ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Lab Assistant Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Memorial Health

Lab Services Technician

Beason, IL

$26.56/hr

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Memorial Health

Lab Services Technician

Stonington, IL · On-site

$26.56/hr

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Memorial Health

Lab Services Technician

Elwin, IL

$26.56/hr

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Memorial Health

Lab Services Technician

Latham, IL

$26.56/hr

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Memorial Health

Lab Services Technician

Lake Fork, IL

$26.56/hr

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Memorial Health

Lab Services Technician

Beason, IL

$26.56/hr

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Memorial Health

Lab Services Technician

Maroa, IL

$26.56/hr

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Memorial Health

Lab Services Technician

Latham, IL

$26.56/hr

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Memorial Health

Lab Services Technician

Buffalo, IL · On-site

$26.56/hr

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Memorial Health

Lab Services Technician

Illiopolis, IL

$26.56/hr

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Memorial Health

Lab Services Technician

Boody, IL

$26.56/hr

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Memorial Health

Lab Services Technician

Buffalo, IL

$26.56/hr

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Memorial Health

Lab Services Technician

Oreana, IL · On-site

$26.56/hr

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Memorial Health

Lab Services Technician

Moweaqua, IL

$26.56/hr

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Memorial Health

Lab Services Technician

Forsyth, IL

$26.56/hr

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Memorial Health

Lab Services Technician

Mount Zion, IL

$26.56/hr

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Memorial Health

Lab Services Technician

Moweaqua, IL

$26.56/hr

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLab JobsLab Assistant JobsLab Assistant Jobs in Decatur, IL

Lab Assistant information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$10

$19

$28

How much do lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab assistant in Decatur, IL is $19.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $22.40 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 Decatur, IL? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Assistant jobs in Decatur, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Assistant jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Lab Assistant job openings:
Lab Assistant jobs near you
Lab Services Technician

Lab Services Technician

Memorial Health

Beason, IL

$26.56/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Memorial Health rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 174 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

449th of 886 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Min
USD $17.14/Hr.
Max
USD $26.56/Hr.
Overview
Registers, orders, labels specimens with appropriate barcode labels and receives all lab specimens arriving at MMC Lab for both inpatient, outpatient, and outreach services. Evaluates specimen received verses testing ordered and confirms specimen collection was accurate and specimens are labeled with appropriate patient identifiers. Recognizes critical "stat" specimens compared to routine testing. Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems to ensure billing ins accurate and results are provided to the ordering provider. Embodies the Memorial Health System Performance Excellence Standards of Safety, Courtesy, Quality, and Efficiency that support our mission, vision and values.
Qualifications
Education:
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
Licensure/Certification/Registry:
•
Experience:
•
Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
• Strong organizational skills.
• Basic communication skills required.
• Knowledge of insurance policy numbers and diagnosis coding definitions helpful.
• Knowledge of Medical Terminology.
• Knowledge of laboratory test codes and testing requirements.
• Demonstrate the ability to type and use a keypad.
• Moderate physical effort.
Responsibilities
  1. Interprets, orders, and generates barcode labels from the Lab LIS system and applies labels to appropriate specimen tubes and collection containers. Must be able to interpret many different physician orders and requests to include over 1800 lab tests and select the appropriate orderable code in the Lab LIS system.
  1. Removes biological specimens from biohazard bags including blood, urine, bone marrow, body fluids, and tissue specimens. Understand all different types of collection media, preservatives, and risks of exposure to infectious agents. Handles both infectious A and B substances with appropriate CDC, and IDPH guidelines. Ability to determine if specimen was collected in appropriate collection container and media. Understands steps to resolve collection issues to ensure patient testing is performed or recollected.
  1. Receives all calls arriving in the laboratory from providers, clients, nurses, management, and patients. Logs calls in tracking software, answers all questions pertaining to phlebotomy draws, specimen collection, transport of specimens, provides lab results, supply requests, forensic autopsy cases, and administrative questions. Escalates callers to management or technical departments when necessary if unable to resolve all question
  1. Correctly enters outpatient and non-patient demographic, insurance, and diagnosis information into the hospital registration system, answering all questions in each field and updating any information that is not current. Understands insurance policy numbers and carrier codes including client account versus patient insurance billing. Recognizes valid diagnosis codes and follows appropriate resolution on any noncompliant codes.
  1. Embodies the Memorial Health System Performance Excellence Standards of Safety, Courtesy, Quality, and Efficiency that support our mission, vision and values:
  • SAFETY: Prevent Harm - I put safety first in everything I do. I take action to ensure the safety of others.
  • COURTESY: Serve Others - I treat others with dignity and respect. I project a professional image and positive attitude.
  • QUALITY: Improve Outcomes - I continually advance my knowledge, skills and performance. I work with others to achieve superior results.
  • EFFICIENCY: Reduce Waste - I use time and resources wisely. I prevent defects and delays.
  1. Monitors the printing of physician reports for inpatients and outpatients. Separates lab reports for delivery to the correct ordering provider or client site to ensure providers receive lab results in a timely manner.
  1. Communicates requests for specimen collection to phlebotomists in a timely and appropriate manner. Works closely with phlebotomy staff and managers to organize and facilitate inpatient and outpatient phlebotomy requests.
  1. Inputs all faxed orders into the lab orders database, questioning any illegible order, calls physician's office with clarification of test order and patient demographics and order request (standing or one time). Follows all instructions on provider order including, add on testing and testing cancelations. Understands how to handle a verbal order request from a provider and documents correctly.
  1. Schedules all fine needle aspirates and biopsies as requested by clinicians, ensures a pathologist is dispatched when clinician is ready to perform procedure.
  1. Processes all slide and block requests for internal and external consultations, including preparing appropriate paperwork, requesting material, pathologist review and sign off, shipping, and material returns.
  1. Assists with the preparation of slides and blocks for sendout testing.
  1. Contribute to departmental operations by performing other related duties as may be required and/or assigned.
  2. Monitors the laboratory computer system operations menu to ensure all operations are running and respond to the appropriate prompts to print daily reports. Notify appropriate computer operations staff concerning exceptions.
  1. Maintains and scans patient records according to government regulations and accreditation guidelines.
  1. Ensures that professional and personal activities conform to Memorial Medical Center strategic plan and philosophy regarding the Guest Relation Program.
  1. Performs other related work as required or requested.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

What Memorial Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply