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

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How much do entrylevel lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for entrylevel 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 the difference between Entrylevel Lab Assistant vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectEntrylevel Lab AssistantLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationAssociate's degree or certification in laboratory technology
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, research labs, educational institutionsMedical labs, research facilities, industrial labs
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with sample collection, prepare specimens, maintain lab equipmentPerform tests, analyze samples, record data, operate lab instruments

While both roles support laboratory operations, Entrylevel Lab Assistants typically focus on sample handling and equipment prep, requiring minimal formal education. Laboratory Technicians perform more complex testing and analysis, often needing specialized training or certification. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right role based on their skills and qualifications.

What are popular job titles related to Entrylevel Lab Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL? For Entrylevel Lab Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entrylevel Lab Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Entrylevel Lab Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Entrylevel Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Entrylevel Lab Assistant job openings:
Entrylevel Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entrylevel Lab Assistant job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,383 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Lab Research Assistant 1 - Orthopedic Surgery

Rush University Medical Center

Chicago, IL

$18.87 - $26.66/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Rush University Medical Center rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 109 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

117th of 1,055 rated hospitals

Job description

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Business Unit: Rush Medical Center

Hospital: Rush University Medical Center

Department: Orthopedic Surgery-Res Adm

Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0. 9 and 1. 0)

Shift: Shift 1

Work Schedule: 8 Hr (8:00:00 AM - 4:00:00 PM)

Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits learn more at our Rush benefits page (https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits).

Pay Range: $18.87 - $26.66 per hour
Rush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data. The pay range for each role reflects Rush’s anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.

Summary:
The Lab Research Assistant 1 performs laboratory support tasks and entry-level scientific procedures under direct supervision. The Lab Research Assistant 1 prepares materials, processes samples, records basic data, and maintains clean and organized workspaces. This position is designed to develop foundational laboratory skills while supporting the daily operations of the research team.
Exemplifies the Rush mission, vision and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures.

Required Job Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
Experience: 1 year of laboratory experience
Experience (in lieu of a degree): 2 years of laboratory experience
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
•Knowledge of both basic and specialized laboratory instruments and software programs
•Proficiency in standard experimental design
•Knowledge and demonstration of good laboratory practice, principles and application
•Attention to detail and accuracy
•Effective oral and written communication
•Strong analytic skills
Preferred Job Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
Experience: 1 Year laboratory experience in an academic, healthcare, or research environment
Physical Demands:
•Requires effective use of fine motor skills for pipetting, microscopy, properly donning and doffing lab PPE, and data entry tasks
•Requires good vision and manual dexterity to accurately handle lab instruments, record data, and operate computerized systems
•Frequently stands or walks during labs and may occasionally lift or carry items (e.g., reagent trays, small sample containers) up to 25 lbs
•Must work safely in environments containing chemicals, biological samples, or equipment with minimal physical strain

Job Responsibilities:
•Perform basic laboratory techniques such as pipetting, weighing, or centrifugation under supervision
•Clean and restock workstations, shared tools, and lab supplies in accordance with safety and contamination prevention procedures
•Operate standard lab equipment (e.g., balances, microscopes, water baths, autoclave sterilizer) after training and document usage
•Observe and practice laboratory safety protocols, including proper PPE use and chemical handling procedures
•Label, store, and log biological specimens (e.g., fluids, tissue, slides, cells) according to assigned protocols
•Assist in receiving shipments, unpacking supplies, and updating inventory logs
•Accurately record preparation steps, procedural notes, or results in laboratory notebooks or data systems as instructed
•May assist with basic training for Lab Technicians
•Attend lab meetings and shadow senior team members to learn lab procedures and study goals
•Ask clarifying questions and seek feedback to improve skills and contribute to team productivity
•Prepare solutions, buffers, and basic reagents by following detailed instructions and measurement guidelines

Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

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