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Laser Grading Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Laser Grading information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$41.7K

$115.5K

$193.7K

How much do laser grading jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for laser grading in Chicago, IL is $115,475.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,400.00 and $166,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is laser grading?

Laser grading is a precise method used in construction and landscaping to level or grade land using laser-guided technology. A laser transmitter sends a beam across the area, and a receiver mounted on grading equipment detects the beam's height, allowing the operator to maintain the correct elevation throughout the site. This technique ensures consistent slopes and surfaces, improving drainage and foundation quality. Laser grading is commonly used for preparing sports fields, roads, building foundations, and agricultural land. It is valued for its accuracy, efficiency, and ability to reduce manual labor.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a laser grading operator?

To thrive as a Laser Grading Operator, you need a solid understanding of grading principles, construction site safety, and operation of heavy machinery, often supported by relevant certifications or on-the-job training. Familiarity with laser-guided grading systems, GPS technology, and maintenance of grading equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, spatial awareness, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure precision, efficiency, and safety on construction sites, directly impacting project quality and timelines.

What are some typical challenges faced in a laser grading role and how can they be managed effectively?

In a Laser Grading role, common challenges include maintaining precise equipment calibration, working efficiently in varying weather conditions, and coordinating with other site workers to avoid project delays. Ensuring the laser grading machinery is accurately set up and regularly checked helps prevent errors in land leveling. Clear communication with the construction team and staying updated on site plans are also essential to manage workflow and address unexpected issues promptly. Proactive problem-solving and attention to detail are key to overcoming these challenges and delivering high-quality results.

What is the difference between Laser Grading vs Grade Checker?

AspectLaser GradingGrade Checker
CredentialsOperator certification, equipment trainingBasic construction or surveying knowledge
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, outdoor, large-scale projectsConstruction sites, surveying, quality control
Industry UsageHeavy civil, road construction, grading projectsSurveying, quality assurance, project inspection

Laser Grading involves using laser-guided equipment to precisely level and shape surfaces during construction, while Grade Checkers typically verify and measure the accuracy of grading work. Laser Grading requires specialized equipment operation and certification, focusing on active construction tasks. Grade Checkers primarily perform inspections and measurements to ensure compliance with plans. Both roles are essential in construction projects but serve different functions in the grading process.

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Laser Grading jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Laser Grading job openings:

Infographic showing various Laser Grading job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $115,475 per year, or $55.5 per hour.

Physics Instructional Laboratories Teaching Support Specialist

The University Of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$70 - $80/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


University Of Chicago rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

170th of 629 rated colleges and universities


Job description

## Physics Instructional Laboratories Teaching Support SpecialistApplyremote type: Onsitelocations: Hyde Park Campustime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: JR34042**Department**PSD Physics: Administration**About the Department**The Department of Physics at The University of Chicago was established in 1893 by A. A. Michaelson. As then, the Physics Department continues to pride itself on cross-disciplinary research which is carried out over several multi-disciplinary institutes and centers: the Enrico Fermi Institute, the James Franck Institute, the Institute for Molecular Engineering, the Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, the Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics, the Kadanoff Center for Theoretical Physics, and the Computation Institute. The Physics Department values the benefits that diversity brings to life and science. We are committed to building and maintaining an inclusive environment that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry encouraging diverse perspectives, intellectual engagement and exchange.**Job Summary**The Teaching Support Specialist works alongside a team of professional staff within the Department of Physics to maintain, operate, and improve instructional laboratory spaces and experiments, and to train graduate laboratory tutors to work safely and teach effectively. The Teaching Support Specialist provides instructional support for students in the advanced undergraduate physics lab courses and offers mentorship and support to students on special projects. The Teaching Support Specialist contributes to and implements improvements for teaching laboratories, including designing and improving lecture demonstrations and developing laboratory manuals.**Responsibilities*** Practical:* Performs weekly setup and preparation of all instructional labs throughout each academic quarter and maintains lab spaces.* Assists in course logistics, including monitoring assignment grading and assigning laboratory experiments.* Collaborates with the staff to ensure that all apparatus used in the physics instructional lab courses are repaired and maintained in good working conditions.* Collaborates with the staff to design, build, and implement new scientific apparatus for use in the physics instructional labs.* Monitors the building environment and takes measures to ensure that problems are addressed, either through direct action or by contacting specialists.* Assists with lecture demonstrations as needed.* Instructional:* Serves as instructional support for students in the advanced undergraduate physics lab courses.* Assists students with experimental techniques, data processing, and reporting.* Trains graduate and undergraduate teaching assistants to operate equipment and teach effectively in the physics instructional labs.* Creates and maintains instructional material for student use in the instructional labs including lab manuals, supplemental course materials, and other digital resources.* Intellectual:* Collaborates with the staff and course instructors to develop and implement new scientific pedagogy for use in the physics instructional labs.* Stays up to date with the latest developments in physics education research through attending relevant conferences, reviewing literature, and participating in campus and departmental pedagogy workshops.* Additional:* Provides support for a wide variety of public outreach programs and summer courses.* Prepares and tests lecture demonstrations to ensure consistency with course content. Works with faculty or staff to determine the suitability of demonstrations for specific lectures. Informs faculty of new demonstration developments and materials.* Acts as a resource for and instructs faculty on the proper usage of technical scientific apparatus. Uses best practices and laboratory knowledge to promote safety in handling hazardous equipment and materials.* Performs other related work as needed.**Minimum Qualifications****Education:**Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.**Work Experience:**Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.**Certifications:****---****Preferred Qualifications****Education:*** MA/MS or PhD in Physics or related field.**Experience:*** Experience teaching, tutoring, or mentoring, especially in a university setting.* Experience in a research or teaching laboratory, especially in a university setting.* Experience supervising and training student employees.* Experience working safely in a lab environment, including experience with high voltage, lasers, chemicals, and radioactive sources.**Preferred Competencies*** Passion for teaching and a desire to develop skills in experimental physics education.* Excellent verbal and written communication skills.* Excellent time management and the ability to handle multiple simultaneous projects.* Demonstrated resourcefulness and initiative in seeking out necessary information.* Ability and desire to work both independently and collaboratively.**Technical Knowledge or Skills:*** Physics Education Research (PER) strategies, including active learning techniques, introductory or advanced lab pedagogy, inclusive teaching, AI-use in the classroom, and assessment.* Apparatus fabrication and design, including the use of hand tools and power tools, machine shop tools, computer aided design (CAD), 3D printing, and laser cutting.* Software and computer databases, including computer programming (e.g. Python, C/C++, Jupyter/Google CoLab), version control (e.g. Git, GitHub), web development, and content management systems.* Electronics, including circuit design and prototyping, soldering and fabrication, printed circuit board (PCB) design, and programmable microcontrollers (e.g. Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Red Pitaya, FPGA).* Troubleshooting and repair, including common laboratory equipment (e.g. multimeters, power supplies, function generators, oscilloscopes), lasers and optics, and complex apparatus.* Digital content creation, including website design, video production and editing, and written scientific communication.* Specialized research techniques, including video data analysis, vacuum systems or cryogenics, computational physics, and other skills related to analyzing complex physical phenomena.**Application Documents*** Resume (required)* 3 Professional References or Letters of Recommendation (required)* Cover Letter (optional)When applying, the document(s) **MUST** be uploaded via the **My Experience** page, in the section titled **Application Documents** of the application.**Job Family**Academic Affairs**Role Impact**Individual Contributor**Scheduled** **Weekly Hours**37.5**Drug Test Required**No**Health Screen Required**No**Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required**No**Pay Rate Type**Salary **FLSA Status**Exempt **Pay Range**$70,000.00 - $80,000.00The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.**Benefits Eligible**YesThe University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.**Posting Statement**The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position. The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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