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Weekend Programmer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

CNC Programmer (Mastercam) Location : Wood Dale, IL Hire Type : Contract to Hire Shift : 1st Compensation : $35-45/hrly Benefits : As a contract employee of Sterling, you are eligible to receive a ...

CNC Programmer/Operator

Palatine, IL

$26.75 - $36.50/hr

\n \n \n \n \n CNC Programmer\/Operator \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Clean Air Engineering (CleanAir) is a leading global environmental engineering and \n \n \n consulting company that has been in ...

CNC Programmer

Wheeling, IL · On-site

$27.50 - $37.50/hr

CNC PROGRAMMER Dynomax, Inc is expanding! We are adding brand new, state of the art CNC Machines and are seeking a skilled Mastercam Programmer . This will be a dedicated Programmer 100% of the time.

CNC Programmer

Arlington Heights, IL

$26.75 - $36.75/hr

CNC PROGRAMMER Dynomax, Inc is expanding! We are adding brand new, state of the art CNC Machines and are seeking a skilled Mastercam Programmer . This will be a dedicated Programmer 100% of the time.

CNC Programmer

Arlington Heights, IL

$26.75 - $36.75/hr

CNC PROGRAMMER Dynomax, Inc is expanding! We are adding brand new, state of the art CNC Machines and are seeking a skilled Mastercam Programmer . This will be a dedicated Programmer 100% of the time.

The AV Programmer's primary role is to define, develop, test, analyze, and maintain new software applications in support of the achievement of business requirements. This includes writing, coding ...

Variable Data Programmer (VDP) processes mailing data and programs variable documents for output on digital presses using the latest software technologies. Individual must be self-motivated and be ...

CNC Programmer

Carol Stream, IL · On-site

$27.50 - $37.50/hr

JOB SUMMARY We are seeking an experienced CNC Programmer who is self-directed and proficient in CAD/CAM, with a solid background in hands-on machining. The role is focused on programming and ...

Variable Data Programmer (VDP) processes mailing data and programs variable documents for output on digital presses using the latest software technologies. Individual must be self-motivated and be ...

Variable Data Programmer (VDP) processes mailing data and programs variable documents for output on digital presses using the latest software technologies. Individual must be self-motivated and be ...

CNC Programmer

Carol Stream, IL

$27.50 - $37.50/hr

JOB SUMMARY We are seeking an experienced CNC Programmer who is self-directed and proficient in CAD/CAM, with a solid background in hands-on machining. The role is focused on programming and ...

CNC Programmer

Elgin, IL · On-site

$26.25 - $35.75/hr

Job Type Full-time Description We are looking for a skilled CNC Programmer specifically proficient in Autodesk FeatureCAM to support our machining operations. The primary focus of this role is to ...

CNC Programmer

Wheeling, IL

$27.50 - $37.50/hr

This role is a fully dedicated programming position--100% focused on creating, optimizing, and supporting CNC programs. This is a full time employee first shift position in Wheeling, IL. How you will ...

CNC Programmer

Carol Stream, IL · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

JOB SUMMARY The CNC Programmer we are seeking an experienced CNC Programmer who is self-directed and proficient in CAD/CAM, with a solid background in hands-on machining. The role is focused on ...

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Weekend Programmer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$40

$70

How much do weekend programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for weekend programmer in Chicago, IL is $40.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.49 and $52.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are weekend programmers?

Weekend programmers are individuals who primarily write, develop, or maintain software during weekends rather than as a full-time weekday job. They might do this to pursue personal projects, contribute to open-source software, or supplement their income with freelance work. Weekend programmers can be professionals seeking extra experience, students learning new skills, or hobbyists enjoying coding in their spare time. This flexible schedule allows them to balance programming with other commitments or interests.

What are some typical challenges faced by Weekend Programmers, and how can they be managed effectively?

Weekend Programmers often face challenges such as balancing tight deadlines with limited work hours, staying aligned with weekday teams, and managing communication gaps. To overcome these, it's important to maintain clear documentation, proactively communicate updates, and leverage collaboration tools to stay in sync with full-time colleagues. Setting clear priorities and expectations with your manager can also help ensure your contributions have maximum impact within the available time.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Weekend Programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Weekend Programmer, you need strong programming skills in languages like Python, JavaScript, or Java, and a solid understanding of software development principles. Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git), code editors, and possibly cloud platforms or collaborative tools is common. Effective time management, self-motivation, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for balancing part-time coding with other commitments. These skills enable consistent productivity, quality code delivery, and successful collaboration on weekend or short-term software projects.

What Are Weekend Jobs for a Programmer?

As a weekend programmer, you work part-time on Saturday-Sunday to complete computer programming responsibilities. Your duties may require you to develop software programs, code program designs into a language a computer understands, test systems to ensure they are working correctly, and install computer updates. You may communicate with software developers as well as the client to ensure efficient translation and development of the program. Some programs may be developed in a couple of days, while other jobs may require multiple weekends to complete. The programs you create may be used for phone applications, operating systems, or websites. A weekend programmer may work for a company or provide freelance services.

What are the most commonly searched types of Programmer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Programmer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Weekend Programmer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Weekend Programmer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Weekend Programmer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Weekend Programmer job openings:
CNC Programmer

$35 - $45/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Title: CNC Programmer (Mastercam)
Location: Wood Dale, IL
Hire Type: Contract to Hire
Shift : 1st
Compensation: $35-45/hrly
Benefits: As a contract employee of Sterling, you are eligible to receive a Full Employee Benefits Package that includes paid time off, paid holidays, 3 medical plans to choose from, dental & vision plans, 401(k), and an Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) plan.

Overview:
This is not a button-pushing role. We’re looking for a highly experienced CNC Programmer who thrives on optimizing processes, solving complex machining challenges, and driving real productivity gains on the shop floor. If you enjoy turning solid models and prints into efficient, repeatable, world-class machining programs, this role was built for you.

Job Duties:

  • Analyze and interpret blueprints, models, and design data to create robust CNC programs
  • Program CNC mills and lathes using Mastercam with a focus on accuracy, efficiency, and repeatability
  • Optimize programs to reduce cycle time and increase throughput
  • Design and develop fixtures to minimize setup time and support lean manufacturing
  • Support manufacturing teams to ensure machining is performed using best practices and standards
  • Collaborate with engineering, tooling, and production teams to continuously improve processes

Qualifications:

  • 5 years of CNC programming experience using Mastercam
  • Strong proficiency in SolidWorks for part modeling and program development
  • Hands-on experience programming:
    • Standard and dual-spindle lathes
    • Vertical and horizontal machining centers
  • Deep knowledge of fixturing and tooling strategies
  • Expertise in machining a wide range of materials with a focus on cycle time optimization
  • Experience with Haas and Fanuc controls
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills


Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.