1

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

Position: Lab Assistant II * Location: Elmhurst Hospital 155 E Brush Hill Road Elmhurst, IL ... Minimum one year of previous clinical lab experience * Ability to understand instructions and make ...

Lab Assistant II

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$19.31 - $28/hr

Position: Lab Assistant II * Location: Elmhurst Hospital 155 E Brush Hill Road Elmhurst, IL ... Minimum one year of previous clinical lab experience * Ability to understand instructions and make ...

Culinary Lab Assistant

Joliet, IL · On-site

$15.38 - $17.30/hr

Culinary Lab Assistant POSITION TITLE:Culinary Lab Assistant STATUS:Part time DEPARTMENT: Culinary Arts SUB-DIVISION: Career & Technical Education DIVISION: Academic Affairs CLASSIFICATION: Non ...

Culinary Lab Assistant POSITION TITLE:Culinary Lab Assistant STATUS:Part time DEPARTMENT: Culinary Arts SUB-DIVISION: Career & Technical Education DIVISION: Academic Affairs CLASSIFICATION: Non ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Clinical Lab Assistant information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$14

$27

$72

How much do clinical lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical lab assistant in Chicago, IL is $27.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.81 and $27.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Clinical Lab Assistant, you need a strong background in biology or medical laboratory technology, attention to detail, and typically a certificate or associate degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), specimen processing equipment, and adherence to safety protocols is essential. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, and effective communication help you excel in a fast-paced, accuracy-driven environment. These skills ensure precise sample handling, reliable test results, and smooth laboratory operations, which are critical for patient diagnosis and care.

What is the difference between Clinical Lab Assistant vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectClinical Lab AssistantMedical Laboratory Technician
CertificationsNone required, but certification can enhance prospectsCertification often preferred or required (e.g., ASCP)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, diagnostic labsHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with specimen collection, prepare samples, maintain lab equipmentPerform tests, analyze samples, record results
EducationHigh school diploma or equivalentPost-secondary education (associate degree)

While both roles support laboratory operations, Clinical Lab Assistants mainly assist with specimen handling and preparation, whereas Medical Laboratory Technicians perform detailed testing and analysis. The roles often overlap in work environment and required credentials, but Medical Laboratory Technicians typically have more advanced training and responsibilities.

What is a clinical lab assistant?

A clinical lab assistant works in a medical lab, helping senior researchers to assess, analyze, and discover diseases and other medical issues. The duties of these technicians include inspecting specimens and running routine and specialized tests. They also maintain records, which are used to make reports to doctors or patients. Qualifications for this career include a bachelor’s degree in biology, medical sciences, or a related field, as well as experience or training in a lab setting. Depending on state laws, clinical lab assistants may need certification. Other skills include attention to detail and strong written and verbal communication.

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

Clinical Lab Assistants often work in fast-paced environments where attention to detail is critical, especially when handling multiple samples and processing tests under time constraints. Managing workload efficiently and maintaining accurate records are essential to avoid errors. Communication with laboratory technologists and other healthcare professionals is also key, as it ensures smooth workflow and timely delivery of results. Staying organized, following strict protocols, and proactively seeking clarification when uncertain can help manage these challenges effectively.
More about Clinical Lab Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Lab jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Clinical Lab jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Clinical Lab Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL? For Clinical Lab Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Clinical Lab Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Clinical Lab Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Clinical Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Clinical Lab Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Clinical Lab Assistant job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% 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 $56,188 per year, or $27 per hour.

Lab Assistant - Clinical Lab

Saint Francis Hospital

Evanston, IL • On-site

$18 - $26.07/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Overview
Department: Laboratory
Schedule: Part Time Days and rotating weekends
Facility: Prime Healthcare St Francis Hospital
Location: Evanston, IL
Responsibilities
The Laboratory Assistant will follow the guidelines set by CLIA. Unlicensed laboratory personnel ("aides") may not, read, result, verify or interpret any laboratory test. Unlicensed laboratory personnel may not perform any test involving the quantitative measurement of specimen or reagent, or perform any mathematical calculation in determining a test result or validity of a test procedure. Unlicensed laboratory personnel may not perform instrument calibration or review quality control results to monitor the performance of the instrument or test procedure. Unlicensed personnel require direct and constant supervision by a CLS or other licensed person during the entire time they are assisting in the analytical testing phase.
The Laboratory Assistant: 1) performs computer entry, filing, telephone communication and other clerical duties, 2) demonstrates good telephone etiquette and be able to greet patients and other visitors in a polite and friendly manner, 3) possesses good communication skills, 4) demonstrates adequate knowledge of the terminology of tests ordered in the laboratory, 5) demonstrates a good working knowledge of phlebotomy and the equipment used in collecting specimens from newborns to geriatric patients, 6) processes pathology, microbiology, immunology, hematology, coagulation, urinalysis, chemistry, and blood bank specimens (pre-analytic phase only) 7) processes specimens for reference laboratory, 8) stocks and orders routine supplies, 9) keeps storage areas, trays, centrifuges, and collection areas clean, 10) processes or places specimens on laboratory instruments in accordance with established policy and procedures, 11) with proper documented training the laboratory assistant may perform, instrument preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, assist in quality control procedures, perform, primary culture inoculations, stain slide preparations, and subculture from liquid media, 11) other tasks or responsibilities may be assigned by the department manager/director, i.e. monitor, mail, fax, answer phone, inter departmental deliveries. Etc. 12) Assist in Pathology with training and eval, 13) Runner 14) assist in transcribing of post-analytic results.
Qualifications
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING
1. HS Diploma or Equivalent required.
2. Minimum 1-year clinical laboratory experience performing similar job functions preferred.
3. State Certified as CPT I or CPT II if the laboratory is located in a state where required.
4. Current BLS certificate upon hire and maintain current preferred.
The company is dedicated to empowering its staff with a comprehensive, competitive benefits package, allowing them the freedom to customize their benefits to fit their unique needs. Our abundant resources, programs, and voluntary options serve as a foundation for individual growth and well-being. Learn more here: https://www.primehealthcare.com/benefitsthatmattermost/
Pay Transparency
Saint Francis Hospital offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that provides employees the flexibility to tailor benefits according to their individual needs. Our Total Rewards package includes, but is not limited to, paid time off, a 401K retirement plan, medical, dental, and vision coverage, tuition reimbursement, and many more voluntary benefit options. A reasonable compensation estimate for this role, which includes estimated wages, benefits, and other forms of compensation, is $18.00 to $26.07. The exact starting compensation to be offered will be determined at the time of selecting an applicant for hire, in which a wide range of factors will be considered, including but not limited to, skillset, years of applicable experience, education, credentials and licensure.
Employment Status
Part Time < 60
Shift
Days
Equal Employment Opportunity
Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. Company prohibits discrimination against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (subject to applicable law), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. Know Your Rights: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf