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Lab Associate Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Passionate about precision medicine and advancing the healthcare industry? Recent advancements in underlying technology have finally made it possible for AI to impact clinical care in a meaningful ...

Lab/ Production Technician

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

Associates of Science degree in science, math or engineering preferred. · Experience working in a laboratory with knowledge of GMP, GDP and GLP, and an ability to operate lab equipment with ...

Lab Technician

Alsip, IL · On-site

$25/hr

Associate's degree in a chemical, physical, or biological science or medical lab technology. * Educational equivalent to Associate's degree with at least: * 60 semester hours including 24 semester ...

... Associate degree in a technical field or equivalent hands-on experience • Basic knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems • Ability to read engineering drawings • Experience with lab ...

Materials Lab Technician

Moline, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

Job Title: Materials Lab Technician Location: Moline, IL, 61265 Duration: 35+ Months Job Type ... High school diploma or equivalent required; relevant technical certification or associate degree ...

Quality Lab Leader

La Grange, IL · On-site

$81K - $139K/yr

Summary Manage the lab facilities and associates used for qualification/verification and product analysis testing. Provides technical support and analysis necessary to continually improve the quality ...

Showing results 21-40

Lab Associate information

See Illinois salary details

$12

$21

$33

How much do lab associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab associate in Illinois is $21.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $24.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lab associate?

To thrive as a Lab Associate, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and typically a degree in a science-related field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), standard lab equipment, and relevant safety certifications is often required. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, and effective communication set outstanding candidates apart in this role. These skills ensure accurate data collection, safe lab practices, and efficient support for scientific research or clinical testing.

What is a lab associate?

Lab Associates are professionals who assist in the daily operations of laboratories by performing tasks such as preparing samples, conducting basic experiments, maintaining equipment, and recording data. They typically work under the supervision of scientists or lab managers and help ensure that laboratory procedures are followed safely and accurately. Lab Associates play a crucial role in supporting research and development, quality control, or diagnostic testing in fields like healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and academia. Their responsibilities may vary depending on the specific lab setting and industry.

What is the difference between Lab Associate vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab AssociateLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate degree; certifications varyAssociate degree or relevant certification; similar educational background
Work EnvironmentHospitals, research labs, clinicsMedical labs, research facilities, industrial labs
Job ResponsibilitiesSample collection, data entry, basic testingPerforming tests, maintaining equipment, recording results
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare, research, biotechMedical, industrial, research sectors

Both Lab Associates and Laboratory Technicians work in similar environments and often share educational requirements. The main difference lies in specific job duties, with Laboratory Technicians typically performing more complex tests and equipment maintenance. Understanding these distinctions can help job seekers identify the right role for their skills and career goals.

What are some typical challenges a lab associate might face during day-to-day work, and how can they be addressed?

Lab Associates often encounter challenges such as managing multiple experiments simultaneously, ensuring precise documentation, and maintaining equipment. Staying organized by keeping detailed lab notes and using lab management software can help streamline workflow. Clear communication with team members and supervisors is vital to address any issues promptly and maintain a safe, efficient laboratory environment. Regularly scheduled equipment checks and proactive troubleshooting also contribute to smoother operations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Lab Associate jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Lab Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Lab Associate job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,085 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) - Technical Specialist

NorthShore

Glenview, IL • On-site

$35.16 - $54.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Endeavor Health rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 393 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

347th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Hourly Pay Range:
$35.16 - $54.50 - The hourly pay rate offered is determined by a candidate's expertise and years of experience, among other factors.
Position Highlights:
  • Position: Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) - Technical Specialist
  • Location: Glenbrook Hospital
  • Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
  • Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:30am-3pm, e/o weekend and rotating holidays

What you will do:
  • Able to solve technical and interdepartmental problems related to the various Laboratory areas.
  • Capable of identifying problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of results and taking corrective action or notifying appropriate supervisory personnel.
  • Demonstrated effective communication and organization skills. Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with others, proven initiative and above average job performance.
  • Willingness to assume additional responsibilities of a technical or administrative nature.
  • Ability to work independently and efficiently in a highly organized manner with particular attention to detail.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills. Work closely with Supervisor/Manager.

What you will need:
  • Education: Bachelor's or Associate's degree and the requisite courses to meet CLIA requirements for moderate to high complexity testing.
  • Certification: MT, MLS or MLT (ASCP) or equivalent certification. Ongoing active certification is strongly preferred.
  • Experience: Internal MT/MLS Candidate: Three (3) years of experience including one (1) year at the Senior Lab Associate level at NorthShore. Internal MLT Candidate: Three (3) years of experience as an MT, including one (1) year at the Senior Lab Associate level at NorthShore. External MT/MLS Candidate: Six (6) years experience including two (2) years in a supervisory/technical resource position. External MLT Candidate: Eight (8) years of experience in a healthcare setting of comparable complexity, including two (2) years in a supervisory/technical resource position.
  • Unique or Preferred Skills: Capable of identifying problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of results and taking corrective action or notifying appropriate supervisory personnel. Demonstrated effective communication and organization skills

Benefits:
  • Premium pay such as shift, on call, holiday and more based on an employee's job (For eligible positions)
  • Incentive pay for select positions
  • Opportunity for annual increases based on performance
  • Career Pathways to Promote Professional Growth and Development
  • Various Medical, Dental, Pet and Vision options
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Free Parking
  • Wellness Program Savings Plan
  • Health Savings Account Options
  • Retirement Options with Company Match
  • Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
  • Community Involvement Opportunities

Endeavor Health is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system committed to providing access to quality, vibrant, community-connected care, serving an area of more than 4.2 million residents across six northeast Illinois counties. Our more than 25,000 team members and more than 6,000 physicians aim to deliver transformative patient experiences and expert care close to home across more than 300 ambulatory locations and eight acute care hospitals - Edward (Naperville), Elmhurst, Evanston, Glenbrook (Glenview), Highland Park, Northwest Community (Arlington Heights) Skokie and Swedish (Chicago) - all recognized as Magnet hospitals for nursing excellence. For more information, visit www.endeavorhealth.org.
When you work for Endeavor Health, you will be part of an organization that encourages its employees to achieve career goals and maximize their professional potential.
Please explore our website (www.endeavorhealth.org) to better understand how Endeavor Health delivers on its mission to "help everyone in our communities be their best".
Endeavor Health is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please refer to the main career page for more information.
At Endeavor Health, we are united by a shared commitment to working together to create a culture of connection and belonging-each of us bringing different skills and experiences as we deliver safe, seamless, and personal care. Every person, every time. We are committed to fostering an environment where all team members can be their best, learn, and pursue excellence together.
EOE: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets, VEVRRA Federal Contractor.

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