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Machine Shop Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Fastenal Company

Manufacturing Shop Assistant

Loves Park, IL · On-site

$18/hr

  • Retirement

Manufacturing Shop Assistant 5800 Industrial Ave, Loves Park, IL 61111 IL180 Manufacturing Facility ... Heat Treat, Shipping, Receiving, or supporting a machinist during production. This is a Part-time ...

HD Repair Center

Shop Assistance

Plainfield, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking a Shop Assistant to support our heavy-duty truck and trailer repair operations. This ... Exposure to heavy machinery, tools, and cleaning chemicals. * Exposure to extreme weather ...

Closets By Design Chicago Downtown

Machine Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The individual will be a shop assistant with the following responsibilities: * Operate woodworking machinery and hand tools. * Understand company product lines, machinery, assembly standards, and ...

Aerotek

Machine Operator

South Beloit, IL

$16.75 - $19.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Use hand tools, measuring tools, and basic mechanical techniques during machine setup, operation, and adjustment. * Assist with general labor and assembly tasks in the fabrication machine shop as ...

Closets By Design

Machine Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The individual will be a shop assistant with the following responsibilities: * Operate woodworking machinery and hand tools. * Understand company product lines, machinery, assembly standards, and ...

Alfred Conhagen Inc

Entry-Level Machinist

Joliet, IL

$21 - $28.75/hr

Learn the safe operation of manual machine shop equipment, including lathes, mills, drill presses, and other equipment as assigned. * Assist with measuring, inspecting, and documenting parts under ...

Conhagen

Entry-Level Machinist

Joliet, IL · On-site

$21 - $28.75/hr

Learn the safe operation of manual machine shop equipment, including lathes, mills, drill presses, and other equipment as assigned. * Assist with measuring, inspecting, and documenting parts under ...

Ovation Holdings, Inc.

Entry-Level Machinist

Joliet, IL · On-site

$21 - $28.75/hr

Learn the safe operation of manual machine shop equipment, including lathes, mills, drill presses, and other equipment as assigned. * Assist with measuring, inspecting, and documenting parts under ...

A Finkl & Sons Co

Melt Shop Helper

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21.48/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Your primary objective will be to learn and assist in the operation of melting furnaces and ... You shall be trained to operate various other tools, equipment, and machinery so that they can fill ...

A Finkl & Sons Co

MELT SHOP HELPER

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21.48/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Your primary objective will be to learn and assist in the operation of melting furnaces and ... You shall be trained to operate various other tools, equipment, and machinery so that they can fill ...

The University of Chicago

South Pole Machinist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Caliber Collision

Auto Shop Helper

Peoria, IL · On-site

$22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

... an Auto Shop Helper to perform all-purpose duties, which may include, but not limited to ... assist in cleaning of spray booths, and placing tools and equipment in their proper location ...

Aerotek

Machine Builder

Cary, IL

$20 - $35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform machine alignment, setup, and final adjustments ... Work with PLC-controlled systems and assist with troubleshooting * Use manual mills and shop tools ...

Caliber Collision

Auto Shop Helper

Peoria, IL · On-site

$22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

... an Auto Shop Helper to perform all-purpose duties, which may include, but not limited to ... assist in cleaning of spray booths, and placing tools and equipment in their proper location ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsMachine Shop JobsMachine Shop Assistant JobsMachine Shop Assistant Jobs in Illinois

Machine Shop Assistant information

See Illinois salary details

$13

$17

$22

How much do machine shop assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine shop assistant in Illinois is $17.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $18.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a machine shop assistant, and how can they be managed effectively?

Machine Shop Assistants often face challenges such as maintaining strict safety protocols while working around heavy machinery, managing multiple tasks like material handling and equipment cleaning, and adapting to varying production schedules. Effective time management and consistent communication with machinists and supervisors can help address these challenges. Additionally, staying organized and proactive in identifying potential hazards contributes to a safer and more efficient workplace.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a machine shop assistant?

To thrive as a Machine Shop Assistant, you need a basic understanding of machining processes, mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand tools, measuring instruments like calipers and micrometers, and sometimes CNC machinery or safety certifications is typical. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong teamwork skills help you excel in supporting machinists and maintaining workflow. These skills and qualities ensure safe, efficient operations and contribute to producing high-quality machined parts.

What is the difference between Machine Shop Assistant vs Machinist?

AspectMachine Shop AssistantMachinist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some technical trainingTechnical training or apprenticeship; certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentAssists in machine setup, cleaning, and material handling in machine shopsOperates and programs machines like lathes and mills in manufacturing settings
Job ResponsibilitiesSupports machinists, prepares materials, maintains equipmentSets up, operates, and monitors machining equipment to produce parts

While both roles work in machine shops, the Machine Shop Assistant primarily supports machinists by handling preparatory and maintenance tasks, whereas the Machinist directly operates and programs machines to produce precise parts. The assistant role often requires less technical training, making it an entry point into the industry.

What are the main duties of a machine shop assistant?

A Machine Shop Assistant supports machinists and technicians by preparing materials, operating basic machinery, cleaning and maintaining equipment, and organizing the workspace. They often assist with loading and unloading materials, measuring parts, and ensuring that tools and machines are in good working order. These assistants play a vital role in keeping the shop running smoothly and efficiently, often performing routine tasks so skilled machinists can focus on more complex work.

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 Assistant jobs?

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

Machine Shop Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Machine Shop Assistant job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,387 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Manufacturing Shop Assistant

Fastenal Company

Loves Park, IL • On-site

$18/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Posted 16 days ago

Fastenal rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 244 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

63rd of 734 rated retailers

Job description

Job Description
Manufacturing Shop Assistant 5800 Industrial Ave, Loves Park, IL 61111 IL180 Manufacturing Facility Part-time Shift(s): MON TUE WED THU FRI 7:00am - 5:00pm
Up to 28 hours/week OVERVIEW: Working as Part-time Manufacturing Shop Assistant, you will support the daily operations of our shop floor. This may include working in the following areas: Heat Treat, Shipping, Receiving, or supporting a machinist during production. This is a Part-time position with flexible hours on a fixed schedule that may lead to full time employment for candidates who show a proficiency for the essential job functions. Fastenal has a strong history of training and growing its employees. This Part-time position is an excellent opportunity for motivated individuals to join our company and make a favorable impression to those they work with, while beginning their journey through the numerous opportunities Fastenal has available. RESPONSIBILITIES: The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to: o Operating forklifts and/or pallet jacks o Tracking inventory and handling product/materials o Operating power tools and production support equipment, such as pin stampers and chamfer machines o Using precision measuring equipment, such as calipers and micrometers o Reading and interpreting blueprints o Performing lite janitorial duties o Operating ride on or walk behind floor scrubbers o Maintaining a safe and clean work environment REQUIRED POSITION QUALIFICATIONS: The following skills and qualifications are required for this position: o 18 years of age or older, due to the nature of work o Excellent written and oral communication skills o Proficient computer skills o Highly motivated, self directed and customer service oriented o Demonstrate strong math aptitude, attention to detail and sense of urgency o Demonstrate strong organization, prioritization and attention to detail o Exhibit strong problem solving, deductive reasoning and decision making skills o Learn and perform multiple tasks in a fast paced environment o Work independently as well as in a team environment o Demonstrate our core values of ambition, innovation, integrity and teamwork o Lift, slide, carry and lower packages that typically weigh 25lbs-50lbs and may weigh up to 100lbs o Pass the required drug screen (applicable in the US, Puerto Rico and Guam ONLY) ABOUT US: Since 1967 Fastenal has grown as a distributor of industrial and construction supplies from a single branch to a Fortune 500 company with over 3,000 servicing locations, each providing tailored local inventory and personal service for our customers. As we've expanded across the world, we've retained a core belief in people and their ability to accomplish remarkable things - if given the opportunity. From this philosophy stems an entrepreneurial culture that challenges every employee to run their own business, create their own success, and advance to become company leaders. As a growth company with a solid financial position, we are committed to training, promoting from within, and creating opportunities for our employees. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit and are looking to make your mark as part of an elite growth company, you won't find a better fit than Fastenal. PART-TIME BENEFIT: Fastenal offers a 401(k) with an employer contribution. COMPENSATION: The base pay range for this position is $18/hr -23/hr. In addition to base pay, this position is also eligible for a bonus and/or commission.

What Fastenal employees say

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Fastenal logo

About Fastenal

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Since 1967 Fastenal has grown as a distributor of industrial and construction supplies from a single branch to a Fortune 500 company with over 3,000 servicing locations, each providing tailored local inventory and personal service for our customers. As we've expanded across the world, we've retained a core belief in people and their ability to accomplish remarkable things - if given the opportunity. From this philosophy stems an entrepreneurial culture that challenges every employee to run their own business, create their own success, and advance to become company leaders. As a growth company with a solid financial position, we are committed to training, promoting from within, and creating opportunities for our employees. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit and are looking to make your mark as part of an elite growth company, you won't find a better fit than Fastenal.

Industry

Construction materials wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Winona, MN, US

Year founded

1967

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