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Lab Director Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Lab Director information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$43.6K

$122.3K

$180.4K

How much do lab director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for lab director in Decatur, IL is $122,300.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,800.00 and $134,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Lab Director, you typically need an advanced degree in a scientific discipline, extensive laboratory experience, and strong management skills. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), regulatory compliance protocols like CLIA or CAP, and quality assurance tools is crucial. Leadership, problem-solving, and excellent communication abilities distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure effective lab operations, regulatory adherence, and a high standard of scientific integrity and safety.

What is the difference between lab manager and lab director?

A lab director oversees the entire laboratory, setting strategic goals, ensuring compliance, and managing budgets, often holding advanced degrees and leadership experience. A lab manager handles daily operations, supervises staff, and ensures procedures are followed, typically focusing on operational efficiency and technical tasks. The director has a broader, more strategic role, while the manager focuses on day-to-day management.

What does a lab director do?

A lab director oversees the operations, management, and safety of a laboratory, ensuring compliance with regulations and quality standards. They coordinate research activities, supervise staff, and may be involved in budgeting, equipment maintenance, and reporting. Strong leadership, scientific expertise, and knowledge of laboratory protocols are essential for this role.

How much does a lab director make in the US?

A lab director in the US typically earns between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on the industry, location, and level of experience. They often hold advanced degrees and certifications, and may oversee laboratory operations, staff, and compliance with safety standards.

What are some common challenges a Lab Director faces when managing a multidisciplinary team?

Lab Directors often oversee teams composed of scientists, technicians, and administrative staff from diverse backgrounds. A key challenge is ensuring effective communication and collaboration across these disciplines, especially when balancing research priorities with regulatory compliance and resource allocation. Building a culture of transparency and continuous improvement helps address these challenges, as does providing ongoing professional development to team members. Proactively managing conflicts and aligning the team's goals with the lab's overall mission are also crucial responsibilities.

What is the highest paying job in a laboratory?

The highest paying job in a laboratory is often a Laboratory Director or Chief Scientific Officer, who oversees operations, manages staff, and ensures compliance with regulations. These roles typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the industry and organization size.
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 Director jobs in Decatur, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Director jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Lab Director jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Lab Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Lab Director job openings in Decatur, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,300 per year, or $58.8 per hour.
MEDICAL LAB SCIENTIST II - IP LAB TECH

MEDICAL LAB SCIENTIST II - IP LAB TECH

Memorial Health

Oreana, IL

$48.83/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 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 $31.51/Hr.
Max
USD $48.83/Hr.
Overview
Collects, prepares and handles specimens for analysis from patients of all ages. Performs laboratory testings to aid in the diagnosis of diseases.
To review Memorial's Benefits click here: Benefits - Memorial HR
Qualifications
Education:
• Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences or related Allied Health field.
Licensure/Certification/Registry:
• Registered MLS (ASCP)/MT (ASCP) required within six months of hire or equivalent certification required within one year of hire.
Experience:
• Prior work experience preferred.
Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
• Moderate physical effort.
Responsibilities
  1. Performs various laboratory tests, evaluates data, verify the validity of patient test results through the evaluation of quality control sample values prior to reporting patient test results.
  1. Obtains blood and other body fluids from inpatients/outpatients of all ages, employees etc. as requested by authorized personnel.
  1. Operates hospital computer system acquiring necessary patient information to enter, delete or credit the patient's accounts.
  1. Perform preventative maintenance and follows equipment manufacturers troubleshooting guide to solve instrument problems.
  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. Demonstrates knowledge and theory behind instrumentation functions and malfunctions and decides when to use "back-up" instrument.
  1. Operates all instruments in assigned areas and performs all technical procedures with minimal supervision.
  1. Assists in orientation/training of new employees as directed.
  1. Participates in continuing education, meets requirements for all mandatory in-services.
  1. Assists in overall operations of the Lab including cost effective practices and safety regulations.
  1. Assists manager in overall departmental operations.
  1. Promotes health and safety in the work environment.
  1. Actively participates in competency assessment process.
  1. Maintains cross training in at least 2 technical areas
  1. Maintains confidentiality of information regarding all patient testing/results as detailed by hospital policy
  1. Assures compliance with all local, state, federal and national regulatory agencies.
  1. Performs other duties as assigned.

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