ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Contractor Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Four Seasons Heating

Entry Level Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$40K - $75K/yr

Entry-Level HVAC Technician Paid Training • Clear Career Path • Hands-On Experience • Take ... HVAC contractor in North America - is hiring motivated individuals ready to start at the ground ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsContractor JobsEntry Level Contractor JobsEntry Level Contractor Jobs in Illinois

Entry Level Contractor information

See Illinois salary details

$24.2K

$46.3K

$66.4K

How much do entry level contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level contractor in Illinois is $46,349.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,200.00 and $50,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level contractor?

Entry level contractors are individuals who are just starting their careers in a particular trade or industry and work on a contract basis, rather than as full-time employees. They typically perform tasks under supervision, gaining hands-on experience while learning industry standards and safety protocols. Entry level contractors may work in fields such as construction, IT, or engineering, and their responsibilities usually focus on supporting more experienced professionals, assisting with projects, and developing specialized skills. These positions often serve as a stepping stone to more advanced roles within the industry.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an entry level contractor expect to handle in their first year?

As an entry level contractor, you can expect to work on a variety of foundational tasks such as assisting with project documentation, performing site visits, helping to ensure compliance with safety regulations, and supporting more experienced team members with daily operations. You may also be responsible for communicating with suppliers, tracking project progress, and learning industry-specific software. These tasks are designed to provide hands-on experience, familiarize you with project workflows, and help build relationships with colleagues and clients, all of which are essential for growth in the contracting field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level contractor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Contractor, you need a basic understanding of construction principles, safety practices, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand and power tools, safety certifications like OSHA 10, and the ability to read blueprints are typically required. Strong work ethic, communication skills, and a willingness to learn help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are important because they ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality work on construction sites while supporting team collaboration.

What is the difference between Entry Level Contractor vs Apprentice Carpenter?

AspectEntry Level ContractorApprentice Carpenter
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, basic safety trainingTypically in training, may have basic safety courses
Work EnvironmentSupervised construction sites, project-basedOn-site learning under supervision, hands-on training
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction companies, general contractingCarpentry apprenticeships, union or non-union programs
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Contractors and Apprentice Carpenters both start their careers in construction, but Entry Level Contractors often have more responsibilities and may handle project coordination, while Apprentice Carpenters focus on learning carpentry skills under supervision. Both roles require safety training and are common entry points into the construction industry.

How to get into entry level contractor work with no experience?

Entry level contractor roles often require basic skills in construction, carpentry, or related trades. Gaining relevant certifications, such as OSHA safety training, and starting with apprenticeships or entry-level positions can help build experience and improve job prospects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Contractor jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Contractor jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Entry Level Contractor jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Entry Level Contractor job openings:

Entry Level Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Contractor job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,349 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Entry-Level Engineer

Downers Grove, IL • On-site

Whiting-Turner Contracting Company
Construction • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Whiting-Turner Contracting Companyexternal

$78K - $83K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description


Please note:
  • Applying for positions in multiple locations will result in a longer vetting process.
  • The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including the disabled and veterans.

Job Description
Whiting-Turner is a national ENR Top 25 General Contractor looking for entry-level engineers to help manage all aspects of construction projects. Reporting to a project manager and/or a superintendent, the entry-level engineer's major duties include:
  • Coordinating work with project owner representatives, architects, engineers, inspectors, and site subcontractors and/or directing the work of all trades assigned to a construction work site.
  • Managing estimating and bidding processes and tracking costs to manage project budget.
  • Resolving and clarifying design issues.
  • Identifying and resolving field issues and change orders.
  • Writing contracts and purchase orders using company boilerplate language to document all ordered work, schedules, projected costs, change orders and technical specifications.
  • Participating in meetings to coordinate work and manage labor concerns.
  • Ensuring work is completed in accordance with quality standards and contract specifications.
  • Implementing project schedules including each task associated with project completion.
  • Documenting the technical, financial and personnel aspects of each project.
  • Reviewing project drawings, specifications, submittals and change orders.
  • Reviewing each trade's work progress with respect to each project phase.
  • Providing field support to construction superintendents to help ensure contract compliance, quality control and maintenance of the site.
  • Tracking project phase completion against milestones.
  • Setting expectations for managing a safe work site.
  • Documenting each phase of the project.

Whiting-Turner will train qualified candidates to develop:
  • General knowledge of safety regulations, ANSI standards, local and state building codes, environmental codes, availability of industry-specific codes and guidelines.
  • General knowledge of general construction processes, practices and work sites.
  • Experience with construction projects, mechanical/electrical systems, building materials, building mechanics or working with craft workers.
  • Ability to read and understand technical specifications, blueprints, technical manuals, product/material installation instructions and engineering/architectural drawings.
  • Proficiency in scheduling including related scheduling software.

Basic qualifications for Entry-Level Engineer candidates include:
  • Bachelor of Science in an Engineering discipline, Engineering Technology or Construction Management, Construction Technology.
  • Knowledge of engineering principles.
  • Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Salary Range
$78,000 to $83,000
**The Company's salary ranges are dependent on a number of factors including but not limited to role, level and location. Individual pay is determined through interviews and an assessment of various factors, including but not limited to job-related skills, relevant education, location, and experience, applicant's abilities and market and business considerations. The annual base salary range listed is subject to change at any time, in the Company's discretion, and does not alter in any way the at-will nature of the employment relationship. The foregoing information reflects base salary only and does not include other forms of available compensation to which employees may be entitled including but not limited to profit sharing, stock appreciation rights, retirement compensation, travel subsistence, vacation, sick leave, parental leave, healthcare, life insurance, disability insurance, and other compensations/benefits, which are dependent upon various factors including but not limited to years of service, location, performance, etc.
This salary range is for Illinois only.

Apply