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General Contractor Internship Jobs in Chicago, IL

Novak Construction Company

2027 Internship Program

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Novak Construction Company is a licensed general contractor with experience delivering projects in ... Our internship program is designed to provide meaningful, hands-on experience while introducing ...

Schnabel

Construction and Engineering Internship

Cary, IL · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

The internship can also be done as a co-op during the spring or fall semester. The main ... Schnabel is a subcontractor so you will also have exposure to general contractors and government ...

Clune Construction Company

Project Manager

Chicago, IL

$143K - $145K/yr

Mentor Interns, Project Engineers, and APMs. What We Offer At Clune Construction we value each of ... Working for a commercial construction general contractor; lab projects, estimating; documentation ...

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General Contractor Internship information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$17

$24

How much do general contractor internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for general contractor internship in Chicago, IL is $17.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $19.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a general contractor internship?

General Contractor Internships are temporary positions designed for students or recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in the construction industry. Interns work under the supervision of licensed general contractors, assisting with project management, site supervision, budgeting, and coordination of subcontractors. This role provides valuable exposure to the day-to-day operations of construction projects and helps interns develop essential skills needed for a future career in construction management.

What are the typical responsibilities of a general contractor intern?

As a General Contractor Intern, you can expect to assist with project coordination, site supervision, and communication between subcontractors and clients. Your daily tasks may include attending project meetings, reviewing blueprints, conducting site visits to monitor progress, and helping to ensure safety compliance. Interns often gain hands-on experience by shadowing experienced contractors, learning about budgeting, scheduling, and problem-solving on active job sites. This role offers a valuable opportunity to understand the workflow of construction projects and develop professional relationships within the industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a general contractor intern?

To thrive as a General Contractor Intern, you need a basic understanding of construction processes, project management principles, and safety regulations, often supported by coursework in construction management or a related field. Familiarity with project scheduling software, blueprint reading, and tools like Microsoft Project or Procore is typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills help interns interact effectively with subcontractors, clients, and supervisors. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring that construction projects run smoothly, safely, and on schedule.

What is the difference between General Contractor Internship vs Construction Management Internship?

AspectGeneral Contractor InternshipConstruction Management Internship
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or ongoing college coursework, some technical skillsSimilar; often pursuing construction management or related degree
Work EnvironmentOn-site construction projects, job sitesOffice-based planning with site visits
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction firms, general contracting companiesConstruction firms, project management firms

Both internships prepare candidates for careers in construction, focusing on different aspects: General Contractor Internships emphasize on-site project execution, while Construction Management Internships lean towards planning and coordination. They share similar credentials and work environments, making them closely related pathways into the construction industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of General Contractor jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of General Contractor jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to General Contractor Internship jobs in Chicago, IL?

For General Contractor Internship jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching General Contractor Internship jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for General Contractor Internship jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for General Contractor Internship jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most General Contractor Internship job openings:

General Contractor Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various General Contractor Internship job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,080 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

2027 Internship Program

Chicago, IL • On-site

Novak Construction Company
Construction • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Novak Construction Companyexternal

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Internship

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Novak Construction Company is a licensed general contractor with experience delivering projects in more than 30 states. We specialize in commercial, industrial, institutional, and mixed-use residential construction.
Our success is built on trusted partnerships, quality craftsmanship, and a consistent commitment to excellence. We are proud to work with nationally recognized clients such as Costco Wholesale, Whole Foods Market, Target, Walmart, and CVS Health, as well as private developers who rely on our team to execute complex projects.
At Novak, we are just as committed to developing people as we are to building projects. Our internship program is designed to provide meaningful, hands-on experience while introducing interns to long-term career opportunities and growth within our organization.
Internship Position Overview
This is an in-office internship that offers direct exposure to the general contracting and construction management process. Interns will work alongside experienced professionals and gain practical insight into day-to-day project operations.
Key responsibilities may include:
  • Shadowing Project Engineers and Superintendents on active projects
  • Tracking, reviewing, and distributing submittals
  • Tracking project progress with photos and maintaining documentation
  • Attending and documenting weekly Owner/Architect/Contractor (OAC) meetings
  • Learning core skills and best practices within the general contracting field
  • Tracking and distributing project changes
  • Assisting with daily project reports and documentation
We encourage you to apply and explore how an internship with Novak Construction can help launch your career in construction.

Apply