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Entry Level Lab Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Media Technician

Niles, IL · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Our lab location in Niles, IL is hiring a full-time, entry-level Media Tech (40 hours/week). We offer a competitive salary based upon knowledge and experience. This position includes full health ...

Phlebotomist

Crown Point, IN · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Records proper lot numbers of all controls, calibrator, and reagents for waived lab tests ... entry level and requires 0-3 years experience. -High school diploma or equivalent is recommended.

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Lab information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$13

$24

$52

How much do entry level lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab in Chicago, IL is $24.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.36 and $26.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level lab?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an entry level lab technician?

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 are 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 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.

How to get started working in an entry level lab?

To start working in an entry level lab, obtain relevant education such as a high school diploma or associate degree in a science-related field. Gaining basic laboratory skills, familiarity with lab equipment, and certifications like OSHA safety training can improve your chances; some positions may also require background checks and on-the-job training.

Is it hard to get a job in an entry level lab?

Securing an entry level lab position can be competitive, but having relevant education such as a high school diploma or associate degree, along with basic laboratory skills and certifications like OSHA training, can improve chances. Entry level lab jobs often require attention to detail, familiarity with lab equipment, and the ability to follow safety protocols, making some positions more accessible to new applicants than others.

What career paths start in an entry level lab?

Entry level lab positions often serve as stepping stones to careers in scientific research, quality control, laboratory management, or specialized fields such as microbiology, chemistry, or biomedical sciences. Gaining experience in lab techniques, data analysis, and certifications like OSHA or CLIA can help advance to technician, research associate, or laboratory supervisor roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Lab jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Lab jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Lab jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Entry Level Lab jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Entry Level Lab job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 11% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,558 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Radiology Technologist - Cardiac Cath Lab

Advocate Aurora Health

Elgin, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provide competent, proficient, technical support during diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterization procedures.

  • Provide patient care specific to procedural requirements and patient needs under supervision.

  • Support and educate patients, families, and healthcare team members.


Advocate Aurora Health rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 781 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

192nd of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Department:
36943 Advocate Sherman Hospital - Interventional Platform
Status:
Full time
Benefits Eligible:
Yes
Hours Per Week:
40
Schedule Details/Additional Information:
Monday - Friday working 8-hour shifts (7am-3:30pm).
8-11 days of call per month (Including weekends and holidays).
Pay Range:
$38.20 - $57.30
$10,000 sign-on bonus eligible!
Major Responsibilities:
  • The Cardiovascular Invasive Special Procedures Tech provides competent, proficient, technical support during diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterization procedures, implementing procedural standards and protocols.
  • The Cardiovascular Invasive Special Procedures Tech provides patient care specific to procedural requirements and patient needs (under the supervision of physicians and Cath Lab nursing personnel) within established departmental policies for scope of practice.
  • The Cardiovascular Invasive Special Procedures Tech provides support and education to patients, families, and other healthcare team members.
  • The Cardiovascular Invasive Special Procedures Tech maintains a safe, organized and efficient work environment.
  • The Cardiovascular Invasive Special Procedures Tech demonstrates the ability to interact and cooperate with all customers.
  • The Cardiovascular Invasive Special Procedures Tech maintains professional growth, self-development objectives, and skill enhancement.
  • The Cardiovascular Invasive Special Procedures Tech demonstrates a commitment to the organization by supporting and adapting to changes consistent with operating goals.

Education/Experience Required:
  • New RT Graduates will be considered for employment if a position is open and if the following requirements are met: • Solid academic standing • Student demonstrates a desire to learn and is self-motivated and self-directed • Letter of recommendation from instructor • Employee must take RT Boards (Registry Exam) within 6 months of graduation in order to continue employment in the Cardiac Cath Lab • Employee will start at the base salary entry level of this position range Experienced RT: • Must be a graduate of an accreditated School of Radiology • Must have a minimum of 2 years interventional procedural experience

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:
  • Experienced Level: Intermediate computer skills, film-processing skills, hemodynamic interpretation skills, basic patient assessment skills, IV therapy skills. New Grads will require educational classes to acquire the above skills. Knowledge of radiographic imaging and radiation safety.
  • Current RT license in State of Illinois and current AART registry. BCLS certification.

Physicial Requirements and Working Conditions:
  • Ability to work staggered 8-10 hour shifts. Ability to take call. Ability to work under stressful conditions and difficult situations. Exposed to blood and body fluids. Exposed to radiation. Ability to assist patients in transfer. Ability to perform lifting, pulling, and pushing activities related to patient positioning/transfer and stocking of supplies.
  • If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.
Our Commitment to You:
Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more - so you can live fully at and away from work, including:
Compensation
  • Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
  • Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job
  • Incentive pay for select positions
  • Opportunity for annual increases based on performance

Benefits and more
  • Paid Time Off programs
  • Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
  • Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave
  • Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
  • Educational Assistance Program

Note: Eligibility for programs listed above may depend on your FTE or status (e.g., full-time, part-time, per diem, temporary, etc.); please ask a Recruiter for more information during an interview.
About Advocate Health
Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation's largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.

What Advocate Aurora Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Advocate Health logo

About Advocate Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Advocate Healthcare, based in Oak Lawn, Illinois, United States, is a leading figure in the health care industry. Accessible via their official website, 'advocatehealth.com', this organization provides a wide variety of medical services and treatment options. Founded in 1995 through a merger of Evangelical Health Systems Corporation and Lutheran General HealthSystem, Advocate Healthcare has grown exponentially over the years. Now, it operates more than 400 sites of care, including 12 hospitals that encompass 11 acute care hospitals, the state’s largest integrated children’s network, five Level I trauma centers, and three Level II trauma centers. Upholding their values of equality, compassion, excellence, partnership and stewardship, Advocate Healthcare's mission is centered on building lifelong relationships with patients by delivering the best health outcomes and highest level of service through an integrated approach to care and wellness.

Industry

Hospitals and health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US