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Entry Level 3D Printer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level 3D Printer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$22

$50

How much do entry level 3d printer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level 3d printer in Chicago, IL is $22.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $22.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level 3D Printer vs 3D Printing Technician?

AspectEntry Level 3D Printer3D Printing Technician
CredentialsNo formal certification requiredTechnical certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentPersonal or small-scale settingsManufacturing or industrial facilities
Industry UsagePrototyping, education, hobbyistsProduction, quality control, industrial applications
Job FocusOperating and maintaining 3D printersManaging entire printing processes and troubleshooting

While both roles involve working with 3D printing technology, an Entry Level 3D Printer typically refers to the device itself or a beginner user, whereas a 3D Printing Technician is a professional responsible for operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting 3D printers in industrial or manufacturing settings. The technician role requires more technical skills and industry experience.

Can I make a career out of 3D printing?

Entry level 3D printing roles involve operating and maintaining 3D printers, often requiring knowledge of CAD software and materials. Careers in 3D printing can include product design, prototyping, and manufacturing, with opportunities for advancement as skills and experience grow.

What can you make with an entry level 3D printer?

An entry level 3D printer can produce small to medium-sized objects such as prototypes, custom tools, decorative items, and educational models. It is suitable for beginners learning basic design and printing skills, often using filament materials like PLA or ABS. These printers are commonly used in hobbyist, educational, and small-scale professional settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Printer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of 3D Printer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level 3D Printer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Entry Level 3D Printer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level 3D Printer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level 3D Printer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level 3D Printer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,906 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Entry-Level Electronics Technician

OceanComm, Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Join OceanComm's Manufacturing & Test team and help build undersea drones, intelligent sensors, and other cutting-edge undersea technology. This role is for new graduates in electrical engineering technology or a related technical field who want to build a career in electronics manufacturing. You'll start with substantial hands-on assembly, soldering, rework, inspection, troubleshooting, and production testing. As you develop, you'll have opportunities to take on greater responsibility for manufacturing processes, test equipment, quality, and production operations. You'll work closely with experienced engineers and technicians, receive training, and contribute to products used in defense, offshore energy, and oceanographic research.

About Us

Underwater, the wireless transfer of a single picture used to take an hour. We brought to market wireless modems that transfer data 100 to 1000 times faster. Legacy modems were basically status/command links; our modems can control undersea drones with live video feedback - a game changer for exploring the underwater world. Because radio waves attenuate quickly underwater, our modems use sound waves to communicate.

What You Will Do
  • Assemble, solder, rework, inspect, and test circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) and electro-mechanical hardware as part of regular production
  • Build and test complete modems to documented procedures and quality standards
  • Help automate our manufacturing operations using software-defined measurement equipment and collaborative robots
  • Ramp up manufacturing of our modems and ensure quality through testing
  • Design and machine mounts and housings using CAD/CAM software and a CNC mill
  • Help integrate our modems into undersea drones and other cutting-edge maritime systems
  • Help test modems and integrated systems at sea
  • Handle multiple priorities, organize workload, and meet deadlines
  • Participate in continuous improvement activities and suggest ways we can improve our manufacturing operations
  • Help build a positive and collaborative team culture that promotes product knowledge and skills development
  • Keep the workspace clean, organized, and safe for yourself and your colleagues

Requirements

  • Associate degree in Electrical Engineering Technology or a related technical field, with an emphasis on micro-electronics
  • Significant hands-on experience in electronics assembly and soldering through coursework, projects, or work
  • Experience troubleshooting PCBAs using standard electrical test equipment such as oscilloscopes, power supplies, and digital multimeters
  • Willingness to learn and expand your skillset in surface mount soldering and rework, PCBA troubleshooting, machining, and computer scripts
  • Willing to travel up to 20% of the time
  • Ability to work on a boat to deploy and operate modems at sea
  • Ability to lift 35 lbs pounds regularly
  • U.S. Person
What Will Put You Ahead
  • Experience reworking micro pitch components such as 0201 resistors and BGAs
  • Proficiency in reading and interpreting complex PCB schematics, mechanical drawings, equipment specs and test procedures
  • Experience with computer-aided design, 3D printing, and/or machining
  • Experience developing computer scripts, for example, to interface with lab equipment or automate tests
  • Experience working with electrical systems up to 400 VDC
  • Personal or team projects working hands-on with hardware. This could be tinkering with embedded electronics such as Arduino or ESP32, or membership in a robotics club. Maker space projects such as woodworking, metalworking, 3D printing, or resin casting are also valuable.

Benefits

  • Close mentorship and continuous professional training
  • Flexible work schedule with core hours
  • Access to advanced prototyping and manufacturing equipment, including a CNC mill, collaborative robot, and a range of 3D printers
Compensation

The pay range for this position is  $65,000 - $80,000 per year. Actual pay will depend on the candidate's experience and skills demonstrated during interviews and other evaluations. This position will begin with a 3-month trial period, with continued full-time employment contingent on strong performance during that time.

OceanComm is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vet.