ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Lab Assistant Jobs in Highland, IL (NOW HIRING)

Hshs

Lab Assistant

Highland, IL · On-site

$18.50 - $26.83/hr

Elizabeth's Hospital is looking for a Lab Assistant to join our Team. The successful candidate will be responsible for performing various assigned duties in the areas of specimen collection, handling ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLab JobsLab Assistant JobsLab Assistant Jobs in Highland, IL

Lab Assistant information

See Highland, IL salary details

$9

$18

$27

How much do lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab assistant in Highland, IL is $18.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $21.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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.

How much does a lab assistant get paid?

Lab assistants typically earn between $25,000 and $40,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the specific industry or laboratory setting. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages. Pay can also vary based on full-time or part-time status and the complexity of tasks performed.

What exactly does a lab assistant do?

A lab assistant supports laboratory operations by preparing samples, maintaining equipment, recording data, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. They often work under the supervision of scientists or technicians and may need knowledge of lab procedures and basic scientific techniques.

What qualifications do I need to be a lab assistant?

To become a lab assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require postsecondary education or relevant coursework in science. Basic knowledge of laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and familiarity with lab equipment are important. Certifications such as OSHA safety training can also be beneficial.
More about Lab Assistant jobs

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

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

What cities near Highland, IL are hiring for Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities near Highland, IL with the most Lab Assistant job openings:

Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Assistant job openings in Highland, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,817 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Lab Assistant

Highland, IL • On-site

Hshs
See more jobs at Hshsexternal

$18.50 - $26.83/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Pay Range:

$18.50 - $26.83

A successful candidate's actual pay rate will be based on several factors including relevant experience, skills, training, certifications and education.

HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital is looking for a Lab Assistant to join our Team. The successful candidate will be responsible for performing various assigned duties in the areas of specimen collection, handling and processing, order entry, and customer service to deliver accurate test results to the medical staff for their use in the diagnosis and treatment of patient illness. Will train the right fit.
Position Specifics:
Department: Laboratory
Core Function: Laboratory
Schedule: Full-Time / 40 hours/week, Monday - Friday, 8 hour days
Facility: Highland - St. Joseph's Hospital
Location: Highland, IL
Compensation: Compensation that aligns with your experience


Education Qualifications

  • High school diploma or G.E.D. is required.

Experience Qualifications

  • 1 year of laboratory experience is preferred.

Certifications, Licenses and Registrations

  • N/A

Job Description

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Throughout communities in Illinois and Wisconsin, 13 hospitals, numerous community-based health centers and clinics, our 13,000+ colleagues have built a culture based on our solid core values of respect, care, competence, and joy. These are the ideals we believe in, work by, and live each day.


Built upon more than 145 years of service to the communities we serve, we now look to the future and our place in it as a healthcare system that strives to continually improve processes, procedures, and outcomes with the latest and most advanced technologies and treatments.


Regardless of how far our passion for excellence carries us, our focus will always remain on the most important person in our entire organization: The patient.


Benefits: HSHS provides a benefits package designed to support the overall well-being of our colleagues including their physical, emotional, financial, spiritual, and work health. Colleagues budgeted to work at least 32 hours per pay period are eligible for HSHS benefits.

  • Comprehensive and affordable health coverage includes medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage for full-time and part-time colleagues.
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) combines vacation, sick, and personal days into one balance to allow you the flexibility to use your time off as you need.
  • Retirement benefits including HSHS
    contributions.
  • Education Assistance benefits include up to $5,250 of educational assistance each calendar year and tuition discounts to select colleges with no waiting period.
  • Adoption Assistance provides financial support up to $7,500 for colleagues growing their families through adoption to reimburse application and legal fees, transportation, and more!
  • Other benefits include: Wellness program with incentives, employer-paid life insurance and short-term and long-term disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance program, ID theft coverage, colleague rewards and recognition program, discount program, and more!

Benefits


HSHS and affiliates is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).


HSHS is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce.

Notice Regarding Potential Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Hiring Process

Hospital Sisters may use automated tools, including artificial intelligence or machine-learning technologies, to assist with certain administrative aspects of the recruitment process. These tools may help our recruiting team organize applications, search for resumes, identify qualifications reflected in application materials, and facilitate communications or scheduling with applicants.

Information used by these tools may include materials you provide during the application process, such as your resume, work history, education, qualifications, and responses to application questions.

These tools are used only to support our recruiting process. Hiring decisions are made by HSHS personnel, and automated tools do not make employment decisions on behalf of HSHS.

Applicants who have questions about this notice or who require a reasonable accommodation or alternative evaluation method may contact HSHS Human Resources at Contact@hshs.org

Apply