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Coffee Lab Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

North Central College

Catering Student Worker

Naperville, IL · On-site

$14 - $15.75/hr

Keep an accurate inventory of catering supplies and report needs to the Coffee Lab staff and faculty advisors. Promote coffee service through in-person visits with department chairs, relevant staff ...

North Central College

Catering Student Worker

Naperville, IL · On-site

$14 - $15.75/hr

Keep an accurate inventory of catering supplies and report needs to the Coffee Lab staff and faculty advisors. Promote coffee service through in-person visits with department chairs, relevant staff ...

Danaher

Facilities and EHS Manager

Deer Park, IL

$84K - $114K/yr

... g. coffee, snacks,copiers, and shared equipment, ensuring common areas, training rooms, and ... Support the demo lab operationsby ensuring demo laboratories meet cleanliness, safety ...

Danaher

Facilities and EHS Manager

Deer Park, IL · On-site

... coffee, snacks, copiers, and shared equipment, ensuring common areas, training rooms, and ... Support the demo lab operations by ensuring demo laboratories meet cleanliness, safety ...

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All JobsCoffee Lab JobsCoffee Lab Jobs in Chicago, IL

Coffee Lab information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$26

$46

How much do coffee lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for coffee lab in Chicago, IL is $26.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.81 and $28.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in a coffee lab, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in a coffee lab often face challenges such as maintaining consistency in cupping and sensory evaluations, managing sample inventory, and adapting to evolving quality standards. Working closely with other team members, such as roasters and quality assurance staff, is essential to ensure accurate results and continuous improvement. Staying organized, participating in regular calibration sessions, and keeping up with industry trends can help address these challenges and contribute to both personal and team success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Coffee Lab Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Coffee Lab Technician, you need a solid understanding of coffee science, sensory analysis, and quality control, often supported by experience in coffee roasting or a related certification (e.g., SCA Coffee Skills Program). Familiarity with laboratory equipment, cupping protocols, and data management systems is commonly required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication help ensure consistency and collaboration within the team. These skills are essential to maintain high product standards, drive innovation, and support continuous improvement in coffee quality.

What is a Coffee Lab?

A Coffee Lab is a specialized facility dedicated to the analysis, testing, and development of coffee products. These labs are used by coffee producers, roasters, and quality control professionals to evaluate coffee beans for attributes such as flavor, aroma, acidity, and consistency. Coffee Labs often conduct cupping sessions, research new brewing methods, and ensure quality standards are met throughout the coffee supply chain. They play a key role in maintaining high-quality coffee and supporting innovation in the industry.

What is the difference between Coffee Lab vs Barista?

AspectCoffee LabBarista
CredentialsOften requires specialized training or certifications in coffee scienceTypically requires basic barista training or no formal certification
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, coffee testing facilities, or specialty coffee shopsRetail coffee shops, cafes, or restaurants
Industry UsageUsed in coffee research, quality control, and product developmentCustomer service, beverage preparation, and sales
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in coffee quality and researchLearning about customer-facing coffee service roles

While a Coffee Lab focuses on coffee research, testing, and quality control, a Barista primarily prepares and serves coffee beverages to customers. Both roles are essential in the coffee industry but differ significantly in responsibilities, work environment, and required credentials.

What are the most commonly searched types of Coffee Lab jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Coffee Lab jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Coffee Lab jobs in Chicago, IL? For Coffee Lab jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Coffee Lab jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Coffee Lab jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Coffee Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Coffee Lab job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,099 per year, or $26 per hour.

Coffee Lab Graduate Assistant

North Central College

Naperville, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Posting Number
GA000133
Position Title
Coffee Lab Graduate Assistant
Position ID
GA-COFFEE-LAB
Department
School of Business & Entrepreneurship
Division
Academic Affairs
Supervisor
Amy Rogers
Supervisor Title
MGR-COFFEELAB
Description of Job Duties
Position Summary:
The Coffee Lab Graduate Assistant helps manage the state-of-the-art Coffee Lab at North Central College. It is a faculty-student-partner collaboration that focuses on direct trade, relationship-based social enterprises and provides a distinct educational model and business opportunity that serves the campus and community. Building on the work of Enactus and their coffee business, the Coffee Lab provides roasting services, private and public coffee classes, coffee tastings, coffee brewing, and other events and trainings. Through these offerings, students, faculty, alumni, and community members collaborate to provide rich experiential learning opportunities.
Essential Functions:
- Support the vision for the North Central College Coffee Lab, as set by the Coffee Lab Advisory Board, to operate this signature, high-impact, experiential learning opportunity through a student-run business that supports the College's strategic plan.
- Perform and manage roasting operations including but not limited to assisting with acquiring green beans, green bean room management, roast profile development, roasting, roaster cleaning and basic maintenance, and bean inventory.
- Perform weekly bookkeeping tasks including but not limited to invoicing. (Primarily in year two of the position.)
- Develop and implement programming focused around coffee and related products for both the NCC and external community with the assistance of The Coffee Lab Manager, CLAB members, and students.
- Provide support for operational management and programmatic execution for all additional aspects of the Coffee Lab, including brewing, packaging, tours, events, and student staffing
- Be available to oversee and/or assist with immediate needs or equipment issues that arise.
- Engage with the Enactus student organization around Coffee Lab activities.
- Advance the principles of social entrepreneurship and social justice through the Coffee Lab, both through operations and communications. Widely share the story of the Coffee Lab through relevant networks to raise the College's profile.
- Flexibility to take on other job-related duties as assigned.
Do the job duties for this position have any potential exposure to student records?
No
Do the job duties for this position include any driving requirements?
Yes
Will this position be working with minors?
No
Job Qualifications
Job Qualifications
- Accepted into a graduate program at North Central College.
- Ability to manage ongoing projects and provide direct service to students.
- Advanced skills using MS Office Suite, specifically Excel.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, interpersonal, and analytical skills.
- Excellent time management skills.
- Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
- Food Manager Certification required but can be obtained during the first 60 days. (If not already certified, course and exams fees will be covered by the college.)
- Ability to work flexible hours in limited circumstances including evenings and weekends.
- Roasting experience is not required but an eagerness to learn and a genuine interest in the coffee industry is.
Approximate number of work hours per week
20 hours per week during the academic year, excluding academic breaks
New or Replacement?
Replacement
If replacement, person(s) being replaced
Posting Detail Information
EEO Statement
North Central College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. NCC provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please notify the Office of Human Resources at 630-637-5757 or humanresources@hr.noctrl.edu
Determinations for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Open Date
12/12/2025
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes

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