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Entry Level Stem Opt Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Recruiter

Lombard, IL

$45K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Applicants requiring employment visa sponsorship now or in the future (e.g., F-1 STEM OPT, H-1B, TN, J1 etc.) will not be considered.ReferencesVisible links1.

Entry Level Recruiter

Lombard, IL · On-site

$45K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Applicants requiring employment visa sponsorship now or in the future (e.g., F-1 STEM OPT, H-1B, TN, J1 etc.) will not be considered. About Us Total Quality Logistics (TQL) is one of the largest ...

Sales Representative - Uncapped Commission

Chicago, IL

$45K - $55K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Entry level sales at TQL is an opportunity to build a career with an industry leader that offers an ... Applicants requiring employment visa sponsorship now or in the future (e.g., F-1 STEM OPT, H-1B, TN ...

Sales Representative - Uncapped Commission

Lombard, IL

$45K - $50K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Entry level sales at TQL is an opportunity to build a career with an industry leader that offers an ... Applicants requiring employment visa sponsorship now or in the future (e.g., F-1 STEM OPT, H-1B, TN ...

More than just an entry level sales role, you will be responsible for supporting and working with ... Applicants requiring employment visa sponsorship now or in the future (e.g., F-1 STEM OPT, H-1B, TN ...

Bilingual Account Representative

Chicago, IL

$45K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

More than just an entry level sales role, you will be responsible for supporting and working with ... Applicants requiring employment visa sponsorship now or in the future (e.g., F-1 STEM OPT, H-1B, TN ...

More than just an entry level sales role, you will be responsible for supporting and working with ... Applicants requiring employment visa sponsorship now or in the future (e.g., F-1 STEM OPT, H-1B, TN ...

Software Engineer (Entry-Level) - C++

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What You'll Do as an Entry-Level C++ Software Engineer at Akuna C++ software engineers at Akuna ... S. as of the first day of employment, including F-1 students using OPT or STEM Previous experience ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Stem Opt information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$15

$23

$29

How much do entry level stem opt jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level stem opt in Chicago, IL is $23.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.05 and $25.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level STEM OPT?

Entry Level STEM OPT jobs are positions in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics fields that are filled by recent graduates on the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension. These roles are designed for individuals who have recently completed their degrees and are looking to gain hands-on experience in their field while staying in the U.S. on their F-1 student visa. Entry-level positions typically require little or no prior professional experience and provide opportunities for skill development and career growth. Eligible students can work for up to 24 months under the STEM OPT extension, provided their employer participates in E-Verify and the job is directly related to their degree.

What types of projects or assignments can an entry level STEM OPT employee expect to work on in their first year?

As an Entry Level STEM OPT employee, you can expect to be assigned to a variety of projects that align with your academic background and the company’s needs. Typical assignments may include assisting with data analysis, supporting research and development initiatives, performing quality assurance tasks, or collaborating with senior team members on technical problem-solving. You’ll likely work in a team environment, participating in regular meetings and learning from experienced professionals. These experiences are designed to help you build foundational skills and prepare for increased responsibility as you progress in your career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level STEM OPT professional?

To thrive as an Entry Level STEM OPT professional, you generally need a relevant STEM degree, foundational technical knowledge, and eligibility for work authorization under the OPT program. Familiarity with industry-specific software, programming languages, or laboratory equipment, as well as experience with data analysis tools, is typically expected. Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability are valuable soft skills that help you integrate into teams and navigate new work environments. These skills and qualifications ensure you contribute effectively to projects, meet employer expectations, and succeed in a competitive STEM workplace.

What is the difference between Entry Level Stem Opt and Entry Level Data Analyst?

AspectEntry Level Stem OptEntry Level Data Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in STEM field, OPT authorizationBachelor's in related field, often some technical skills
Work EnvironmentTechnology companies, research labs, engineering firmsBusiness, finance, tech companies, consulting
Employer & Industry UsageEmployers hiring international STEM students for technical rolesEmployers seeking entry-level data analysis skills
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared with other STEM roles, OPT-specificCompared with data science or analytics roles

Entry Level Stem Opt refers to international students working in STEM fields under OPT authorization, focusing on technical and engineering roles. Entry Level Data Analyst involves analyzing data in various industries, often requiring similar technical skills but less emphasis on STEM-specific credentials. While both roles may overlap in skills like data handling, their primary focus and employer contexts differ.

What are the most commonly searched types of Stem Opt jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Stem Opt jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Stem Opt job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,162 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Entry Level Recruiter

TQL

Lombard, IL

$45K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Total Quality Logistics rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 115 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

326th of 365 rated logistics


Job description

About the role:Recruiting at TQL is an opportunity to build a career with an industry leader of over 9,000 employees, offering an award-winning culture and high earning potential through uncapped bonuses. Our Recruiting team is responsible for finding sales talent nationwide, and you will own the entire candidate search process while managing the needs of your dedicated on-site hiring manager. We pride ourselves on our sense of urgency and our ability to drive results. No experience necessary; we will set you up for success with our best-in-class paid training program, perfect for recent graduates. For a look at a day in the life of a TQL Recruiter, watch this video at [1] https://tql.avature.net/LifeInRecruiting.What’s in it for you:* Base salary starting at $45,000* Highly structured career paths with promotional raise opportunities* Most recruiters receive their first promotion and pay increase after 6 months* Uncapped bonuses* The average recruiter doubles their earnings by the end of the third year* Want to know what the top 20% earn? Ask your recruiterWho we’re looking for:* You’re self-motivated, set ambitious goals and work relentlessly to achieve them* You have excellent relationship building and communication skills* You’re coachable and thrive in a metrics-driven environment* College degree required* Military veterans encouraged to applyWhat you’ll do:* Cultivate relationships and maintain strong communication with candidates, hiring managers, team members, and business partners to fill positions with the best talent * Generate a high volume of candidate flow through a variety of sourcing methods* Conduct phone-screens and manage the entire interview process from sourcing to offer, while ensuring candidates’ initial onboarding experience is seamless* Document conversations, interview progress, offers and feedback in our Applicant Tracking System (Avature)* Process paperwork regarding onboarding and dispositioning candidates with a high level of accuracyWhat you need:* Bachelor's Degree Required* Elite work ethic, 100% in-office* Strong customer focus * The ability to work with the latest technologies* The desire to be a part of TQL while contributing to our continued growthWhy TQL:* Certified Great Place to Work with 900+ lifetime workplace award wins* Outstanding career growth potential with a structured leadership track* Exposure to executive leadership and direct access to all hiring managers* Comprehensive benefits package* Health, dental and vision coverage* 401(k) with company match* Perks including employee discounts, financial wellness planning, tuition reimbursement and moreWhere you'll be:125 S Clark St., Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60603Employment visa sponsorship is unavailable for this position. Applicants requiring employment visa sponsorship now or in the future (e.g., F-1 STEM OPT, H-1B, TN, J1 etc.) will not be considered.ReferencesVisible links1. https://tql.avature.net/LifeInRecruiting

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