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Caterpillar Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do - but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are ...

Quality Manager

Decatur, IL · On-site

$147K - $221K/yr

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do - but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are ...

Production Manager

Decatur, IL · On-site

$97K - $146K/yr

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do - but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are ...

FOOD UNIT LEAD

Decatur, IL · On-site

$18.30/hr

Caterpillar Decatur - N. 27th & Pershing Road, Decatur, IL 62526 Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Full time schedule. Days may vary, 6:00 am - 2:00 pm. More details upon ...

Caterpillar Decatur - N. 27th & Pershing Road, Decatur, IL 62526 Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Full time schedule. Days may vary, 6:00 am - 2:00 pm. More details upon ...

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Caterpillar information

See Decatur, IL salary details

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$36

How much do caterpillar jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for caterpillar in Decatur, IL is $28.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.80 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Caterpillar vs Heavy Equipment Technician?

AspectCaterpillarHeavy Equipment Technician
CertificationsManufacturer-specific certifications, such as Caterpillar Technician CertificationGeneral heavy equipment repair certifications, like NCCER or ASE
Work EnvironmentDealerships, construction sites, industrial facilitiesConstruction sites, mining operations, equipment repair shops
Industry UsagePrimarily in industries using Caterpillar machineryBroader industry use across various heavy equipment brands

While Caterpillar technicians specialize in maintaining and repairing Caterpillar machinery, Heavy Equipment Technicians work on a wide range of brands and models. Both roles require similar certifications and often share work environments, but Caterpillar technicians focus on Caterpillar-specific systems, whereas Heavy Equipment Technicians have broader expertise across multiple brands.

Is working for a Caterpillar a good job?

Working as a Caterpillar employee can offer stable employment, competitive wages, and opportunities for advancement in manufacturing, engineering, or technical roles. The job often requires safety training, physical effort, and adherence to safety protocols in a heavy equipment environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Caterpillar equipment operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Caterpillar equipment operator, you need a solid understanding of heavy machinery operation, safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent with relevant training. Familiarity with Caterpillar equipment, GPS grading systems, and certification such as OSHA or NCCCO is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for ensuring safe and efficient operations. These skills and qualifications are vital for maximizing productivity, minimizing risk, and ensuring project success on construction or industrial sites.

What are Caterpillar jobs?

Caterpillar jobs refer to employment opportunities at Caterpillar Inc., a global leader in manufacturing construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives. Positions at Caterpillar range from engineering and manufacturing to sales, logistics, and corporate roles. Employees work on developing, building, and supporting products and services that help build the world's infrastructure. Caterpillar is known for its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and providing growth opportunities for its workforce.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Caterpillar equipment operator?

As a Caterpillar equipment operator, your daily tasks will include operating heavy machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, and loaders to complete construction or earthmoving projects. You'll be responsible for conducting pre-operation inspections, following safety protocols, and performing routine maintenance checks. Operators often work closely with site supervisors and other crew members to ensure projects are completed efficiently and safely. Attention to detail, adaptability to varying site conditions, and clear communication are key to success in this role.
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Caterpillar jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Caterpillar job openings:
Infographic showing various Caterpillar job openings in Decatur, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,768 per year, or $28.3 per hour.
Early Career Welder - Decatur, IL

Early Career Welder - Decatur, IL

Caterpillar

Decatur, IL • On-site

$30.32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Caterpillar Inc. rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 458 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

218th of 417 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Career Area:
Operations
Job Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do - but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here - we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Early Career Welder - Decatur, IL
Looking for an opportunity to become a more experienced welder, but have limited training? This is the opportunity for you! As a Fabrication Specialist Trainee, you will build on your training to set up, operate and adjust manual and/or automatic machines to perform welding operations in all positions.
Starting pay up to $28.22/hour. Welders will receive incremental increases for every 26 weeks of active work, with an opportunity to earn up to $30.32/hour.
Job Duties/Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
  • Perform manual finish welding operations on plain and alloy steels in all positions
  • Operate robotic welding equipment
  • Follow documented procedures and standard work to perform safe and defect free operations
  • Perform carbon arc cutting and gouging
  • Sanding may be required to dress welds
  • Use of jib and overhead crane to manually position work pieces

Required Qualifications:
  • Must be able to pass multiple welder qualification tests during the Caterpillar provided training
  • Ability to gain welder certification upon completion of classroom and hands on weld school training
  • Ability to become a qualified welder
  • Ability to perform simple computer operations
  • Ability to work overtime to support production demands

Desired Qualifications:
  • One (1) to three (3) years of GMAW welding experience
  • Technical school or equal educational background in mechanical or similar discipline
  • Experience using GMAW with 0.045" or larger wire
  • Experience welding ½" or greater thickness material

Top Candidates will also possess:
  • Good communication skills and strong commitment to safety and teamwork
  • Ability to work well individually or in a team environment

Additional Information:
  • This is a Full Time Position located at the Caterpillar manufacturing facility located in Decatur, IL
  • Shifts: 2nd or 3rd shift available
  • Welders may be placed on any shift, dependent on business needs dictate, and in some areas required to work an alternate work schedule.
  • No relocation package is available
  • Must be able to pass welder qualification requirements during the Caterpillar provided training by a Certified Welding Educator (CWE), Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or approved personnel
  • Safety is a core value at Caterpillar. We owe it to our employees and families to work in a safe and secure workplace. All candidates for employment must successfully pass a preemployment drug screen for prohibited substances.

Please ensure you frequently check the email account you provided on your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method in our recruiting process.
Caterpillar is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S. which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers
For more information, visit caterpillar.com. To connect with us on social media, visit caterpillar.com/social-media
Summary Pay Range:
$0.00 - $0.00
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
  • Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
  • 401(k) savings plans*
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)*
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
  • Health Lifestyle Programs*
  • Employee Assistance Program*
  • Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
  • Career Development*
  • Incentive bonus*
  • Disability benefits
  • Life Insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Adoption benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees
Posting Dates:
May 28, 2026 - June 24, 2026
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

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