Top 10 Tech Apprenticeships, Internships and Entry-Level Jobs in Chicago, IL in 2026

Table of Contents

• Your Flight Path to Chicago Tech Success
• Motorola Solutions Software Engineer Internship
• Cboe Global Markets Cloud Engineering Intern/Co-op
• Per Scholas Chicago Technical Training
• Year Up Chicago
• Salesforce Future Pathways & Internships
• JPMorgan Chase Tech Connect & ReEntry Programs
• Amazon Technical Academy
• Google STEP Internship
• JPMorgan Chase Emerging Talent Technology Apprenticeship
• Google Apprenticeships
• How to Secure Your Spot in 2026
• Frequently Asked Questions

Motorola Solutions Software Engineer Internship

For students seeking hands-on experience with mission-critical technology, the Motorola Solutions Software Engineer Internship offers a robust summer program headquartered in Chicago. Interns dive into the development of critical communications systems used by first responders globally, placing them at the intersection of public safety and tangible innovation.

The program provides a competitive, paid opportunity with a typical 10-12 week summer commitment. Based on Chicago-specific salary data, interns earn an average of $30.70 per hour, a rate confirmed by reports on Glassdoor's Motorola Solutions internship salary page. This compensation reflects the value placed on talent contributing to real-world, impactful projects within the software development lifecycle.

This internship is a top Chicago pick because it connects you to a local tech pillar with deep roots in the city. Motorola Solutions' continued investment here means more than a summer gig; it's a potential launchpad into a long-term career with a firm whose culture is frequently recognized. As noted in local job market analyses, including Indeed's salary data for this role in Chicago, the company maintains a strong reputation as a "Best Place to Work," ensuring a supportive environment for your first major professional takeoff within the city's thriving tech landscape.

Cboe Global Markets Cloud Engineering Intern/Co-op

In the high-stakes world of global financial markets, Cboe stands as a Chicago institution. Their Cloud Engineering Intern/Co-op provides crucial exposure to the high-performance technology underpinning modern finance through a practical hybrid model, typically requiring 3 days in-office and 2 remote.

This paid position offers a competitive hourly rate between $25 and $36. A standout benefit is 401(k) eligibility, a rare and valuable feature for an intern role that underscores the program's professional rigor. As detailed on the Cboe Global Markets student careers page, the application cycle for these roles is well-defined, with a key historical deadline around May 30 for a June start, setting the pattern for upcoming years.

The program's value is deeply tied to its Chicago location. An internship at this cornerstone of the financial district delivers unparalleled insight into the city's robust fintech ecosystem. The hybrid structure offers the best of both worlds: in-person mentorship and networking in a landmark Loop office, combined with modern remote work flexibility. You can explore the specific details of this opportunity, including potential start dates and team placements, on listings such as the Cloud Engineering Intern/Co-op profile on Prosple.

Per Scholas Chicago Technical Training

For Chicagoans seeking a direct, debt-free pathway into high-growth tech fields, Per Scholas Chicago stands as a transformative force. This nonprofit provides rigorous, tuition-free training in critical specializations like AI, Cybersecurity, and Cloud (AWS/Google), specifically designed to break down financial barriers for unemployed or underemployed individuals.

The program itself is completely free, with the real value measured in outcomes. Alumni report impressive average wage gains of $6.60 per hour, which translates to approximately $13,728 annually above their previous income. Per Scholas operates as a true career accelerator, providing not only technical skills but also intensive job attainment assistance and mentorship until placement is secured. Their model is detailed in resources like the Upskilling White Paper, which outlines the pathway to economic advancement.

This program is a top Chicago pick because it is deeply embedded in the local community, acting as a direct talent pipeline for area employers. It exemplifies the city's commitment to inclusive economic growth by equipping its diverse workforce with in-demand skills. You can explore their local course catalog and impact at the Per Scholas Chicago location page, which connects aspiring technologists to this proven model.

Year Up Chicago

Year Up Chicago is a national powerhouse with a strong local presence, offering young adults aged 18-29 an intensive one-year runway into professional tech careers. The program's structured approach combines six months of hands-on technical and professional skills training with a six-month, high-profile corporate internship at partners like Salesforce or JPMorgan Chase.

This earn-while-you-learn model includes vital financial support, making career transition accessible. Participants earn a stipend of approximately $200 per month during training, which increases significantly to about $2,100 per month during the internship phase. The program's effectiveness is demonstrated by outcomes, with 85% of graduates employed or enrolled in college within four months of completion. This track record is supported by studies from institutions like the Institute for Research on Poverty, which details the program's measurable impact on economic mobility.

Its strength as a top Chicago pathway lies in its powerful, established network within the city's corporate tech scene. Year Up doesn't just provide training; it offers a structured, high-support entry into companies that are pillars of the local economy. For a firsthand perspective on the participant experience, many share their journeys in community discussions, such as those on the Year Up Program subreddit. This combination of paid experience, respected partners, and proven results makes it a premier launchpad in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro.

Salesforce Future Pathways & Internships

Salesforce's expanding Chicago office serves as a hub for its Future Pathways programs, which include a variety of tech and product internships. These roles are designed to immerse students in the company's culture and cloud ecosystem, offering more than a summer job - they provide a deep dive into a leading SaaS company's operations from within the city's growing West Loop tech corridor.

Compensation is competitive, with national averages for Salesforce interns ranging from $34,500 to $50,500 annually, as reflected in aggregated data from sources like ZipRecruiter's salary reports. Beyond pay, the program is noted for exceptional, structured mentorship. This includes dedicated sessions that provide deep company insights and interview preparation, strategically setting interns up for potential conversion to full-time roles.

Securing this internship is a top Chicago pick because it acts as a golden ticket into one of the world's most influential software ecosystems. The experience and professional network gained here are invaluable assets in Chicago's competitive tech market. As shared in firsthand accounts, such as a Medium article detailing a campus interview experience, the process and subsequent internship are designed to be immersive and supportive. The skills built are directly transferable to the city's vast community of tech-driven companies in finance, healthcare, and retail, making it a strategic career investment.

JPMorgan Chase Tech Connect & ReEntry Programs

As Chicago's largest private employer, JPMorgan Chase offers two standout entry-points into its massive technology engine. The Tech Connect program is a two-year immersive software engineering pathway specifically for non-CS majors graduating college. Simultaneously, the ReEntry Program is a brilliant 15-week paid fellowship designed for professionals who have taken a career break of two years or more, providing a structured restart in tech.

Both are paid, full-time opportunities that address critical talent gaps with Chicago-scale resources. The ReEntry Program, for instance, runs in defined cohorts (e.g., April to July), providing a supportive re-onboarding to corporate tech with high-quality coaching. You can find details and application information on the firm's dedicated ReEntry Program page and see how it's promoted as a chance to "relaunch your career" through channels like iRelaunch on Facebook.

These programs are top Chicago picks because they provide a direct pipeline into the nation's largest bank, headquartered right here. The focused support for career changers and returners is unmatched in the local market, offering a clear pathway to tap into the city's premier financial tech sector. For recent graduates exploring Tech Connect, the program is often listed on local job boards such as Built In Chicago, highlighting its integration into the regional tech landscape.

Amazon Technical Academy

The Amazon Technical Academy (ATA) represents one of the most dramatic career transformation paths available. Originally an internal upskilling initiative, it has expanded through educational partners to help transition both non-tech employees and external candidates into Software Development Engineer (SDE) roles, offering a bootcamp-style immersion with remarkable outcomes.

The program is structured as a tuition-free earn-while-you-learn model, often providing participants with a living stipend. The results are compelling: ATA boasts a 98% placement rate into SDE roles at Amazon, with graduates seeing an average 93% salary increase. As reported by TechRepublic, the academy has expanded its classes to open enrollment beyond just Amazon employees, increasing access to this high-impact training model.

While not exclusively Chicago-based, ATA is a relevant and powerful pathway due to Amazon's growing operational and tech presence in the region. For someone in a non-tech role at a Chicago-area company or seeking a complete career reboot, this program offers a direct, proven route to a top-tier tech salary. Its expansion through partners, as also noted in announcements from institutions like the Nashville Software School, demonstrates its scalability and makes it a viable option for dedicated Chicagoans aiming for a guaranteed-flight path into software engineering.

Google STEP Internship

Google's Student Training in Engineering Program (STEP) is uniquely designed for first- and second-year university students, making it one of the most coveted early-career opportunities available. Hosted in the company's expanding Chicago offices, it provides unparalleled early immersion into the engineering culture of a global tech leader through collaborative coding projects and direct mentorship from experienced engineers.

While specific compensation figures for the upcoming cycle are closely held, the program is highly competitive, with historical data for similar tech intern roles at the company exceeding $35 per hour. The application timeline is critical for planning; these opportunities typically open in late summer or early fall for the following summer, as noted in resources discussing strategies for the competitive Google internship application process.

Landing a STEP internship is a premier Chicago pick because it places you at the center of the city's emerging West Loop tech corridor, offering early validation of your skills. For a student at UIC, Illinois Tech, or Northwestern, it represents the ultimate local tech experience. The professional network built within Google during this internship becomes a powerful asset, leverageable for future roles whether at the company or elsewhere in Chicago's vibrant corporate and startup scene.

JPMorgan Chase Emerging Talent Technology Apprenticeship

This 100% in-person Chicago program is a masterclass in corporate-education partnership, often targeting students within one year of completing an Associate’s Degree. It's a rigorous, paid apprenticeship that immerses participants in the firm's global technology organization, working on real systems while receiving training in agile methodology, Java/Python, and Cloud Services (AWS/GCP).

Apprentices earn a full salary and benefits from day one, removing financial barriers to entry. The program is distinguished by its deep integration and high-touch mentorship, including direct interaction with senior leaders and immersion into one of the world's most complex financial tech environments. A program flyer available through Earn and Learn Chicago outlines its focused, multi-phase structure.

This apprenticeship is a top Chicago opportunity at its finest. Partnering directly with institutions like the City Colleges of Chicago, it taps into the city's diverse talent pool and exemplifies the symbiotic relationship between major employers and local education. As highlighted by the Emerging Talent Software Engineers program page, you train and work in the heart of the financial district, gaining gold-standard experience that serves as a powerful launchpad within Chicago's tech landscape.

Google Apprenticeships

Topping our list, Google's apprenticeship program epitomizes the "earn-while-you-learn" model for Chicago beginners. These are paid, full-time roles spanning 12-36 months, specifically designed for candidates with less than one year of professional tech experience. In the Chicago hub, frequent tracks include Data Analytics, Digital Marketing, and Project Management, providing a structured entry point into high-demand fields.

Apprentices receive an average annual pay of $49,191 (approximately $23.65/hour) plus full Google benefits, as detailed in compensation reports on platforms like ZipRecruiter. A crucial differentiator is the credential earned upon completion: a portable U.S. Department of Labor credential that certifies your skills. Based on historical cycles, applications typically open in late summer (e.g., September) for starts the following spring, with a high rate of apprentices converting to full-time roles.

This program is the #1 Chicago pick because it offers the ultimate launchpad: the brand prestige and cutting-edge projects of Google, combined with the security and structured learning of a registered apprenticeship. As highlighted by career resources tracking these opportunities, such as Rawan's Resources, it represents the best of all worlds - top-tier training, a competitive salary, a nationally recognized credential, and a direct path into a company strengthening its footprint in Chicago's West Loop, solidifying your place in the local tech ecosystem.

How to Secure Your Spot in 2026

The competition for these top pathways is intense, but a strategic approach dramatically increases your odds. First, master the timeline: major corporate internships like Google STEP recruit the prior fall, while apprenticeships often have application windows 6-9 months in advance of their start date. Planning this far ahead is non-negotiable.

Next, tailor your approach precisely. For apprenticeships, emphasize adaptability and eagerness to learn over extensive technical expertise. For internships, a polished GitHub portfolio with 1-2 substantial projects is essential - consider building a full-stack app or analyzing a Chicago-centric dataset like CTA ridership. For career-changer programs, clearly articulate the value of your unique experience and transferable skills.

Finally, actively leverage Chicago's interconnected ecosystem. Attend career fairs at DePaul, Northwestern, and UIC, and engage with the local tech community through platforms like Built In Chicago to research startups and scale-ups. As experts note, these networks are vital. A report from the Discovery Partners Institute underscores this symbiotic relationship:

Tech apprenticeships are "good for workers and good for industry," providing a proven model to develop valuable skills.

Your career in tech is no longer a distant hope but a 2026 itinerary waiting to be claimed. Choose your gate, prepare with purpose, and get ready for takeoff.

Frequently Asked Questions