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Creative Apprentice Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Creative Apprentice information

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$12

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$38

How much do creative apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for creative apprentice 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 is a creative apprentice?

A Creative Apprentice is an entry-level professional who works under the guidance of experienced creatives, such as designers, copywriters, or art directors, to learn the skills and workflows necessary in creative industries. Their responsibilities often include assisting with projects, brainstorming ideas, and developing their technical and artistic abilities. This role is typically designed to provide hands-on experience and mentorship, helping apprentices build a foundation for a career in fields like advertising, design, or media. Creative Apprenticeships can be found in agencies, studios, and in-house creative teams, offering a structured path to employment and professional growth.

What types of projects can a creative apprentice expect to work on, and how are they typically supported by the team?

As a Creative Apprentice, you'll often contribute to a variety of projects such as assisting with campaign brainstorming, graphic design, copywriting, or social media content creation. Apprentices usually work closely with senior creatives and project managers, receiving mentorship and regular feedback to help develop their skills. Collaboration is key, and you'll likely participate in team meetings, creative reviews, and cross-departmental initiatives. This hands-on exposure provides a practical learning environment and sets a strong foundation for future advancement in creative roles.

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

To thrive as a Creative Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of design principles, visual storytelling, and a portfolio showcasing creative work, often supported by relevant coursework or training. Familiarity with industry-standard design software like Adobe Creative Suite and digital collaboration platforms is typically required. Strong communication, openness to feedback, and a proactive attitude are valuable soft skills that help you learn and grow in collaborative environments. These skills and qualities are important because they enable you to contribute fresh ideas, adapt to client needs, and succeed in a fast-paced creative industry.

What is the difference between Creative Apprentice vs Creative Intern?

AspectCreative ApprenticeCreative Intern
Required CredentialsBasic education, some portfolio workLikewise, often students or entry-level
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, training-focused, mentorshipSimilar, often in agency or studio settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in creative agencies, studios, marketing firmsCommon in similar environments, often seasonal
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles, training opportunitiesLooking for internship opportunities, gaining experience

The main difference between a Creative Apprentice and a Creative Intern lies in their focus and structure. Creative Apprenticeships often involve a formal training program with mentorship, aiming to develop skills over time. Creative Internships are typically short-term, providing hands-on experience for students or entry-level individuals. Both roles serve as entry points into the creative industry, but apprenticeships tend to be more structured and long-term.

What are the most commonly searched types of Creative jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Creative jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Creative Apprentice jobs in Chicago, IL? For Creative Apprentice jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Creative Apprentice jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Creative Apprentice jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Creative Apprentice jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Creative Apprentice job openings:
Infographic showing various Creative Apprentice job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,187 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

CNC Milling Set Up Operator - Second Shift

Acme Industries

Elk Grove Village, IL • On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Position Summary

The CNC Mill Setup Technician is an experienced, self-sufficient machinist responsible for setting up, proving out, and running complex CNC milling programs on second shift with minimal supervision. This is not an operator role — it is a setup role. The right candidate owns the machine from job launch to last part, troubleshoots independently, holds tight tolerances on high-mix, low-volume aerospace and defense components, and has the instinct and experience to be the last line of defense on second shift.

Essential Responsibilities
  • Perform complete job setups on CNC vertical and/or horizontal machining centers from engineering drawings, routers, and work orders
  • Select, install, and qualify tooling, fixtures, and workholding for each job
  • Prove out new and revised programs; make offsets, edits, and parameter adjustments as needed to achieve first-article approval
  • Run in-process and final inspection using precision measurement tools — micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, dial indicators, and CMM where applicable
  • Read and interpret GD&T and blueprints accurately and independently
  • Diagnose and resolve machine alarms, tooling failures, surface condition issues, and out-of-tolerance conditions without waiting for engineering or programming support
  • Maintain accurate production records, setup sheets, first-article documentation, and non-conformance reports
  • Transition jobs cleanly to operators once setups are proven; document setups clearly for repeatability
  • Support shift continuity by communicating open issues, in-process jobs, and priorities to day shift at turnover
  • Follow all safety, quality, and housekeeping standards; support 5S on the shop floor
  • Participate in cross-training and knowledge transfer as the team grows
Qualifications

Required:

  • 5+ years of CNC milling experience with demonstrated setup responsibility — not operator-only background
  • Ability to set up jobs start to finish independently, including workholding, tooling, and program prove-out
  • Proficiency reading blueprints and GD&T
  • Experience with precision measurement and first-article inspection
  • Ability to troubleshoot out-of-tolerance conditions, tool wear issues, and machine alarms independently
  • Commitment to second shift on a consistent, long-term basis

Preferred:

  • Experience in aerospace, defense, or heavy industrial precision manufacturing
  • Familiarity with FANUC or Siemens controls
  • Exposure to AS9100 or ISO quality management systems
  • Experience with high-mix, low-volume complex component manufacturing
  • Experience informally training or mentoring less experienced operators
What We Offer
  • Competitive hourly wage commensurate with experience
  • Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k)
  • A stable, growing company with 70+ years of history and a long-term ownership mindset
  • Complex, interesting work — high-mix aerospace and defense components, not repetitive production runs
  • Active investment in workforce development and apprenticeship — room to grow into training, lead, and mentorship roles
Core Values

At ACME, we are Dedicated, Persistent, Creative, and Supportive. We're looking for someone who gets the job done, thinks through problems, finds better ways, and helps the team win.