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Animal Lab Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Vetcor

Veterinary Assistant

Hebron, IN · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Hebron Animal Hospital Is Hiring a Veterinary Assistant! Position Details Role: Veterinary ... Sick Time / Paid Time Off, employee pet discounts, free or discounted lab work for employee pets ...

VCA Animal Hospitals

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 ...

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Animal Lab Assistant information

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How much do animal lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal lab assistant in Chicago, IL is $20.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $23.75 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 are popular job titles related to Animal Lab Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Animal Lab Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Lab Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Lab Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Animal Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Animal Lab Assistant job openings:

Animal Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Lab Assistant job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,383 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Veterinary Technician at Mid North Animal Hospital

Mid North Animal Hospital

Chicago, IL • On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Practice
Since 1973, Mid North Animal Hospital has been a staple of the Lincoln Park community of Chicago, Illinois, providing comprehensive lifetime veterinary care for your four-legged family members. We are AAHA accredited, cat-friendly, and Fear Free certified.
More about the Role
The Veterinary Technician assists the veterinarians and other technicians with patient care and treatment, monitors hospitalized pets, maintains inventory, prepares prescriptions, performs routine in-house laboratory work, educates clients regarding veterinary care and procedures, and assists with surgical procedures.
Pay $23 - $25
Competencies
  • Patience & Compassion: Remaining professional while still making teammates, clients, and patients feel as comfortable as possible regardless of the situation or challenges presented. Responding quickly and calmly to crisis while maintaining a high standard of patient care.
  • Collaboration & Teamwork: Carefully coordinating actions with veterinarians and practice team members. Providing feedback appropriately and in a timely manner. Quickly incorporating feedback to ensure positive results. Sharing ideas and being open to other's ideas.
  • Communicating: Conveying instructions to clients and teammates to ensure successful patient care.
  • Active Listening: Following the instructions of veterinarians and sometimes patient owners. Picking up the needs of veterinarians and teammates based on prior experiences and feedback.
  • Organization Skills: Clear tracking of lab specimens, medications, patient instructions, workflow, and other job-related items while managing multiple patients and clients.
  • Client Satisfaction: Ensuring all activities and interactions result in the highest level of client satisfaction.

Essential Responsibilities
  • Assist veterinarians in the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery and other tasks as needed.
  • Assist veterinarians in outpatient exams by taking histories, vital signs, and weights, as well as providing client education.
  • Prepare patients for surgery and monitor vital signs of the patient during surgery.
  • Obtain blood, stool, and other samples; perform in-hospital laboratory testing and prepare specimens for outside laboratories.
  • Take, develop, and maintain radiographs following proper safety procedures.
  • Provide basic animal handling and restrain animals during exams.
  • Administer and monitor medications, anesthesia, vaccines, and treatments at the discretion of the veterinarian.
  • Clean and straighten exam rooms, treatment, and lab areas; restock exam rooms with supplies. Assist other team members to keep the public areas of the practice clean; clean and maintain all medical equipment.
  • Demonstrate warmth, courtesy and professionalism in all interactions with clients; exercise compassion and care in all interactions with patients.
  • Communicate with veterinarians and practice team members including client discussions, patient plans, client concerns, etc.
  • Any other duties as assigned.

Requirements/Qualifications
  • Ability to work on weekends as required
  • Previous veterinary experience required
  • Ability to lift patients and carry equipment up to 25 pounds; ability to lift patients or carry equipment over 25 pounds with assistance
  • Practice OSHA safety techniques including proper PPE
  • Basic math and the ability to calculate medication dosages
  • Basic computer skills, familiarity with MS office applications, etc.
  • Strong communication skills to ensure patient safety

Benefits Offered
  • Paid time off
  • Health insurance; dental insurance; vision insurance
  • Retirement benefits or accounts
  • Bonus incentive
  • Flexible work schedules
  • Career and professional development
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Referral Program

Benefits offered may vary depending on full or part time employment status according to company policy.
Pay Range
USD $23.00 - USD $25.00 /Hr.

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