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Contractor Work Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

This role ensures contractor work is performed in compliance with safety requirements, contractual obligations, and approved scopes of work. Responsibilities include verifying contractor scheduling ...

This role ensures contractor work is performed in compliance with safety requirements, contractual obligations, and approved scopes of work. Responsibilities include verifying contractor scheduling ...

We secure and manage commercial contracts and partner with skilled independent contractors to perform the work. We handle the sales, client communication, billing, and collections - so you can focus ...

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Contractor Work information

See Illinois salary details

$8

$19

$45

How much do contractor work jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for contractor work in Illinois is $19.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.23 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges contractors face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Contractors often juggle several projects at once, which can make time management and prioritization challenging. Coordinating schedules, handling client expectations, and keeping track of different project requirements require strong organizational skills. It’s important to set clear communication channels with clients and subcontractors to avoid misunderstandings and delays. Many contractors use project management tools to stay organized and ensure that deadlines are met and resources are allocated efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contractor?

To thrive as a Contractor, you need expertise in your trade (such as construction, electrical, or plumbing), relevant licenses, and a solid understanding of building codes and safety regulations. Familiarity with project management software, estimation tools, and standard contracting documentation is often required. Strong communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage client relationships help set you apart in this field. These skills are essential for delivering quality work on time, maintaining compliance, and building a reputable business.

What kind of work does a contractor do?

A contractor performs specialized work on construction, renovation, or maintenance projects, often managing or executing tasks such as carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, or roofing. They typically work on-site, follow project plans, and may require licensing or certifications depending on the trade and location.

What is contractor work?

Contractor work refers to employment where individuals or businesses are hired to complete specific tasks or projects for a client, typically under a contract rather than as full-time employees. Contractors often have specialized skills and may work independently or as part of a contracting company. They are responsible for their own taxes, benefits, and work schedules, and usually provide their own tools and equipment. This type of work allows flexibility and autonomy but may lack the stability and benefits of traditional employment.

What is the difference between Contractor Work vs Electrician?

AspectContractor WorkElectrician
CredentialsVaries; often includes licensing or certifications depending on specializationRequires specific electrical licenses and certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, residential, commercial projectsResidential, commercial, industrial electrical systems
Employer/Industry UsageIndependent contractors or contracting companiesEmployed by electrical firms or self-employed
Work ScopeOversees projects, manages teams, or performs specialized tasksInstallations, repairs, and maintenance of electrical systems

Contractor work encompasses a broad range of project-based roles, often involving managing or performing specialized tasks across various industries. Electricians focus specifically on electrical systems, requiring specific licenses and certifications. While electricians may work as contractors, contractor work includes a wider scope of roles beyond electrical tasks, such as project management and coordination.

Infographic showing various Contractor Work job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,650 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Contractor Administrator Manager

Stepan

Elwood, IL • On-site

$139K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description


The Contractor Administrator manages on-site execution of third-party contractors supporting maintenance and repair activities. This role ensures contractor work is performed in compliance with safety requirements, contractual obligations, and approved scopes of work. Responsibilities include verifying contractor scheduling, qualifications, training, and work authorization to support disciplined execution aligned with maintenance plans and operations priorities.
Planning & Scheduling Enablement
  • Coordinate contractor availability with Maintenance Planning/Scheduling and Operations for routine, backlog, shutdown/turnaround, and emergency work.
  • Ensure all required pre-job documentation is complete and approved prior to execution (e.g., JSA/JHA, permits, LOTO, confined space, lift and hot work plans).

Onboarding & Qualification
  • Verify contractor company and individual worker compliance with site requirements, including orientations, safety training, craft qualifications, medical/fit-for-duty, and drug/alcohol programs.
  • Maintain current contractor rosters, site access badges, competency records, and insurance certificates (as provided by Procurement).

Work Execution Controls
  • Facilitate work permitting, site access, escorting (as required), and coordination of area ownership with Operations.
  • Monitor daily contractor execution against plan for safety, quality, productivity, and scope compliance; identify and escalate execution barriers.
  • Request additional contractor resources through established non-commercial channels.
  • Confirm field progress, work order updates, and closures in the CMMS (e.g., SAP), ensuring accurate labor, time, and material confirmations by responsible parties.

Performance Management
  • Collaborates with Procurement to establish contract KPIs that are reasonable, measurable, and commercially viable-ensuring performance indicators can be effectively tracked without adding unnecessary cost to the services provided.
  • Work with third-party contractors to establish, monitor and report performance against KPIs (safety, schedule adherence, rework/quality, productivity); provide feedback to contractors and internal stakeholders.
  • Capture objective evidence of performance issues and report them promptly to contractors to enable timely corrections and escalate persistent or unresolved issues to Maintenance leadership and Procurement for commercial remedies where applicable.
  • Provides operational input to Procurement (e.g., performance metrics, safety history, schedule adherence, quality indices)

HSE & Compliance
  • Enforce site EHS standards and applicable PSM requirements related to contractor work, including Contractor Safety, MOC participation, Pre-Startup Safety Reviews, and Safe Work Permitting.
  • Participate in audits, field observations, toolbox talks, and incident investigations; track and drive corrective actions to closure (non-commercial).

Quality & Technical Verification
  • Verify work completion in accordance with approved work packs, drawings, procedures, and OEM specifications.
  • Coordinate required inspections and NDE activities.
  • Collect turnover documentation, as-built updates, and confirm proper demobilization and site housekeeping

Qualifications
  • 5+ years in maintenance/turnaround/contractor coordination within chemical, refining, or heavy industrial environments.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of safe work permitting, PSM/OSHA contractor safety, lockout/tagout, confined space, hot work, elevated work, and lifting/rigging practices.
  • Proficiency with CMMS (SAP/Maximo/IFS), scheduling tools (Primavera/MS Project), and digital permit systems.
  • Strong understanding of QA/QC practices, drawing/Isometric review, and inspection/NDE workflows.
  • Must be able to climb stairs and lift a minimum of 20 pounds.

Education
  • Associate's degree or equivalent experience in Industrial Maintenance, Construction Management, or related field; Bachelor's preferred.

Pay Range: $ 103,000 - $139,000
The salary range for this position is determined by considering a variety of factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, and the location of the position.
At Stepan Company our comprehensive benefits package includes:
  • Discretionary Bonus
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401K with Match
  • Profit Sharing
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (STD / LTD)
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Adoption Assistance
  • Reactions - Recognition Program
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

#LI-KB1
#LI-ONSITE
Stepan Company does not accept or retain unsolicited resumes or phone calls and/or respond to them or to any third party representing job seekers.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Established in 1932, Stepan Company is a major manufacturer of basic and intermediate chemicals including surfactants, polymers, as well as specialty ingredients that go into consumer, household, and institutional products such as laundry detergents, shampoos, and surface cleaners. Stepan Company currently has 19 global manufacturing locations and over 2,400 employees. We have a strong record of growth. Our growth allows us to provide meaningful career opportunities and stability to our team members. We have big goals at Stepan and know every team member will be crucial to achieving our objectives. Regardless of function, we are looking for team members who bring with them a growth mindset, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the ability to thrive in an evolving environment.
We celebrate diversity at Stepan and are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Stepan is a global specialty and intermediate chemical manufacturer that has been serving a broad range of industries for over 90 years. Today, Stepan is a $2.7 billion revenue company. Our continued success is driven by the passion and commitment of our 2,500+ employees around the world.
Why Work At Stepan?
  1. Stable & Growing
  2. Collaborative Environment
  3. Make a Difference & Be Recognized
  4. Committed to Safety & Sustainability
  5. Value Driven Culture

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