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Steel Jobs in Kankakee, IL (NOW HIRING)

Voortman Steel Machinery

Test Technician

Monee, IL · On-site

$26.50 - $32/hr

... steel processing industry. Having recently moved into our new, state-of-the-art production facility and offices, Voortman is entering an exciting new phase of growth in the United States. This ...

Voortman Steel Machinery

Assembly Technician

Monee, IL · On-site

$21 - $35/hr

... steel processing industry. Having recently moved into our new, state-of-the-art production facility and offices, Voortman is entering an exciting new phase of growth in the United States. This ...

Hamilton Container Services

Be Seen First

Welder/Fabricator

Monee, IL · On-site

$25 - $38/hr

Perform steel and wood framing * Install insulation in walls and ceilings * Install interior wall and ceiling paneling * Perform caulking, sealing, and weatherproofing * Install steel man doors, roll ...

RUBICON REFRACTORIES INC

Welder/Fabricator

Lowell, IN · On-site

$24/hr

In this role, you will fabricate steel forms and custom assemblies to tight tolerances, working directly from engineering drawings, blueprints, and templates. You will join a collaborative, high ...

RUBICON REFRACTORIES INC

Welder/Fabricator

Lowell, IN · On-site

$24/hr

In this role, you will fabricate steel forms and custom assemblies to tight tolerances, working directly from engineering drawings, blueprints, and templates. You will join a collaborative, high ...

Voortman Steel Machinery

Project Planner

Monee, IL · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

... steel processing industry. Having recently moved into our new, state-of-the-art production facility and offices, Voortman is entering an exciting new phase of growth in the United States. This ...

Nucor

Production Operator

Bourbonnais, IL · On-site

$60K/yr

Joining Nucor means becoming part of North America's largest steel and steel products manufacturer, offering unmatched career opportunities and stability. We are known for our innovative ...

Nucor

Production Operator

Bourbonnais, IL · On-site

$60K/yr

Joining Nucor means becoming part of North America's largest steel and steel products manufacturer, offering unmatched career opportunities and stability. We are known for our innovative ...

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All JobsSteel JobsSteel Jobs in Kankakee, IL

Steel information

See Kankakee, IL salary details

$12

$22

$41

How much do steel jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for steel in Kankakee, IL is $22.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.81 and $32.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a steelworker?

Steel workers, also known as structural iron and steel workers, are skilled tradespeople who fabricate, assemble, and install steel frameworks and structures for buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure projects. They work with steel beams, columns, and other materials, often at great heights, to ensure structures are safe and stable. Steel workers read blueprints, use a variety of tools, and collaborate with other construction professionals to complete projects according to design specifications.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a steelworker?

To thrive as a Steelworker, you need a solid understanding of metallurgy, blueprint reading, and fabrication techniques, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or apprenticeships. Familiarity with welding equipment, CNC machinery, and safety certifications like OSHA are commonly required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are important to ensure safe, precise, and efficient construction or manufacturing processes involving steel.

What are common challenges faced by steelworkers, and how can they be managed?

Steelworkers often encounter challenges such as working in physically demanding environments, exposure to high temperatures, and strict safety protocols. Managing these challenges involves adhering to rigorous safety measures, wearing appropriate protective gear, and participating in ongoing safety training. Teamwork and communication are also crucial, as many tasks require close coordination with colleagues to handle heavy machinery and materials safely and efficiently. Employers typically provide regular equipment maintenance and enforce safety standards to support worker well-being.

What is the difference between Steel vs Welder?

AspectSteelWelder
Primary RoleMaterial used in construction and manufacturingSkilled tradesperson who joins metal parts
Required SkillsKnowledge of metal properties, fabrication techniquesWelding techniques, safety procedures
CertificationsNone specific to materialWelding certifications (e.g., AWS)
Work EnvironmentFactories, construction sites, workshopsConstruction sites, manufacturing plants, workshops

Steel is a material used in various industries, while a welder is a skilled professional who works with metals like steel to join parts. While steel is the raw material, welders use their expertise to manipulate and assemble steel components. Understanding the difference helps clarify whether you're interested in the material itself or the profession that works with it.

Is the steel industry a good career?

A career in the steel industry involves working with heavy machinery, manufacturing processes, and safety protocols. It offers stable employment opportunities, often requires technical skills or certifications, and can involve shift work in industrial environments.

What cities near Kankakee, IL are hiring for Steel jobs?

Cities near Kankakee, IL with the most Steel job openings:

Steel jobs near you
Infographic showing various Steel job openings in Kankakee, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 7% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,624 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Mobile Diesel Mechanic-Gary,Indiana

United States Steel Corporation

Crete, IL • On-site

$24 - $31.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

United States Steel rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

233rd of 540 rated manufacturers

Job description


The Operating Technician - Mobile Diesel Mechanic job is a core component for our workforce as one the of world's largest steel producers. The Mobile Diesel Mechanic will diagnose and repair various types of heavy equipment including, but not limited to pickup trucks, generators, air compressors, dump trucks, forklifts, etc.
Qualified candidates must have the advanced theory and knowledge of the following:
  • Mobile equipment hydraulic systems
  • DC electrical systems
  • Combustion engines
  • Running gears
  • Electronics
  • Pneumatic systems
  • Motor controls
Job Requirements:
  • Successfully pass both written and hands on assessment
  • 1 year of manufacturing/industrial experience or equivalent
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • May require rotating 8-hour shift work, which will include Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays
  • Overtime work as needed.
  • Adherence to safety procedures/guidelines always. Safety is our core value which requires you to wear safety protection such as hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective clothing, boots with metatarsal protection, and when necessary, respirator equipment
  • Punctuality, consistent attendance, and self-direction for the success of the operations

Company Overview
Since 1901, U. S. Steel has been a recognized leader in steel production. Today, as the first North American steel company to have declared a 2050 net-zero greenhouse gas emissions goal, we remain as innovative as ever, leading transformation across our industry while continuing to make products for everyday life - from industries as far ranging as automotive, construction, containers and packaging, appliances, and energy.
Underneath it all is our Culture of Caring, which shows up in our community partnerships, charitable contributions, company-sponsored employee volunteer initiatives, scholarship programs, leadership training, and much more. And of course, it takes shape in a steadfast commitment to safety first in our workplaces and respect for our employees, who are United by Steel.
We are honored to have earned accolades and awards from well-regarded organizations, including the following:
  • Ethisphere's World's Most Ethical Companies® 2022, '23, '24
  • Disability: IN's Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion 2021, '22, '23, '24
  • Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Equality 100 Award 2020, '21, '22, '23-24, '25
  • Military Times' Best for Vets: Employers 2023, '24

Conducting business with integrity and with the highest ethical values has underpinned U. S. Steel's success for over 100 years, and it remains critical to our company's success in the future. U. S. Steel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) according to job qualifications without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, genetics, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, disability status or status as a protected Veteran or any other legally protected group status. (California residents may visit www.ussteel.com/CANotice regarding collection of personal information and U. S. Steel's privacy practices.)
Competency Summary
At U. S. Steel all employees are expected to display the following core competencies every day to advance corporate, team and individual goals:
Think: Think Critically and Drive Change
Lead: Develop Talent and Collaborate
Do: Empower Performance and Deliver Results

What United States Steel employees say

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