1

Animal Lab Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Central Hospital for Animal specializes in dentistry, preventative care, reproductive medicine, and ... Pet restraint, triage incoming patients, collection and analysis of lab samples, diagnostic imaging ...

Laboratory Technicians

Campus, IL · On-site

$10 - $22/hr

Job Responsibilities The Lab Technician will assist with a variety of preclinical cancer research activities, including: Animal study support * Perform routine animal husbandry, monitoring, and study ...

Laboratory Technicians

Campus, IL · On-site

$10 - $22/hr

Job Responsibilities The Lab Technician will assist with a variety of preclinical cancer research activities, including: Animal study support * Perform routine animal husbandry, monitoring, and study ...

Laboratory Technicians

Campus, IL · On-site

$10 - $22/hr

Job Responsibilities The Lab Technician will assist with a variety of preclinical cancer research activities, including: Animal study support * Perform routine animal husbandry, monitoring, and study ...

Lab Specialist

Campus, IL · On-site

$65 - $90/hr

... animal model studies. Responsibilities * Performs and/or directs the performance of standard and ... May assist with preparing budgets. Minimum Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry ...

Veterinary Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $20/hr

Location: 6854 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60707 Join Our Amazing Team at VCA Mont Clare Animal ... Prepare and clean exam rooms * Assist with radiographs, lab sample collection, and basic in-house ...

Boar Stud Animal Care Technician

Greenup, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Prepare PCR (Pulmonary Chain Reaction) samples for bleeding. * Assist with the bleeding and ... Cleaning of the lab and office areas. * Perform site sanitation, including power washing. * Perform ...

New

Showing results 41-60

Animal Lab Assistant information

See Illinois salary details

$10

$19

$28

How much do animal lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal lab assistant in Illinois is $19.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.06 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal lab assistant?

Animal Lab Assistants are professionals who support scientific research by caring for laboratory animals and maintaining their living environments. They are responsible for feeding, cleaning, monitoring animal health, and assisting researchers with experiments. Their work ensures that animals are treated ethically and that experiments are conducted in a safe, controlled environment. Animal Lab Assistants may also help with maintaining records and administering medications as directed by veterinarians or researchers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal lab assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Lab Assistant, you need a foundational understanding of animal care, handling procedures, and basic laboratory techniques, often supported by a relevant certification or associate degree in animal science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data recording systems, and compliance regulations such as IACUC protocols is typically expected. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively are essential soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the well-being of laboratory animals, the accuracy of research data, and adherence to ethical and safety standards.

What are some common challenges faced by animal lab assistants, and how can they be managed?

Animal Lab Assistants often face challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to protocols, handling animals with care under potentially stressful conditions, and managing time efficiently between various tasks like feeding, cleaning, and record-keeping. To manage these challenges, it's helpful to develop strong organizational skills, stay up to date on animal care guidelines, and communicate effectively with research staff and veterinarians. Regular training and working closely within the team can also help ensure both animal welfare and research integrity are maintained.

What is the difference between Animal Lab Assistant vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectAnimal Lab AssistantVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate's degree in veterinary technology; certification often required
Work EnvironmentResearch laboratories, animal care facilitiesVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, research labs
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, pharmaceutical companiesVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, research facilities
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Animal Lab Assistants primarily support research labs and animal care in laboratory settings, often with minimal formal credentials. Veterinary Technicians work in veterinary clinics or hospitals, requiring specialized education and certification. While both roles involve animal care, Veterinary Technicians typically have more advanced training and perform clinical procedures, whereas Animal Lab Assistants focus on supporting research activities.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Animal Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Animal Lab Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Animal Lab Assistant job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,809 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

$15/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Restrain pets, triage incoming patients, and assist with diagnostic procedures.

  • Manage and provide nursing care for medical and hospitalized cases, including administration of medications.

  • Prepare for and assist with surgical procedures, including anesthetic management.


Alliance Animal Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 53 rated veterinary


Job description

Company Description

Here at Central Hospital for Animals, we are a team of client-focused doctors bringing over two hundred years of quality experience to the table. We are an AAHA-accredited practice that has provided high-quality service to southern Illinois for over forty-five years. Central Hospital for Animal specializes in dentistry, preventative care, reproductive medicine, and exotic pets. We host a full-service grooming salon where we provide anything from nail clipping to custom brush-outs and styling.

Our facility is stocked with the latest innovations in animal health so we can deliver full laboratory and pharmacy service in-house. Our parent hospital is the leading referral site for orthopedic and joint repair, along with more involved surgeries; this enables us to get our clients the help they need efficiently. Central Hospital for Animals performs everything with the goal of giving the pets of Marion happy, healthy lives!

Our hours of operation are:

  • Monday- Friday, 8am-5pm
  • Must be available to work some Saturdays 8am-12pm

To learn more about us, go to https://centralvet.net/

Full-time and Part-time positions available 

Job Description

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

Pet restraint, triage incoming patients, collection and analysis of lab samples, diagnostic imaging, management and nursing care of medical and hospitalized cases with varying degrees of stability, administration of medications, effective communication of treatment plans with clients, surgical preparation and assistance, and anesthetic management.

Must be able to withstand unpleasant odors and noises. May be exposed to bites, scratches, animal waste and potentially contagious diseases.

Whether you're looking to just be a master of your role or trying to grow into that next career move, you'll have opportunities through a variety of virtual and hands on, interactive training and continuing development.

Qualifications

We're looking for:

  • An experienced Veterinary Assistant with a minimum of 1-year experience preferred.
  • Compassionate, Calm, Team Player, Multi-Tasker and Strong Communicator
  • Must be able to properly restrain pets.
  • Proficient in sample collection, obtaining medical histories, processing laboratory tests and radiographs, and anesthesia monitoring preferred but are a bonus!
  • Self-starter with the desire to continue to advance your knowledge and skillset.
Additional Information

We offer our staff:

Pay: Starting at $15/hr depending on experience 

  • Comprehensive Benefits (health, dental, vision, liability, 401k & 401K matching program, life & supplemental insurance, HSA, & FSA)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Paid Vacation and Sick Time for ALL Employees
  • Paid Bereavement Program
  • Paid Parental Leave Program
  • Competitive Compensation
  • Continuing Education Allowance (applies to licensed/registered/certified roles)
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program Available to any AVMA Accredited Veterinary Technology Program
  • Career Development Opportunities
  • Referral Bonus Program for most positions!
  • Additional Benefits May Also Be Available (i.e. Personal Pet Discounts, Holiday Pay, Uniform Allowance, Bonuses etc)
  • Hiring eligibility may be contingent to a candidate authorizing and completing a satisfactory background check.
  • *Note - some benefits may only be available to or vary slightly for full time employment status vs part time status.
  • For additional details including our full equal opportunity statement, texting/outreach communication authorization, physical requirements of the job and more, please visit https://allianceanimal.com/additionaljobdescriptiondetails/.

What Alliance Animal Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom