Relocate to Jacksonville, Illinois: Manufacturing Jobs and Quality of Life Abound

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in November, jobs gains in manufacturing boosted employment by 27,000 and the average hourly earnings for all employees in manufacturing rose. With an increasing number of companies looking to onshore their supply chains because of the global pandemic, job opportunities are only increasing. In Jacksonville, Illinois, the manufacturing sector is strong and the quality of life is high, a winning combination for young people starting careers or experienced workers looking to relocate.

Sampling of Manufacturing Job Opportunities In Jacksonville, IL

CCK Automations, Inc. is one such manufacturing employer. It is a technology-based organization that strives to meet their customer’s electrical, electronic and injection molded plastics needs. CCK expanded and relocated to Jacksonville in 2015, and by 2017 grew to over 100 employees. They have an increasing need for manufacturing technicians, quality control technicians, electricians and mechanics which are some of the highest paying positions in the industry. Employees of CCK enjoy benefits such as a retirement program, paid time off and paid holidays, a wellness program and medical benefits. Open positions at CCK can be explored here.

Reynolds Consumer Products is a leading provider of household products that simplify daily life. With their eye on employee safety, production quality, and integrity, they are looking for people who want to make a difference and influence the future of the company. Their ongoing innovation requires professionals in marketing, HR, IT, engineering, operations, logistics/supply chain, finance, marketing and more. In particular, they have numerous openings for entry level machine operators. Reynolds prides itself on its opportunities for job growth with competitive salaries and benefits in an exciting, dynamic, fast-paced and fun workplace environment. Explore open positions at Reynolds here.

The Benefits of Relocating to Jacksonville, IL

Quality of life. Jacksonville residents enjoy a quality of life that makes it possible to purchase a home and raise kids in a safe, vibrant community. Commute times are short and you have the time and opportunity to get to know your neighbors in Jacksonville. The region, which includes Morgan and Scott counties, is home to historic sites and gorgeous natural amenities, along with a dynamic art scene, unique shopping and innovative dining experiences. 

Low cost of living. Because it is affordable to live in Jacksonville, residents have more disposable income to spend on things they love, like meals out, weekends fishing and afternoons hiking the trails. Compared to the rest of the country, Jacksonville's cost of living is 27.2% lower than the U.S. average. The median home cost in Jacksonville is $78,800, while overall in the U.S. it is $231,200.

Schools. The residents of Morgan and Scott counties enjoy a variety of educational services from 18 elementary schools and nine high schools. The region is known for having a high quality of education and offering students opportunities to grow through unique programs. Jacksonville is also home to the Illinois School for the Deaf (ISD) and the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired (ISVI). The mission of both state-supported, public schools is to educate their students to become responsible, self-supporting citizens.

In addition, Jacksonville is a college town “and proud of it” with a private liberal arts college and a community college. These serve as resources to vitalize the area, affording countless opportunities for cultural and educational enrichment. Community members interact with prominent national scholars and leaders who regularly appear at the colleges.

Location. The communities in and around Jacksonville have ample entertainment and culture, but if the mood strikes to visit a larger museum or catch a pro ball game, Springfield is only 40 minutes away, St. Louis is a 90-minute drive and Chicago can be reached in just under four hours. Jacksonville Municipal Airport is a local option for air travel while Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport in Springfield, Illinois is only 38 miles away.

Dollar for dollar and job for job, Jacksonville is a land of opportunity for those seeking new careers and for experienced workers desiring a better quality of life. Let Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Cooperation (JREDC) assist you with all you need for your relocation or job search. Check out their website, and follow them on Facebook.