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Machine Shop Apprentice Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

The University of Chicago

South Pole Machinist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Maintain and operate the MAPO machine shop. * Provide machining support for all science projects ... Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in ...

Central Machines, Inc.

Toolmaker / Machinist

Addison, IL · On-site

$30/hr

Works closely with Machine Shop Supervisor. Experience: 7-10 years relevant experience and curently working in the field Must have a recognized Trade Apprenticeship, or similar level of competence ...

COMPX FORT

Precision Machinist

Grayslake, IL · On-site

$27.38 - $37.21/hr

High school diploma or GED required; technical school or machinist apprenticeship preferred ... Manufacturing and machine shop environment. * Exposure to machine noise, metal shavings, lubricants ...

Alfred Conhagen Inc

Manual Machinist

Joliet, IL

$21.25 - $28.75/hr

Set up and operate manual lathes, mills, drill presses, and other machine shop equipment. * Machine ... Technical school training, apprenticeship, military mechanical training, or equivalent hands-on ...

Ovation Holdings, Inc.

Manual Machinist

Joliet, IL · On-site

$21.25 - $28.75/hr

Set up and operate manual lathes, mills, drill presses, and other machine shop equipment. * Machine ... Technical school training, apprenticeship, military mechanical training, or equivalent hands-on ...

Conhagen

Manual Machinist

Joliet, IL · On-site

$21.25 - $28.75/hr

Set up and operate manual lathes, mills, drill presses, and other machine shop equipment. * Machine ... Technical school training, apprenticeship, military mechanical training, or equivalent hands-on ...

Dubak Electrical

Pipefitter/Welder

La Grange Park, IL · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Proficiently use standard machine shop equipment such as lathe, milling machine, drill press, band ... Technical school, 4 yr. apprenticeship and/or equivalent experience. * 2+ years' experience as a ...

Dubak Electrical

Pipefitter/Welder

La Grange Park, IL · On-site

$25 - $30.75/hr

Proficiently use standard machine shop equipment such as lathe, milling machine, drill press, band ... Technical school, 4 yr. apprenticeship and/or equivalent experience. * 2+ years' experience as a ...

Dubak Electrical

Pipefitter/Welder

La Grange Park, IL · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Proficiently use standard machine shop equipment such as lathe, milling machine, drill press, band ... Technical school, 4 yr. apprenticeship and/or equivalent experience. * 2+ years' experience as a ...

Actalent

Cmm Programmer

Park Ridge, IL

$35 - $40/hr

... of an apprenticeship in a relevant field. * 2-3+ years of experience working as a quality ... Experience working in a machine shop environment with close collaboration between machining and ...

JST Corporation

Mold Maker Apprentice

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

What You'll Do * Assist in machining, fitting, assembling, and repairing dies and molds for ... Read and interpret blueprints and specifications using shop math * Maintain accurate documentation ...

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Machine Shop Apprentice information

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How much do machine shop apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine shop apprentice in Illinois is $19.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $21.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a machine shop apprentice do?

A Machine Shop Apprentice learns the basics of operating machinery and tools in a manufacturing or machining environment. They work under the supervision of experienced machinists to gain hands-on experience in tasks such as measuring, cutting, shaping, and assembling metal parts. Apprentices are also trained in safety procedures, blueprint reading, and the use of various machines like lathes, mills, and grinders. Over time, they develop the technical skills needed to become a fully qualified machinist.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a machine shop apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Machine Shop Apprentice, you need a strong understanding of basic machining principles, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manual and CNC machines, measurement tools like calipers and micrometers, and safety certifications such as OSHA are typically required. Attention to detail, willingness to learn, and good communication skills help apprentices excel in collaborative and precision-focused environments. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safety, product quality, and effective learning and contribution in a machine shop setting.

What are some common challenges faced by a machine shop apprentice during their first year?

As a Machine Shop Apprentice, one of the main challenges you may encounter in your first year is adapting to the precision and attention to detail required when operating machinery and reading technical blueprints. You'll also need to quickly learn safety protocols and proper tool handling to prevent accidents. Working as part of a skilled team, you'll be expected to communicate effectively and ask questions when unsure, which is vital for both learning and maintaining workflow efficiency. Overcoming the initial learning curve with new equipment and terminology is common, but mentorship from experienced machinists can help you progress steadily.

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

The most popular types of Machine Shop jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Machine Shop Apprentice jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Machine Shop Apprentice job openings:

Machine Shop Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Machine Shop Apprentice job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,652 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

South Pole Machinist

The University of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

University Of Chicago rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

171st of 631 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Department
PSD Astronomy & Astrophysics: JC South Pole
About the Department
The South Pole Machinist operates and maintains the MAPO machine shop, which is located in the Dark Sector Laboratory of the NSF Amundsen-Scott research station at the South Pole in Antarctica. The Machinist works as part of a team to provide on-site machinist services to scientists and engineers from several universities.
Job Summary
The South Pole Machinist operates and maintains the MAPO machine shop, which is located in the Dark Sector Laboratory of the NSF Amundsen-Scott research station at the South Pole in Antarctica. The Machinist works as part of a team to provide on-site machinist services to scientists and engineers from several universities.
A continuous stay at the South Pole, lasting approximately eleven months, is required.
The position begins 1/15/2027 and ends 11/30/2027.
Responsibilities
  • Maintain and operate the MAPO machine shop.
  • Provide machining support for all science projects and the NSF Station.
  • Assist with the assembly and set-up of scientific equipment.
  • Assist with the testing, integration and maintenance of electrical and mechanical assemblies, including the power, computer and electronic components.
  • Climb, operate machines and power tools outside of MAPO machine shop.
  • Other fieldwork for instrument deployment and maintenance.
  • Provides technical and administrative support for a research project.
  • Assists with the installation, sets up and performs experiments, interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
  • Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
---
Preferred Qualifications
Experience:
  • Multiple years of experience with machining and working with complex instruments.
  • In addition, preference will be given to candidates with experience with telescopes and mechanical systems, including electrical systems, servo systems, and cryogenic systems, as well as radio, analog, and digital electronics.

Preferred Competencies
  • Good problem-solving, organization, and communication skills.
  • Must have the ability to work independently and as well as within a team environment.
  • Planning; attention to detail; analytic and quantitative skills; reading; self-motivation; problem-solving; math; reasoning; oral and written communications; ability to manage time pressures.

Working Conditions
  • A continuous stay at the South Pole, lasting approximately eleven months, is required.
  • Due to the job site, good physical health is required.
  • Must be able to work in a cold, harsh environment.
  • Must pass physical and mental qualifying exams before employment.
  • Must be able to Climb on the telescope, bend, reach, lift and use machines and power tools.

Application Documents
  • Resume (required)
  • Cover letter (required)
  • References (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Research
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$75,000.00 - $100,000.00
The 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
Yes
The 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.

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