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Lab Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Sarah Bush Lincoln

Lab Assistant

Vandalia, IL · On-site

$16.94 - $26.26/hr

Lab Assistant Lab Assistants are responsible for duties that may include: patient intake order management, specimen collection, specimen flow, point-of-care testing, and assisting scientists ...

Sarahbush

Lab Assistant

Vandalia, IL · On-site

$16.94 - $26.26/hr

Lab Assistant Lab Assistants are responsible for duties that may include: patient intake order management, specimen collection, specimen flow, point-of-care testing, and assisting scientists ...

Geneva School District 304

Reading Lab Assistant

Geneva, IL · On-site

$19.34 - $21.79/hr

Support Staff/Reading Lab Assistant - Middle Schools Date Posted: 6/16/2026 Location: Geneva Middle School North and South FTE: 35 hours per week Starting payrate is $19.34 - $21.79/hour based on ...

Sarah Bush Lincoln

Lab Assistant Processing

Mattoon, IL · On-site

$17.79/hr

Lab Assistant Processing Lab Assistant - Processing ensures proper receipt of specimens and paperwork into the Laboratory. Assists in clinical areas as directed. Department: Lab Hours: PRN (As Needed ...

Sarahbush

$17.79/hr

Lab Assistant Processing Lab Assistant - Processing ensures proper receipt of specimens and paperwork into the Laboratory. Assists in clinical areas as directed. Department: Lab Hours: PRN (As Needed ...

Joliet Junior College

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 ...

JJC Enterprises

Culinary Lab Assistant

Joliet, IL

$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 ...

Joliet Junior College

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 ...

Joliet Junior College

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 ...

Joliet Junior College

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 ...

JJC Enterprises

Culinary Lab Assistant

Joliet, IL

$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 ...

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Lab Assistant information

See Illinois salary details

$10

$19

$28

How much do lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab assistant in Illinois is $19.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.06 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Lab Assistants, and how can they be managed effectively?

Lab Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing multiple tasks under tight deadlines, maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols, and ensuring the accuracy of data collection. To manage these effectively, it's important to stay organized, communicate proactively with supervisors and colleagues, and remain attentive to details when handling samples or preparing equipment. Many labs offer training on safety and procedures, so taking advantage of these resources can help new hires adapt quickly and perform confidently in their roles.

What are lab assistants?

Lab assistants are professionals who support scientists, researchers, or instructors by preparing laboratory equipment, conducting routine experiments, and maintaining a clean and organized work environment. They may also be responsible for recording data, managing supplies, and ensuring that safety protocols are followed. Lab assistants work in various settings, including educational institutions, research facilities, hospitals, and private laboratories.

What Is a Lab Assistant?

As a laboratory assistant or lab technician, you are responsible for helping scientists conduct experiments in a laboratory environment. You may be asked to prepare, clean, and maintain lab equipment and log readings and results. Your responsibilities may also include performing basic analyses of samples and recording results accurately. Your responsibilities will vary based on the type of lab you work in, but compliance with protocols and commitment to safety and accuracy are critical in any lab.

How much does a lab assistant get paid?

Lab assistants typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the specific industry or laboratory setting. Entry-level positions may pay closer to the lower end, while experienced lab assistants or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages.

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

To thrive as a Lab Assistant, you need a basic understanding of laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and often an associate degree or relevant coursework in science. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), standard lab equipment, and proper sample handling techniques is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate results, maintain lab safety standards, and support smooth laboratory operations.

What qualifications do I need to be a lab assistant?

Lab assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring postsecondary education or certifications in laboratory procedures or safety. Relevant skills include attention to detail, basic knowledge of laboratory equipment, and the ability to follow safety protocols. Some roles may also require familiarity with specific tools or software used in labs.

What exactly does a lab assistant do?

A lab assistant supports laboratory operations by preparing experiments, maintaining equipment, recording data, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. They often work under supervision, use tools like microscopes and lab instruments, and may need basic knowledge of laboratory procedures and safety standards.

Which lab job pays the most?

In laboratory settings, senior roles such as Laboratory Managers or Principal Investigators tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $80,000 annually. Positions requiring advanced degrees, specialized skills, or extensive experience generally offer higher pay compared to entry-level lab assistant roles.

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

AspectLab AssistantMedical Laboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate degree in medical laboratory technology or related field
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, research labsHospitals, diagnostic labs, healthcare facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with sample collection, prepare specimens, maintain lab equipmentPerform complex tests, analyze samples, report results
Industry UsageCommonly used in healthcare and research settingsPrimarily in medical diagnostics and healthcare

While both roles support laboratory operations, Medical Laboratory Technicians perform more advanced testing and require specialized education. Lab Assistants typically handle basic tasks and support lab staff, making them entry-level positions in healthcare labs.

More about Lab Assistant jobs
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 Lab Assistant jobs in Illinois? For Lab Assistant jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Assistant jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Assistant jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Lab Assistant jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Lab Assistant job openings:
Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Assistant job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,809 per year, or $19.6 per hour.
Lab Assistant

Lab Assistant

Sarah Bush Lincoln

Vandalia, IL • On-site

$16.94 - $26.26/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Sarah Bush Lincoln rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

191st of 882 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Internal Employees: Please ensure that you are logged into Workday and applying through the Jobs Hub before proceeding.
Lab Assistant
Job Description
Lab Assistants are responsible for duties that may include: patient intake order management, specimen collection, specimen flow, point-of-care testing, and assisting scientists, technologists or technicians in clinical areas as directed.
Hours vary
Pay based on experience starting at $16.94
Responsibilities
Collects throat, nasal, and nasopharyngeal swabs using appropriate procedures and supplies., Evaluates orders to perform appropriate specimen collection per providers' orders. Checks orders for accuracy., Instruct patients on the proper way to collect specimens., Maintains work areas in a neat and orderly fashion; cleans, decontaminates counters and drawing stations on every shift, and empties sharps disposal containers., Monitors pending collection log and handles any unresolved specimen issues. Communicates with other shifts about pending specimens needing collected., Order lab tests accurately in the lab program., Performs phlebotomy techniques - via venipuncture and capillary puncture - using appropriate procedures and supplies including site selection, order of draw, and test requirements., Performs specimen procurement and receives specimens collected., Takes inventory and re-stocks phlebotomy trays, chairs and cabinets, and orders supplies as needed. Assists in putting away supplies when orders are received., Utilizes safety tools for patient identification and specimen labeling, including verbal interaction with patients to validate and verify accuracy of information. Assist registration in verifying and correcting patient information.
Requirements
High School (Required)BLS or CPR certification (within 90 days of hire) - Sarah Bush Lincoln
Compensation
Estimated Compensation Range
$16.94 - $26.26
Pay based on experience

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