$18/Hour General Maintenance Jobs in Illinois, USA with Visa Sponsorships

Illinois is a thriving industrial and commercial hub. As a result, the demand for general maintenance workers is high, and many employers are offering competitive wages around $18 per hour.

For international workers, there are opportunities with visa sponsorships, particularly in larger companies that need regular upkeep of buildings, machinery, and other infrastructure.

Overview of General Maintenance Jobs in Illinois

General maintenance workers in Illinois are responsible for the upkeep, repair, and maintenance of buildings, machinery, and equipment in various industries. These roles can be found in manufacturing plants, commercial buildings, residential complexes, schools, hospitals, and more.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Performing Repairs: Fixing electrical, plumbing, and mechanical issues as needed.
• Preventive Maintenance: Regular inspections of equipment, HVAC systems, plumbing, and electrical systems to ensure they are functioning properly.
• Cleaning and Organizing: Ensuring workspaces are clean and organized, including maintaining tools and storage areas.
• Responding to Emergencies: Being available for urgent repair requests, such as electrical faults or plumbing leaks.
• Installation Work: Installing new equipment or systems, including lighting fixtures, heating units, or other mechanical devices.
• Record Keeping: Documenting work orders, tracking completed repairs, and reporting any safety concerns to management.

Maintenance jobs can be physically demanding and may require workers to be on their feet for long hours or working in various weather conditions. It’s also common to need basic knowledge of carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and equipment handling.

Types of General Maintenance Jobs in Illinois

1. Building Maintenance Worker
   • Pay Rate: $18 per hour
   • Description: Responsible for general repairs and upkeep of commercial and residential buildings. Tasks may include fixing plumbing issues, repairing drywall, or replacing electrical fixtures.
   • Visa Sponsorship: Available for qualified candidates, especially in larger complexes or residential communities.
2. Industrial Maintenance Technician
   • Pay Rate: $18 – $22 per hour
   • Description: Focuses on maintaining machinery and equipment in industrial settings like factories, manufacturing plants, or warehouses. Requires some technical skills and familiarity with machinery.
   • Visa Sponsorship: Common among larger manufacturers in Illinois, particularly for experienced technicians.
3. Groundskeeper/Maintenance Worker
   • Pay Rate: $17 – $18 per hour
   • Description: Handles the upkeep of outdoor spaces, such as mowing lawns, trimming trees, and maintaining landscaping features. This role also involves minor repairs and building upkeep.
   • Visa Sponsorship: Offered by larger institutions, like universities or government facilities.
4. Facility Maintenance Worker
   • Pay Rate: $18 per hour
   • Description: Ensures that facilities such as schools, hospitals, and office buildings are maintained and functional. Responsibilities include routine maintenance, repairs, and cleaning.
   • Visa Sponsorship: Available in many large-scale institutions.
5. Maintenance Technician (HVAC Specialization)
   • Pay Rate: $18 – $25 per hour
   • Description: Specializes in maintaining, installing, and repairing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Requires technical knowledge and certifications.
   • Visa Sponsorship: Many HVAC companies sponsor workers, especially those with experience.

Visa Sponsorship Opportunities for General Maintenance Jobs

General maintenance jobs in Illinois are often available with visa sponsorship, especially in industries that have consistent demand for skilled labor. The most common visa options for these roles include:

1. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
   • Eligibility: The TFWP allows Canadian employers to hire foreign nationals for temporary positions when no local workers are available. In Illinois, general maintenance roles, especially in construction, industrial, or facility maintenance, often fall under this category.
   • Visa Sponsorship: Available for qualified candidates with relevant experience in general maintenance and repair work.
2. H-2B Visa for Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers
   • Eligibility: The H-2B visa allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for temporary non-agricultural jobs, including general maintenance positions, when there’s a lack of domestic labor. Many maintenance positions, particularly seasonal or contract-based roles, fall under this category.
   • Visa Sponsorship: Offered by many maintenance companies, especially those involved in building and grounds maintenance.
3. Permanent Residency Sponsorship via Employment
   • Eligibility: Some employers may sponsor general maintenance workers for permanent residency through the EB-3 visa category. This is ideal for workers with specialized skills or those in supervisory positions.
   • Visa Sponsorship: Limited, but possible for experienced workers with in-demand skills.

How to Apply for General Maintenance Jobs in Illinois

1. Job Search Platforms:
   • Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, Monster, and CareerBuilder list many maintenance job openings in Illinois. You can filter by visa sponsorship options and directly apply for positions.
2. Check U.S. Government Visa Programs:
   • The H-2B and Temporary Foreign Worker programs both offer pathways for visa sponsorship. Check listings on USA Jobs and other government job boards for maintenance roles.
3. Local Recruitment Agencies:
   • Contact local agencies specializing in technical and general labor jobs, such as Labor Finders to find maintenance positions with visa sponsorship.
4. Direct Applications:
   • Large corporations, educational institutions, and government offices in Illinois often have job portals where you can directly apply for maintenance positions. Look for companies that advertise visa sponsorship options.

General maintenance jobs in Illinois offer a competitive wage of $18 per hour, with opportunities for visa sponsorship, making it an attractive option for foreign workers. With visa programs like H-2B and TFWP in place, foreign nationals can access these opportunities and start their careers in Illinois.