10 Construction and Trade Jobs in Chicago That Don't Require a Degree
Construction and Trade include building and renovating structures and facilitating commerce. Workers construct buildings, repair infrastructure, and negotiate deals. They need technical skills, physical stamina, and attention to detail.
There are 288 Construction and Trade jobs that are in high demand and usually don't need a college degree. Salaries in Chicago can pay up to $25.16 per hour.
Job title
Updated Oct 09, 2026
Job title
Chicago, IL
Illinois
Job openings (Chicago)
Laborer
Chicago
$19.31
per hour
Illinois
$18.57
per hour
Painter
Chicago
$25.16
per hour
Illinois
$23.50
per hour
Carpenter
Chicago
$31.95
per hour
Illinois
$28.31
per hour
Equipment Operator
Chicago
$26.79
per hour
Illinois
$24.50
per hour
Flooring Installer
Chicago
$28.93
per hour
Illinois
$23.53
per hour
Job descriptions below are for educational purposes. Please refer to the employer's job description for complete details.
-
Laborer
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Laborers perform manual tasks, assist skilled workers, and maintain job site safety. Physical fitness, willingness to learn, and teamwork ability are vital.
34% of Laborer openings in Chicago don't require a degree. Laborer jobs take 80 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 11% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 166 jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$19.31 per hourIllinois
$18.57 per hour -
Painter
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Painters apply finishes to surfaces, ensuring quality aesthetics in buildings or projects. Attention to detail, knowledge of color theory and painting experience are essential for this role.
Painter jobs take 91 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 6% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 45 jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$25.16 per hourIllinois
$23.50 per hourSkills
- Construction painting
- Hand tools
- Carpentry
- Manufacturing
- Human resources
-
Carpenter
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Carpenters construct, install, and repair building frameworks and structures, ensuring quality craftsmanship. Expertise in carpentry, problem-solving skills, and physical stamina are necessary.
22% of Carpenter openings in Chicago don't require a degree. Carpenter jobs take 119 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 3% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 37 jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$31.95 per hourIllinois
$28.31 per hourSkills
- Carpentry
- Hand tools
- Plumbing
- Construction
- Manufacturing
-
Equipment Operator
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Equipment Operators run machinery, perform maintenance tasks, and ensure safe operations. Expertise in operating construction equipment, physical stamina, and attention to safety protocols are essential.
41% of Equipment Operator openings in Chicago don't require a degree. Equipment Operator jobs take 79 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 3% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 24 jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$26.79 per hourIllinois
$24.50 per hour -
Flooring Installer
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Flooring installers install various types of flooring, ensuring precise measurements and quality finishes. They prepare surfaces and work with different materials. Attention to detail, physical stamina and knowledge of flooring products are essential.
11% of Flooring Installer openings in Chicago don't require a degree. Flooring Installer jobs take 71 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 7% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 16 jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$28.93 per hourIllinois
$23.53 per hour