2

Entry Level Program Management Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Manager

Westchester, IL · On-site

$40K - $51K/yr

Entry Level Management Trainee - Oak Brook, IL The Catalyst Corporation | Full-Time | Weekly Pay ... and management . Our hands-on training program develops future leaders from the ground up ...

New

Entry Level Manager

Westchester, IL · On-site

$40K - $51K/yr

Entry Level Management Trainee - Oak Brook, IL The Catalyst Corporation | Full-Time | Weekly Pay ... and management . Our hands-on training program develops future leaders from the ground up ...

New

Entry Level Manager

Westchester, IL · On-site

$40K - $51K/yr

Entry Level Management Trainee - Oak Brook, IL The Catalyst Corporation | Full-Time | Weekly Pay ... and management . Our hands-on training program develops future leaders from the ground up ...

New

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Program Management information

See Illinois salary details

$36.3K

$95.7K

$167.2K

How much do entry level program management jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level program management in Illinois is $95,728.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,600.00 and $110,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is entry level program management?

Entry level program management jobs are positions designed for individuals who are just starting their careers in managing projects or programs within an organization. These roles typically involve supporting senior program managers, coordinating tasks, tracking project progress, and communicating with different teams to ensure projects stay on schedule and within budget. While prior experience may be limited, strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential. These positions provide a foundation for advancing into higher-level program or project management roles over time.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level program manager?

To thrive as an Entry Level Program Manager, you typically need a bachelor's degree in business, management, or a related field along with foundational skills in project coordination and organization. Familiarity with project management software like Microsoft Project, Asana, or Trello and an understanding of basic project management methodologies are commonly required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills help distinguish candidates in collaborative and fast-paced environments. These abilities ensure effective project execution, stakeholder alignment, and the successful delivery of program objectives.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level program managers, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level program managers often encounter challenges such as balancing multiple priorities, adapting to fast-paced environments, and coordinating communication among diverse teams. To overcome these hurdles, it's helpful to develop strong organizational skills, seek mentorship from experienced colleagues, and utilize project management tools effectively. Building relationships across departments and proactively clarifying expectations with stakeholders can also facilitate smoother collaboration and project execution.

What is the difference between Entry Level Program Management vs Project Coordinator?

AspectEntry Level Program ManagementProject Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree often required; certifications like CAPM or PMP beneficialBachelor's degree often required; certifications like CAPM helpful
Work EnvironmentCollaborates across multiple projects and teams, strategic focusSupports specific projects, task-oriented, operational focus
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in various industries including tech, finance, healthcareCommon in corporate, construction, IT sectors

Entry Level Program Management involves overseeing multiple projects, focusing on strategic coordination and stakeholder communication. In contrast, Project Coordinators handle specific project tasks, ensuring timely completion. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in scope and responsibilities, with program managers having a broader, strategic role and project coordinators focusing on operational support.

What does an entry level program management make?

Entry-level program managers typically earn between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on the industry and location. Starting salaries may include benefits such as health insurance and paid time off, and the role often requires strong organizational and communication skills along with familiarity with project management tools like Microsoft Project or Jira.

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

The most popular types of Program Management jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Program Management jobs in Illinois?

For Entry Level Program Management jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Entry Level Program Management jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Entry Level Program Management job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Program Management job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,728 per year, or $46 per hour.

Management Associate - Maintenance

United States Steel Corporation

Granite City, IL • On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Supervise, direct, and coordinate the efforts of experienced technicians to keep the production operations running at maximum efficiency with minimum interruption.

  • Make design modifications to existing equipment to reduce maintenance, improve reliability, and enhance product quality.

  • Review proposed equipment replacement or upgrades, including capital projects with multi-million-dollar budgets.


United States Steel rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

228th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

The Management Associate program is our entry level program for college graduates to help accelerate their professional development. Management Associates are provided between 12-24 months of training across multiple functional areas with work assignments designed to assist in both personal and skill-set development. The role may include rotational assignment(s) within the department. This program is designed to strengthen leadership capabilities to prepare the college graduate for advanced roles within our operations or in several disciplines that support our operations. U. S. Steel has an opening for a Management Associate - Electrical Maintenance at our Granite City Works facility. Training consists of classroom and hands-on work experiences in areas such as Safety, Quality, Communication, Leadership, Teamwork, and Problem Solving. Specific process and equipment training will also be provided. Our facilities operate 24/7, 365 days a year. Position requires rotating work schedules, weekends and/or holidays work.


Job Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Apply engineering and/or business principles and problem-solving techniques in a manufacturing environment to ensure maximum operating efficiency while handling the pressure of managing a production crew in a heavily unionized environment
  • Supervise, direct, and coordinate the efforts of experienced technicians to keep the production operations running at maximum efficiency with minimum interruption; consult with other production and maintenance managers, plant engineers, staff professionals, and outside equipment manufacturers; and select, train, and supervise employees.
  • Make design modifications to existing equipment to reduce maintenance improve reliability and improve product quality. Performing equipment failure analysis and making appropriate recommendations.
  • Review proposed equipment replacement or upgrades, including capital projects with multi-million-dollar budgets.
  • Work with consultants and equipment vendors to ensure process requirements and applicable standards and codes are met.
  • Engage in maintenance planning functions to minimize downtime; investigate process improvements and participate in facilities upgrades.

Candidate Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Engineering Technology. 
  • Must have graduated within the last three years from an accredited college or university at the time of hire
  • Must have less than three years of professional work experience
  • Extensive computer skills with Microsoft Office products
  • Must be willing and able to work rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays
  • Prior internship a plus

Preferred Skills:

  • We are looking for motivated self-starters that can work in a fast paced, data-driven environment. The successful undergraduate will be an analytical problem solver, have an extremely high level of customer focus and a passion for process improvement. In addition, a successful intern will have: 
  • Demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and an aptitude for your area of study
  • A strong record of team, project and/or people leadership in a work setting and/or extracurricular activities 
  • A willingness to take initiative to understand the business 
  • An aptitude for problem solving; strong writing and verbal communication skills
  • A strong commitment to excellence and to personal and professional growth
  • Must be resourceful, responsible, tenacious, curious, independent, confident and high energy 
  • The ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks. 
  • Leadership and strong decision-making skills 
  • Ability to think and act both strategically and tactically
Base salary range $75,000 - $80,000.  This base salary range is a good faith estimate. Based on candidate skills/experience the final offer may be lower/higher.,

Since 1901, U. S. Steel has been a recognized leader in steel production. Today, as the first North American steel company to have declared a 2050 net-zero greenhouse gas emissions goal, we remain as innovative as ever, leading transformation across our industry while continuing to make products for everyday life - from industries as far ranging as automotive, construction, containers and packaging, appliances, and energy.
Underneath it all is our Culture of Caring, which shows up in our community partnerships, charitable contributions, company-sponsored employee volunteer initiatives, scholarship programs, leadership training, and much more. And of course, it takes shape in a steadfast commitment to safety first in our workplaces and respect for our employees, who are United by Steel.
We are honored to have earned accolades and awards from well-regarded organizations, including the following:

  • Ethisphere's World's Most Ethical Companies 2022, '23, '24
  • Disability: IN's Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion 2021, '22, '23, '24
  • Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Equality 100 Award 2020, '21, '22, '23-24, '25
  • Military Times' Best for Vets: Employers 2023, '24


Conducting business with integrity and with the highest ethical values has underpinned U. S. Steel's success for over 100 years, and it remains critical to our company's success in the future. U. S. Steel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) according to job qualifications without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, genetics, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, disability status or status as a protected Veteran or any other legally protected group status. (California residents may visit www.ussteel.com/CANotice regarding collection of personal information and U. S. Steel's privacy practices.)


What United States Steel employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom