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Lab Courier Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Labcorp is seeking a Courier II to join our team in Itasca, IL Work Schedule: Monday - Friday- will ... Handle all specimens and lab samples in safe and efficient manner * Safely operate company vehicle ...

Senior Service Representative

Itasca, IL · On-site

$17.75 - $26/hr

Labcorp is seeking a Courier II to join our team in Itasca, IL Work Schedule: Monday - Friday- will ... Handle all specimens and lab samples in safe and efficient manner * Safely operate company vehicle ...

Facilities and EHS Manager

Deer Park, IL · On-site

$84K - $114K/yr

... inbound and outbound courier shipments and U.S.and internationalmail ... Support the demo lab operationsby ensuring demo laboratories meet cleanliness, safety ...

... courier shipments and U.S. and international mail, while maintaining accurate records to ensure the ... Support the demo lab operations by ensuring demo laboratories meet cleanliness, safety ...

Showing results 21-40

Lab Courier information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$13

$17

$20

How much do lab courier jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab courier in Chicago, IL is $17.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.12 and $18.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lab courier?

Lab couriers are professionals responsible for transporting medical specimens, laboratory samples, and important documents between healthcare facilities, laboratories, and clinics. They ensure that these items are delivered safely, securely, and within required timeframes, often following strict protocols to maintain sample integrity. Lab couriers may also handle sensitive or hazardous materials and must adhere to health and safety regulations during transportation. Their role is vital in supporting timely diagnostic testing and patient care.

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

To thrive as a Lab Courier, you need a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and a strong understanding of safe specimen handling procedures. Familiarity with route optimization software, barcode scanners, and basic data entry systems is typically required. Reliability, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help ensure timely and accurate deliveries while maintaining chain of custody. These skills are crucial for safeguarding specimen integrity and supporting efficient laboratory operations.

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

Lab Couriers often encounter challenges such as managing tight delivery schedules, maintaining the integrity of sensitive specimens, and navigating traffic or adverse weather conditions. To manage these effectively, strong organizational skills and attention to detail are essential, as is familiarity with proper specimen handling protocols and chain-of-custody procedures. Communication with laboratory staff and dispatchers is also crucial to quickly address any delays or issues, ensuring timely and safe deliveries. Many employers provide training and resources to help couriers stay compliant with health and safety regulations.

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

AspectLab CourierMedical Laboratory Technician
Required CredentialsNo formal certification typically requiredCertification or associate degree often required
Work EnvironmentTransporting specimens between labs, hospitals, clinicsProcessing and analyzing lab samples in a lab setting
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, labs, courier servicesMedical labs, hospitals, clinics
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for specimen transport rolesCompared for lab testing and analysis roles

The main difference is that a Lab Courier primarily transports specimens between locations and typically does not require formal lab training, while a Medical Laboratory Technician processes and analyzes lab samples, often needing certification or an associate degree. Both roles are essential in healthcare but serve different functions within the industry.

How to become a laboratory courier?

To become a laboratory courier, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver's license, and a clean driving record. Prior experience in delivery or logistics can be helpful, and knowledge of safety protocols for handling biological samples is often required. Some positions may require background checks and training on proper sample handling and transportation procedures.

Is it difficult to become a lab courier?

Becoming a lab courier typically requires a valid driver's license, good organizational skills, and the ability to handle sensitive materials. Most positions do not require extensive formal education, but some employers may prefer prior delivery or logistics experience. Training is usually provided on the job, and physical stamina is beneficial for handling deliveries and pickups.

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Lab Courier jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Lab Courier job openings:

Infographic showing various Lab Courier job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 11% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,966 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Clinical Lab Assistant II-Full-time Days

Northwestern Medicine

Geneva, IL • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 29 days ago


Northwestern Medicine rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 395 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

135th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Company Description

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

Job Description

This is a full-time, 40 hours per week, position located at Northwestern Medicine's Cancer Center at Delnor Hospital in Geneva.

The CLA II reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate with the main lab staff, other ancillary departments, departments, nurses and providers to ensure excellent patient care.
  • Receives specimens into the laboratory information system.
  • Inputs and retrieves lab results in laboratory or hospital computer system.
  • Register specimen dropoffs (e.g. Home health) in LIS assuring accurate data entry.
  •  Properly processes specimens for transport to reference laboratories.
  •  Distributes specimens to the appropriate testing area.
  • Identifies and solves problems utilizing appropriate resources with the assistance of a supervisor, manager, pathologist and/or coworkers when appropriate.
  • Verifies the accuracy of all instruments and test kits; responsible for quality control, maintenance, troubleshoots
  • Operate and maintain laboratory automation systems as appropriate.
  • Performs diagnostic/analytic testing of specimens, interprets, documents and report results to provider.
  • Accurately performs waived and/or moderate complexity testing under the direction of CLS
  • Ensures appropriate testing is ordered and properly identifies the correct reference laboratory for referred specimens
  • Communicates specimen rejections, critical/notifiable results to appropriate clinical personnel and completes required documentation.
  • May review/record refrigerator temperature(s) and QC/QA records. Areas of concern are recorded through the Corrective Action Log and reported to maintenance for repair.
  • Adheres to lab procedures with following up on outstanding orders including time-sensitive draws/charges
  • Answers phone calls to the laboratory and triages appropriate
  • Coordinates courier pickups as needed.

Department Specific duties

  • Performs phlebotomy and other lab specimen collections per age related standards as required.
  • Completes biological transport training as required and maintain competency.
  • Recognizes temperature dependent transport conditions and select correct packing list destination.
  • Monitors and maintains specialty supplies, including kits, swab and collection containers and disperse to units
  • Ensures supplies are available and stored at the appropriate temperatures  
  • Performs microbiology setups or other testing preparation duties.
  • May assist with bone marrow and other biopsy processing.
  • Pull AP slides for second opinion requests and log material back into Epic when material is returned.
Qualifications

Required:

  • High School Diploma
  • Minimum of 1 year of work experience in a general lab, specimen processing or phlebotomy area or enrolled in lab related education program.

Preferred:

  • Phlebotomy Certification or training from an accredited School or Institution
Additional Information

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check.  Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. 

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family. 


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