ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Lab Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

AdientOne Consulting

Lab Technician |

Decatur, IL · On-site

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

The entry level position is designed to train the new technician on one of the four (4) analytical ... Demonstrate sufficient math skills to perform calculations associated with lab testing

Kraft Heinz

Class C

Champaign, IL

$22.73/hr

Poor lab technique and errors can result in substantial product loss with a high financial impact to the facility. Losses as mentioned above can amount to thousands of dollars. LIFTING REQUIREMENTS:

Hematogenix

Accessioning Technician

Tinley Park, IL · On-site

Provide customer service to clients, patients, and support within the lab. * Other duties as assigned. Experience and Education: * Bachelors Degree Preferred. * Personal computer and data entry ...

Hematogenix

Accessioning Technician

Tinley Park, IL · On-site

Provide customer service to clients, patients, and support within the lab. * Other duties as assigned. Experience and Education: * Bachelors Degree Preferred. * Personal computer and data entry ...

TekWissen LLC

Materials Lab Technician

Moline, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

Job Title: Materials Lab Technician Location: Moline, IL, 61265 Duration: 35+ Months Job Type ... * Entry level Engineers that are comfortable being hands on, would be a good target. Local ...

Actalent

Lab Technician

Libertyville, IL

$22 - $25/hr

Lab Technician - 1st Shift (Entry-Level Friendly) Start Your Career in a Cutting-Edge Medical Device Lab Are you a recent science graduate--or early in your career--and eager to apply your knowledge ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLab JobsEntry Level Lab JobsEntry Level Lab Jobs in Illinois

Entry Level Lab information

See Illinois salary details

$12

$23

$48

How much do entry level lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab in Illinois is $23.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $25.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level lab job?

An entry level lab job typically refers to a position in a laboratory setting that requires minimal prior experience or specialized education beyond a high school diploma or associate degree. Employees in these roles assist with basic laboratory tasks such as preparing samples, performing routine tests, maintaining equipment, and recording data under the supervision of more experienced staff. These positions are often a starting point for a career in science, healthcare, or research, providing valuable hands-on experience and exposure to laboratory protocols and safety procedures.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level lab technicians, and how can they be overcome?

Entry-level lab technicians often face challenges such as adjusting to strict safety protocols, managing multiple tasks efficiently, and becoming familiar with laboratory equipment and procedures. To overcome these hurdles, it's important to actively participate in training sessions, ask questions when unsure, and maintain a well-organized workspace. Building strong communication with senior technicians and supervisors can also help in gaining confidence and improving technical skills over time.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Lab Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Lab Technician, you need a basic understanding of laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and typically an associate degree or relevant certification in a scientific field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data entry systems, and software like LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) is commonly required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication help you stand out in this role. These skills are vital for ensuring accurate results, maintaining safety standards, and supporting efficient laboratory operations.

What is the difference between Entry Level Lab vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectEntry Level LabLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate's degreeAssociate's degree or relevant certification
Work EnvironmentEducational, research, or clinical labsMedical, industrial, or research labs
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, research facilitiesHospitals, biotech companies, industrial labs
Common Search & ComparisonEntry Level Lab vs Laboratory Technician

Entry Level Lab roles typically require basic education and involve assisting in lab tasks within educational or research settings. Laboratory Technicians often have similar credentials but may perform more specialized or technical duties in medical or industrial labs. Both roles serve as foundational positions in laboratory environments, with Laboratory Technicians generally having more hands-on responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Lab jobs in Illinois? For Entry Level Lab jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Lab jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Lab jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Entry Level Lab jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Entry Level Lab job openings:
Entry Level Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,499 per year, or $23.3 per hour.
Lab Technician (Optical) M-F 3:30pm-12:30am

Lab Technician (Optical) M-F 3:30pm-12:30am

ABB Optical Group

Wood River, IL • On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

ABB Optical Group rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Optical Lab Technician
JOB SUMMARY AND OBJECTIVE
The Lab Technician is responsible for the timely, efficient, and accurate processing of products in the Digital Eye Lab (DEL). Lab Technicians will be assigned one core function, where he/she will work the predominant portion of their daily work schedule, as well as be expected to perform work in additional function(s) as business needs dictate.
An entry level Lab Technician position requires training to enable employees to perform the minimum key responsibilities identified by their respective lab/department; A proficient Lab Technician is an employee who has undergone a skills assessment after six (6) months of service and is able to perform
all applicable key responsibilities identified by their respective lab/department.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (as applicable)
  • Use a tracing machine to measure frame; Print and match paperwork to corresponding trays; Read job ticket to determine the location of lens needed and pull from bin placing correctly in tray; Deliver tray to appropriate location to be scanned, verified and re-boxed
  • Invoice and package finished jobs; scan and bin jobs into proper customer box to be shipped
  • Sort and receive frames into system placing frames in appropriate colored trays
  • Secure optical lens / blanks in holding tools for generating, polishing, and coating; Operate equipment and clear machine errors; Maintain tools for production equipment
  • Operate finishing equipment and clear out machine errors; Mount, secure and align finished lens in frames using precision hand tools;
  • Edge lens appropriately so that lens can be inserted into frames
  • Place lens in lens holder and tint to specified color; Mark lenses appropriately to achieve proper tint axis; Change tint colors as needed
  • Unload lens into lens trays; Mark and inspect lenses; Sort and pre- inspect lenses and operate AR coating machines
  • Remove processed surfaced lenses from alloy block at end of surfacing process and reclaim the alloy in a reclaim tank
  • Inspect lens blank to detect surface flaws; Examine prescriptions & work orders according to standards using precision instruments; Wash and clean lenses and eyeglasses using cloths and solvents; Perform cosmetic inspection
  • Work daily toward meeting production expectations set by management
  • Always perform and comply with all job functions according to documented standard operating procedures
  • Meet or exceed established performance thresholds in all core and secondary job functions
  • Report all known product, process, and/or reporting defects and inefficiencies to supervisory personnel
  • Participate in team, department, and company-wide meetings as scheduled; Actively participate in team discussions and provide feedback to maintain and improve the work environment
  • Ensure that work area is clean and organized and prepared for the next shift with all items in their designated locations
  • Utilize proper handling techniques and equipment to minimize damages and reduce injuries
  • Follow and uphold all OSHA and company safety guidelines, policies, and regulations
  • Other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBLITIES
None
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Qualifications
  • Entry-level: No specific prior work experience required
  • Ability to follow procedure and contribute as an individual and a team member
  • Proficient: Minimum six (6) months experience in same or similar position prior to skills assessment to determine proficiency

Desired Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Prior experience in a warehouse or manufacturing environment
  • Computer literate
  • Attention to Detail

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, bend, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus are required.
EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK
Full-time employees typically work forty (40) hours a week and are scheduled eight (8) hours per day over five (5) days; Part-time employees typically work a reduced schedule that is less than thirty (30) hours per week. Overtime is routinely expected.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The work environment is a climate-controlled manufacturing facility with moderate noise.
TRAVEL
Travel for this position would be minimal if at all.
For US Candidates
Compensation Range
The anticipated base pay range for this position is $15.00 to $17.00. This represents the good-faith estimate of the compensation range at the time of posting.
Actual Pay will be based on job-related factors, which may include:
  • Geographic location
  • Relevant experience
  • Education and qualifications
  • Job-related skills
  • Internal equity considerations
  • Applicable minimum wage laws

This position may also be eligible for a bonus and/or commission plan, subject to the terms of the applicable plan.
Benefits
Depending on eligibility and position, employees and/or eligible dependents may participate in Company-sponsored benefit programs, which may include:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Life and group life insurance
  • Voluntary supplemental life insurance
  • Supplemental health benefits (critical illness, hospital, accident)
  • Short- and long-term disability
  • Paid family leave (where applicable by state law)
  • 401(k) plan
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Eyewear discounts

Time-Off Benefits
Eligible U.S. employees receive the following time-off benefits (subject to Company policy and applicable state/local laws):
  • Paid vacation and/or sick time
  • Paid holidays
  • Birthday PTO

(Some states require front-loaded sick leave; others accrue. The Company will comply with all applicable local requirements.)
Accessibility and Accommodations
Upon request and consistent with applicable law, ABB Optical will provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application and hiring process.
To request an accommodation, please email HR@abboptical.com and include your name and contact information so we can follow up promptly.
Equal Opportunity Employer
ABB Optical is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.
International Candidates
The compensation and benefits information in this posting applies to candidates hired in the United States. Candidates hired outside the United States will receive compensation and benefits aligned with their local market.
ABB Optical is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
The compensation and benefits information set forth in this posting applies to candidates hired in the United States. Candidates hired outside the United States will be eligible for compensation and benefits in accordance with their local market.
ABB031

What ABB Optical Group employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply