice Operator I. You will play a vital role in transporting, operating and the servicing of assigned heavy equipment used in clearing ...

Apply Early

Hulcher Services Inc

Apprentice Operator I

Hammond, IN · On-site

$26.84 - $28.52/hr

Description Hulcher Services is seeking a motivated and success-driven Apprentice Operator I. You will play a vital role in transporting, operating and the servicing of assigned heavy equipment used ...

Hulcher Services, Inc

Apprentice Operator I

Chicago, IL · On-site

$26.84 - $28.52/hr

Job Type Full-time Description Hulcher Services is seeking a motivated and success-driven Apprentice Operator I. You will play a vital role in transporting, operating and the servicing of assigned ...

Buckeye

Apprentice Operator 12-Hour

East Chicago, IN · On-site

$17.25 - $22/hr

Buckeye Partners is currently seeking an Apprentice Operator 12-Hour with previous experience in pipeline operations or general knowledge or experience in the Oil & Gas Industry to join our team.

Swiss Automation Inc

CNC Apprentice

Barrington, IL · On-site

$18/hr

CNC Apprentice The CNC Apprentice works in a production CNC environment with the expectation of ... Learn how to produce custom precision parts by operating Multi-axis CNC Swiss-style machines ...

Apply Early

Swiss Automation Inc

CNC Apprentice

Cary, IL · On-site

$18/hr

CNC Apprentice The CNC Apprentice works in a production CNC environment with the expectation of ... Learn how to produce custom precision parts by operating Multi-axis CNC Swiss-style machines ...

Apply Early

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All JobsApprentice Operator JobsApprentice Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL

Apprentice Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$14

$20

$30

How much do apprentice operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice operator in Chicago, IL is $20.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $22.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Apprentice Operator vs Operator?

AspectApprentice OperatorOperator
Required CredentialsBasic certifications, on-the-job trainingAdvanced certifications, experience
Work EnvironmentSupervised training settingFull operational environment
Employer & Industry UsageTraining programs, entry-level rolesFull-time operational roles in manufacturing, utilities

The main difference between an Apprentice Operator and an Operator is experience and certification level. Apprentice Operators are in training, gaining skills under supervision, while Operators have completed training and are fully responsible for operations. Apprentices focus on learning, whereas Operators handle daily operational tasks independently.

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

To thrive as an Apprentice Operator, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic mechanical aptitude, and a willingness to learn operational procedures. Familiarity with industrial equipment, safety protocols, and sometimes entry-level certifications such as OSHA training are commonly required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication help individuals excel in this hands-on environment. These skills and qualities ensure safe, efficient, and accurate operation of machinery, which is critical to maintaining production standards and workplace safety.

What can I expect during my first few months as an Apprentice Operator?

During your initial months as an Apprentice Operator, you'll primarily focus on learning operational procedures, safety protocols, and equipment handling under the guidance of experienced operators. You'll rotate through different stations, participate in hands-on training, and gradually take on more responsibility as you demonstrate competence. Close supervision and feedback are typical, as safety and accuracy are paramount in this role. Expect to work in a team-oriented environment where collaboration and clear communication are essential for smooth operations and troubleshooting.

What are Apprentice Operators?

Apprentice Operators are entry-level workers who are learning to operate machinery or equipment under the supervision of experienced operators. They typically participate in a structured training program that combines on-the-job experience with classroom instruction. The goal is to develop the technical skills and knowledge needed to perform the operator role independently. Apprentice Operators are common in industries such as manufacturing, utilities, and construction, where hands-on training is essential. Their responsibilities may include monitoring equipment, assisting with maintenance, and following safety procedures.
What are the most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Apprentice Operator jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Apprentice Operator job openings:
Apprentice Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apprentice Operator job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,250 per year, or $20.8 per hour.
Apprentice Operator I

Apprentice Operator I

Hulcher Services Inc

Chicago, IL

$26.84 - $28.52/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement

Posted 7 hours ago

Job description

Description

Hulcher Services is seeking a motivated and success-driven Apprentice Operator I. You will play a vital role in transporting, operating and the servicing of assigned heavy equipment used in clearing railroad derailments by lifting and moving derailed railway cars and locomotives.  


About Us:

Hulcher Service is an industry leader with more than 500 employees and over 25 divisions located in the United States and Mexico assisting customers with derailments as well as engineering work, track maintenance, disaster response, and environmental projects.


What You'll Do:

  • Drive tractor-trailer or escort vehicles.
  • Material handling of heavy steel chains, blocks and steel cables, and other devices.
  • Climbing and crawling on and under derailed railroad cars.
  • Maintenance, cleaning and setup of equipment requiring use of small and large tools including cutting torch and welding.
  • Digging, hammering, and other physical types of work with various tools
  • Lifting 100 lbs. maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects up to 50 lbs.
  • Work at heights over 25 feet on railroad cars; may be on bridges, over water, or in water.

Why Join Us:

  • Room for growth 
  • Union benefits including, but not limited to medical insurance and pension plan


Take your career to the next level and join our mission-driven team! At Hulcher you can apply with confidence in knowing you will be a valued asset to our team and be a part of a stable thriving industry! 


Requirements

What You Bring:

  • Must have a valid Class A CDL with NO restrictions. 
  • Must have a valid driver's license.
  • Ability to work on-call 24/7 365 days a year in an emergency response environment.
  • Ability to travel up to 50% of the time.
  • Ability to conduct maintenance inspections on equipment.

Work Schedule:

  •  Monday through Sunday on the job or possibly at division.
  •  On call for 24 hours for derailments requiring immediate response.
  •  8-hours/day Monday through Friday; on call at other times for derailments requiring immediate response.
  •  The Response Team is to be available at all times and all hours of the day.

Apply