Education & Jobs

Amazon has multiple fulfillment and delivery centers in and around Chicago. They hire constantly for warehouse associates, package handlers, and delivery drivers — often with same-week start dates.

Apply at Amazon Jobs  ·  Pay: Starting around $18–$20/hr + benefits

• No experience required for most warehouse roles.
• Apply online — the process is fast and you can schedule a start date immediately.
• Ask about sign-on bonuses — they run them frequently.
• Benefits start on day one including health insurance and 401k.

UPS hires year-round in Chicago for package handlers, warehouse workers, and drivers. Part-time shifts available — good if you need something flexible while you look for full-time work.

Apply at UPS Jobs  ·  Pay: $15–$21/hr depending on role

• Package handler roles require no experience — just the ability to lift up to 70 lbs.
• Shifts are typically 3.5–4 hours — good for stacking with another job.
• UPS offers tuition assistance — up to $5,250/year while you work.

The City of Chicago regularly posts openings for laborers, transit workers, administrative staff, public health roles, and more. These are stable, benefit-heavy jobs that are often overlooked.

View City of Chicago Jobs  ·  Area: Citywide

• Check the site weekly — postings open and close fast.
• Many roles don’t require a college degree — just a high school diploma or GED.
• City jobs come with strong benefits, pension, and job security.

Two of Chicago’s largest hospital systems hire constantly for non-clinical support roles — patient transport, food service, housekeeping, supply chain, and clerical positions. No medical degree needed for most entry-level roles.

Rush Careers  ·  Northwestern Medicine Careers

• Search for “no experience” or “entry level” on their career pages.
• Hospital jobs often include full benefits, tuition reimbursement, and room to grow.
• Good foot in the door if you’re interested in healthcare long-term.

Illinois’ official job board connecting Chicago residents to local employers. Lists thousands of open positions across all industries — and connects you to free training, resume help, and career coaches at American Job Centers.

Visit Illinois WorkNet  ·  Area: Chicago & Statewide

• Create a free account to apply to jobs and access career tools.
• Use the “Find an American Job Center” tool to get in-person help near you.
• Free resume workshops and interview prep are available through this network.

The Chicago Transit Authority is one of the biggest employers in the city and they hire constantly. Bus operators, rail technicians, mechanics, and clerical staff — these are union jobs with solid pay and full benefits.

View CTA Careers  ·  Pay: $20–$30+/hr depending on role

• No college degree required for most operator and technician roles.
• CTA jobs are union — that means job protection, benefits, and set pay scales.
• Bus operator training is paid — they train you on the job.
• Check the careers page regularly — openings fill fast.

Security is one of the most accessible jobs in Chicago — hospitals, schools, housing complexes, events, and retail stores all hire security officers year-round. Most only require a valid Illinois PERC card.

Search Security Jobs on Indeed  ·  Pay: $15–$22/hr

• You need an Illinois Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC) — apply at the Illinois State Police website for around $60.
• Many companies will hire you while you get your PERC card — ask when applying.
• Event security is a good side hustle — companies like Universal Security hire for concerts, bar crawls, and sporting events.
• Some positions are armed — that requires additional licensing but pays significantly more.

Every neighborhood in Chicago has independent auto shops, oil change spots, and tire shops that hire mechanics, lube techs, and shop assistants. You don’t need a degree — hands-on experience and a willingness to learn go a long way.

Search Auto Jobs on Indeed  ·  Pay: $16–$30+/hr depending on experience

• Walk into shops in your neighborhood and ask directly — many don’t post online.
• Lube tech and tire tech roles are entry level — no certification needed to start.
• ASE certification can double your pay over time — free study materials are at ase.com.
• Jiffy Lube, Firestone, and Midas all hire regularly and often promote from within.

Grocery and retail stores are everywhere in Chicago and they hire constantly for cashiers, stock clerks, deli workers, and customer service roles. These are walkable, neighborhood-level jobs that don’t require experience.

Jewel-Osco Careers  ·  Mariano’s Careers  ·  Walmart Careers

• Apply online then follow up in person — walk in, ask for the store manager, and introduce yourself.
• Jewel-Osco and Mariano’s are union grocery stores — better pay and protections than most retail.
• Night stock and early morning shifts are easiest to get — and often come with a shift differential (extra pay).
• These are good bridge jobs while you work toward something bigger.

Chicago has hundreds of nonprofits, community health centers, housing organizations, and social service agencies that hire local residents for outreach, case management support, administrative, and program roles. These jobs are mission-driven and often flexible.

Chicago Nonprofit Job Board  ·  Idealist — Chicago Nonprofits

• Search for “community outreach,” “case manager aide,” or “program assistant” — these are entry-level nonprofit roles that don’t require degrees.
• Organizations like Catholic Charities, CEDA, and Chicago Commons regularly hire from the communities they serve.
• Nonprofit work can lead to certifications, promotions, and connections that open bigger doors.
• Many positions come with benefits and some offer student loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

Chicago’s union trades are some of the highest-paying jobs in the city and most start with a free or low-cost apprenticeship — no college required. Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and HVAC techs are in constant demand.

Illinois Apprenticeship Programs  ·  Chicago Carpenters Union

• Apprenticeships are earn-while-you-learn — you get paid while you train.
• Most programs only require a high school diploma or GED and a drug test.
• Journeyman electricians and plumbers in Chicago earn $40–$60+/hr.
• Apply directly through the union halls — Google “[trade] union apprenticeship Chicago” to find the right one.
• This is a long play — apprenticeships take 3–5 years — but the income ceiling is high.

Drive passengers around Chicago on your own schedule. Uber is one of the fastest ways to start earning — approval can happen within days once your documents are submitted.

Sign Up to Drive for Uber

Same concept as Uber — you drive passengers and set your own hours. Running both Uber and Lyft at the same time is common and maximizes how busy you stay.

Sign Up to Drive for Lyft

Food and grocery delivery is the lowest barrier gig in Chicago — you can use a car, bike, or even walk in dense neighborhoods. Approval is usually within 1–3 days.

DoorDash  ·  Uber Eats  ·  Instacart

• Age: 18+ for all three platforms
• Car: Any insured vehicle, bike, or scooter depending on the zone
• Background check: Required for all three
• Sign up on all three at the same time — you can switch between apps to chase the best orders.
• Lunch and dinner rushes are your money hours — 11am–2pm and 5pm–9pm.
• Tips stack on top of base pay — customer service matters even in delivery.

Deliver Amazon packages directly for Amazon — not through a third party. You use your own car and pick your own delivery blocks. Pay is typically $18–$25/hr.

Sign Up for Amazon Flex

• Age: 21+
• Car: Any 4-door car or larger — midsize sedans work fine
• Phone: Android or iPhone to run the Flex app
• Background check required.
• Pick delivery blocks that fit your schedule — morning, afternoon, or evening.
• Chicago has high package volume — blocks are usually available daily.

One of the largest staffing agencies in the country with a strong Chicago presence. Places workers in warehouse, manufacturing, office, and customer service roles — often same week.

Visit Website  ·  Area: Chicago & Suburbs

• Register online and complete your profile — the faster you do it, the faster they can place you.
• Tell them you’re available immediately and open to multiple shift types.
• Ask about temp-to-hire roles if you want something that could turn permanent.

Chicago-based, woman-owned staffing agency with a strong reputation for placing people in admin, customer service, accounting, and remote roles. Consistently rated one of the best in the city.

Visit Website  ·  Area: Chicago

• Submit your resume directly on their site — they work fast.
• Good option if you have office or admin experience.
• Ask about remote positions if transportation is a barrier.

National staffing agency with a solid Chicago office. Strong in healthcare support, IT, finance, and general labor. Known for placing people within 1–3 days once screened.

Visit Website  ·  Area: Chicago & Chicagoland

• Apply online and be upfront about your availability and skill set.
• Ask specifically about healthcare support or warehouse roles if that’s your background.
• Background check is standard — have your info ready.

The most-used job search site in the country. You can apply to hundreds of Chicago jobs directly, set up alerts for new postings, and upload your resume so employers can find you.

Search Chicago Jobs on Indeed

• Set your location to Chicago, IL and filter by “Hiring immediately” or “No experience required.”
• Upload a resume even if it’s basic — it increases your visibility to employers.
• Turn on job alerts so you’re notified the moment something new posts.

More than a networking site — LinkedIn is where companies post professional, tech, healthcare admin, and corporate jobs. A complete profile acts like a resume that works for you 24/7.

Search Chicago Jobs on LinkedIn

• Fill out your profile fully — even entry-level experience matters.
• Use “Easy Apply” to apply to multiple jobs quickly.
• Connect with people at companies you want to work for — a direct message goes a long way.

Strong for warehouse, logistics, manufacturing, and trades. Once you apply to one job your profile gets sent to multiple employers — good for people who need options fast.

Search Chicago Jobs on ZipRecruiter

• Create a profile and let employers come to you — ZipRecruiter actively sends your info out.
• Good if you’re open to multiple industries and just need to get working.