Manufacturing Jobs in Chicago That Don't Require a Degree
Manufacturing produces goods through labor and machinery. Workers operate equipment, monitor production, and ensure quality. Technical skills and attention to detail are vital.
There are 449 manufacturing jobs that are in high demand and usually don't need a college degree. Salaries in Chicago can pay up to $19.94 per hour. Right now, Machine Operator, Production Supervisor, and Assembler have the most job openings.
Job title
Updated Oct 28, 2026
Job title
Chicago, IL
Illinois
Job openings (Chicago)
Machine Operator
Chicago
$20.73
per hour
Illinois
$20.41
per hour
Production Supervisor
Chicago
$74,288
per year
Illinois
$74,768
per year
Assembler
Chicago
$19.94
per hour
Illinois
$19.52
per hour
Welder
Chicago
$25.14
per hour
Illinois
$23.83
per hour
Machinist
Chicago
$27.00
per hour
Illinois
$27.43
per hour
Finisher
Chicago
$20.70
per hour
Illinois
$21.20
per hour
Quality Control Lab Technician
Chicago
$59,861
per year
Illinois
$74,333
per year
Job descriptions below are for educational purposes. Please refer to the employer's job description for complete details.
-
Machine Operator
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Machine Operators set up, operate, and maintain machinery in manufacturing processes. Technical expertise, mechanical aptitude, and adherence to safety standards are crucial.
56% of Machine Operator openings in Chicago don't require a degree. Machine Operator jobs take 72 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 2% of job openings are part-time roles.
See jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$20.73 per hourIllinois
$20.41 per hourSkills
- Manufacturing
- CNC
- Blueprint reading
- CNC programming
- Mechanical knowledge
-
Production Supervisor
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Production supervisors oversee teams, manage production schedules and ensure quality standards. Ideal candidates possess leadership skills, strong problem-solving abilities and have experience in production environments.
40% of Production Supervisor openings in Chicago don't require a degree. Production Supervisor jobs take 44 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 1% of job openings are part-time roles.
See jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$74,288 per yearIllinois
$74,768 per yearSkills
- Manufacturing
- Production planning
- Supply chain
- Demand planning
- Supply chain management
-
Assembler
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Assemblers construct product components, follow technical drawings, and ensure quality standards. Proficiency in assembly processes, attention to detail, and tool handling skills are essential.
54% of Assembler openings in Chicago don't require a degree. Assembler jobs take 48 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 2% of job openings are part-time roles.
See jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$19.94 per hourIllinois
$19.52 per hourSkills
- Assembly
- Manufacturing
- Mechanical knowledge
- Forklift
- Hand tools
-
Welder
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Welders join metal parts, interpret blueprints, and maintain equipment. Manual dexterity, technical skills, and understanding of welding techniques are essential. Certification in welding is often required.
48% of Welder openings in Chicago don't require a degree. Welder jobs take 76 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 3% of job openings are part-time roles.
See jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$25.14 per hourIllinois
$23.83 per hourSkills
- Welding
- TIG welding
- Fabrication
- Hand tools
- Manufacturing
-
Machinist
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Machinists use tools and machines to create precision parts. Candidates benefit from experience with CNC and manual machinery, as well as strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
60% of Machinist openings in Chicago don't require a degree. Machinist jobs take 86 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 2% of job openings are part-time roles.
See jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$27.00 per hourIllinois
$27.43 per hour -
Finisher
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Finishers apply final touches to products, ensure quality standards, and manage finishing tools. Skills in surface preparation, attention to detail, and tool proficiency are necessary.
49% of Finisher openings in Chicago don't require a degree. Finisher jobs take 63 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 3% of job openings are part-time roles.
See jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$20.70 per hourIllinois
$21.20 per hour -
Quality Control Lab Technician
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Quality control lab technicians conduct tests on products, ensuring compliance with quality standards. Key skills for this role include analytical thinking, attention to detail and lab experience.
55% of Quality Control Lab Technician openings in Chicago don't require a degree. Quality Control Lab Technician jobs take 75 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 1% of job openings are part-time roles.
See jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$59,861 per yearIllinois
$74,333 per yearSkills
- Quality control
- Manufacturing
- APIs
- Data management
- High-performance liquid chromatography