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Welding Machine Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Laborup

Machine Operator

Crystal Lake, IL · On-site

$20/hr

You'll run automated equipment including coiling and spot welding machines while performing ... Although you'll spend most of your time operating production equipment, you'll also cross-train ...

Laborup

Machine Operator

Crystal Lake, IL · On-site

$20/hr

You'll run automated equipment including coiling and spot welding machines while performing ... Although you'll spend most of your time operating production equipment, you'll also cross-train ...

Laborup

Machine Operator

Crystal Lake, IL · On-site

$20/hr

You'll run automated equipment including coiling and spot welding machines while performing ... Although you'll spend most of your time operating production equipment, you'll also cross-train ...

Labor Solutions, LLC

Be Seen First

Welder Machine Operator

Addison, IL · On-site

$25 - $26/hr

This role is responsible for MIG welding, mesh welding, and resistance welding, operating production machinery, and ensuring all parts meet quality and safety standards. The ideal candidate ...

Midway Staffing

Machine Operator

Bensenville, IL

$17 - $20.25/hr

Join our team as a Production Line Operator, where you'll operate advanced roll forming machinery to produce laser-welded air spacers and decorative muntin bars used in window and door systems. We're ...

WORTHINGTON STEEL

Machine Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22.50/hr

Machine Operator | Day Shift | $22.50/Hour Looking for a stable manufacturing career with ... welded solutions are driving steel toward a more sustainable future. As one of the most trusted ...

Worthington Steel

Machine Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22.50/hr

Machine Operator | Day Shift | $22.50/Hour Looking for a stable manufacturing career with ... welded solutions are driving steel toward a more sustainable future. As one of the most trusted ...

METRAFLEX COMPANY INC

Robotic Welder Operator

Mccook, IL · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

The Robotic Welder Operator is Responsible for setup, operation, and maintenance of the robotic ... Operate robotic welding machine to weld separately or in combination with manual welding. * Monitor ...

The Viking Group

Fabricator

Carol Stream, IL · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Previous manufacturing, fabrication, warehouse, machine operator, production, construction, mechanical, or general labor experience preferred. * Previous steel fabrication, welding, robotics, or ...

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All JobsWelding Machine Operator JobsWelding Machine Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL

Welding Machine Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$5

$16

$23

How much do welding machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for welding machine operator in Chicago, IL is $16.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $15.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a welding machine operator do?

A Welding Machine Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining welding machines used to join metal parts together. They read blueprints or work orders, adjust machine settings, monitor the welding process, and inspect finished products for quality. Operators must ensure safety protocols are followed and may also perform basic machine maintenance or troubleshooting. This role is essential in manufacturing, construction, and repair industries where precise metalwork is required.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a welding machine operator?

To thrive as a Welding Machine Operator, you need a solid understanding of welding techniques, blueprint reading, and safety procedures, usually supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training. Familiarity with welding machines, tools like calipers and micrometers, and certifications such as AWS Certified Welder are typically required. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and strong problem-solving skills make an operator stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing precise welds, ensuring workplace safety, and maintaining high-quality standards in manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by welding machine operators on the job, and how can they be addressed?

Welding Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent weld quality, managing equipment malfunctions, and working in environments with high temperatures or confined spaces. These challenges can be addressed through regular equipment maintenance, strict adherence to safety protocols, and continuous training to stay updated on new welding techniques and technologies. Additionally, effective communication with supervisors and team members helps ensure that any issues are quickly identified and resolved, contributing to a safer and more productive work environment.

What is the difference between Welding Machine Operator vs Welder?

AspectWelding Machine OperatorWelder
CertificationsTypically requires OSHA safety training, possibly AWS certificationRequires welding certifications like AWS Certified Welder
Work EnvironmentOperates machinery in manufacturing or fabrication settingsPerforms manual welding in various settings, including construction and repair
Job ResponsibilitiesSets up and operates welding machines, monitors welding processPerforms manual welding tasks, joins metal parts

While both roles involve working with metal and welding equipment, Welding Machine Operators focus on operating and monitoring welding machinery, whereas Welders perform manual welding tasks. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in the level of manual skill and machine operation focus.

How much do welding machine operators make?

Welding machine operators typically earn a median annual salary of around $45,000 to $55,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in specialized welding techniques can earn higher wages and may work overtime or shifts that increase their earnings.

What are popular job titles related to Welding Machine Operator jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Welding Machine Operator jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Welding Machine Operator jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Welding Machine Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Welding Machine Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Welding Machine Operator job openings in Chicago, IL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, 43% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,506 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Machine Operator

Crystal Lake, IL • On-site

Laborup
1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Laborupexternal

$20/hr

Other

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Overview

We're hiring Production Machine Operators for our precision manufacturing operation supporting the rapidly growing semiconductor industry.

This role centers around operating production equipment that forms and assembles precision metal components. You'll run automated equipment including coiling and spot welding machines while performing inspections to ensure every part meets specification. The work is repetitive by design, making it an excellent fit for someone who enjoys building consistency and becoming highly skilled at a well-defined process.

Although you'll spend most of your time operating production equipment, you'll also cross-train throughout the department, learning several different stations and fabrication processes over time. The shop is clean, air conditioned, and focused on producing quality parts safely and consistently.

Why Join Us

  • Machine Training: Learn multiple production machines and processes.
  • Climate Controlled: Work in a clean, air-conditioned facility.
  • Consistent Overtime: Regular overtime opportunities available.

Compensation

  • $20.00/hour ($17.50 base wage + 15% shift differential)
  • Regular overtime opportunities available throughout the year.

Hiring on 2nd Shift

  • 2nd Shift: Monday - Thursday

Responsibilities

  • Machine Operation: Run production machinery throughout the department.
  • Machine Setup: Prepare equipment for daily production.
  • Material Loading: Supply machines with required materials.
  • Part Inspection: Verify finished parts meet specifications.
  • Assembly Work: Complete secondary fabrication operations.
  • Production Records: Complete inspection sheets and documentation.
  • Housekeeping: Maintain organized production work areas.

Requirements

Qualifications

Required

  • Strong attention to detail
  • Mechanical aptitude
  • Comfortable with repetitive work
  • Able to use hand tools
  • Basic math and measurement skills

Preferred

  • Manufacturing experience
  • Machine operator experience
  • Assembly experience
  • Blueprint reading experience
  • Caliper measurement experience
  • Spot welding experience
  • Comfortable climbing stairs occasionally

Apply