Machinist Apprenticeships in Illinois
Illinois has 36 registered apprenticeship sponsors training machinists — 6 of them union or joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one and finish without tuition debt.
Registered sponsors
36
Union / joint programs
6
Median machinist wage
$56,700
Illinois, all experience levels
Job growth 2022–2032
+4.3%
2,120 openings/yr
Largest Registered Sponsors
Union and joint labor-management programs are listed first — they typically pay the best apprentice rates and charge no tuition.
| Sponsor | City | Program type |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago DOT and Machinist & Aerospace Workers Local 126 Union / joint | Chicago | Single Employer |
| City of Chicago & IAMAW Local #126 Union / joint | Chicago | Single Employer |
| Fuyao Glass Illinois, Inc. Union / joint | Decatur | Single Employer |
| ICI - Menard Correctional Center Union / joint | Menard | Single Employer |
| MWRD of Greater Chicago Union / joint | Chicago | Single Employer |
| ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL / AFGE LU 2119 Union / joint | Rock Island | Single Employer |
| ADVANCED MACHINE & ENGINEERING CO. | ROCKFORD | Single Employer |
| ATKORE CRETE | CRETE | Single Employer |
| Chelar Tool & Die, Inc. | BELLEVILLE | Single Employer |
| CLIMCO COILS, INC. | Morrison | Single Employer |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov).
What Machinists Earn in Illinois
Wages
- Median annual wage: $56,700
- Average annual wage: $57,870
- Machinists employed statewide: 16,100
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. Apprentices typically start at 40–50% of the journeyman rate and get scheduled raises.
10-year outlook
- Projected growth 2022–2032: +4.3%
- Average openings per year: 2,120
- Employment: 20,580 → 21,460
Source: Projections Central / state workforce agencies.