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Direct To Garment Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Retail Store Tailor

Arlington Heights, IL ยท On-site

$17.13 - $27.42/hr

... garment fit. * Deliver an exceptional customer experience by listening to customer needs and offering personalized solutions. * Adapt to changing workload priorities and scheduling needs as directed ...

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Direct To Garment information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$30

$37

$43

How much do direct to garment jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct to garment in Chicago, IL is $37.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.90 and $41.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is direct to garment (DTG) printing?

Direct To Garment (DTG) printing is a method of printing digital designs directly onto textiles, typically t-shirts or other apparel, using specialized inkjet technology. This process allows for high-resolution, full-color designs to be printed quickly and efficiently without the need for screens or setup fees. DTG is especially popular for short runs and custom orders because it can reproduce intricate images with a soft feel on the fabric. It is most effective on 100% cotton garments, as they absorb the water-based inks better.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a direct to garment (DTG) printer operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Direct to Garment (DTG) Printer Operator, you need knowledge of textile printing processes, color management, and garment materials, often backed by experience in print production or a related field. Familiarity with DTG printing machines, RIP software, and graphic design tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills for managing orders and maintaining print quality. These skills ensure precise, high-quality output and timely fulfillment in a fast-moving custom apparel environment.

What are some typical challenges faced in a direct to garment (DTG) printing role, and how can I prepare for them?

In a Direct To Garment printing role, common challenges include managing machine maintenance, ensuring consistent print quality, and troubleshooting color or alignment issues. You'll often need to balance tight deadlines with attention to detail, particularly when handling custom or short-run orders. Staying organized and learning to calibrate and care for DTG equipment are essential skills. Collaborating closely with designers and production teams will help you address potential issues early and deliver high-quality results.

What is the difference between Direct To Garment vs Screen Printer?

AspectDirect To GarmentScreen Printer
Primary MethodDigital printing directly onto fabricApplying ink through a mesh screen onto fabric
EquipmentDTG printerScreen printing presses and screens
Design ComplexityBest for detailed, multi-color imagesIdeal for simple, bold designs with fewer colors
Production SpeedSlower for large runs, faster for custom jobsFaster for bulk production of simple designs
CostHigher initial investment, lower per-unit cost for small runsLower setup costs, economical for large quantities

Both Direct To Garment and Screen Printing are popular methods for customizing apparel. DTG excels at detailed, multi-color designs and small batch runs, while Screen Printing is more efficient for large quantities of simple designs. Choosing between them depends on your production needs and design complexity.

What are popular job titles related to Direct To Garment jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Direct To Garment jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Direct To Garment jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct To Garment jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Direct To Garment jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Direct To Garment job openings:

Infographic showing various Direct To Garment job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, and 45% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $79,012 per year, or $38 per hour.

Substitute Copy Operator I - Printing Services (Control Code #103158)

Valley View Community Unit School District 365U

Romeoville, IL โ€ข On-site

$17/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Print Shop/Copy Operator I
Date Posted:
8/18/2026
Location:
Printing Services
VALLEY VIEW PUBLIC SCHOOLS
COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT 365-U
Part-Time Substitute Copy Operator I - Printing Services
JOB SUMMARY: Operates high-volume copy machines that are used in the day-to-day operation of a demanding full-service internal printing operation.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Independently operates two or more high-volume multifunctional networked copiers, including loading and unloading materials simultaneously on related and unrelated orders
  • Sorting, collating, and organizing work products to prepare for distribution
  • Utilize packaging equipment to prepare completed jobs for shipping.
  • Assisting with duties related to garment printing operations under supervision, as necessary.
  • Assist in various bindery operations, including using equipment for cutting, padding, and punching materials during production under supervision, as necessary.
  • Use a Digital Storefront website to enter job instructions into production black & white copiers accurately.
  • Utilize Adobe Acrobat to manipulate files for printing.
  • Monitor and attend to production copiers. This may include clearing jams, loading paper/toner, and packaging finished products.
  • Assume such other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Director of Printing Services.
  • Under the direction of a supervisor, stage and move materials for production and distribution.

QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION
Minimum high school diploma or equivalent preferred
EXPERIENCE
Successful experience in a production and team setting, such as printing, manufacturing, packaging, or the food & beverage industry desirable.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • Ability to work on a team, but be self-directed, with a focus on client service.
  • The ability to complete tasks successfully with little or no supervision
  • Excellent communication and computer skills
  • Motivated and highly organized in performing job responsibilities
  • Willingness to accept varied quantity and quality of job assignments
  • The ability to fluctuate working hours depending on shop conditions
  • Interpret written instructions regarding individual printing request

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: Work is performed in the shop environment where moderate noise is consistently present, and unusual temperature fluctuation is relatively nonexistent. Work requires the employee to perform the following critical physical demands of the job in the shop setting, as applicable:
  • Ability to regularly talk, see, and hear.
  • Ability to stand for long periods during production tasks.
  • Ability to pull, push, walk, sit, and use hands for fine manipulation during the normal performance of tasks and responsibilities.
  • Ability to occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, and lift or move up to fifty (50) pounds.
  • Be able to flex time as necessary to meet time-sensitive demands.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: The salary is based on market and district comparisons as determined by the Superintendent or his/her designee. This will be a Tuesday through Thursday position. Hours are 4 pm - 8 pm.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Applicants should apply online at www.vvsd.org and upload a letter of interest, resume, and three (3) letters of recommendation dated within the past twelve (12) months.
PAY SCALE AND BENEFIT DISCLOSURE:
Pay: $17.00 Per Hour
Benefits: No Benefits Offered
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Applicants should apply on line at http://www.vvsd.org/.
SELECTION PROCEDURE: The deadline for receiving applications is open until filled. Interviews with selected applicants will be on an as needed basis.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Attachment(s):
  • Sub Copy Operator I - Printing Services.docx