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Lab Helper Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Atkore

Lab Technician

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$46K - $64K/yr

The Lab Technician will be responsible for ensuring testing the parts are being produced at the production facility, working on sample preparation for metallurgical analysis, and helping failure ...

Pace

Entry-Level Lab Technician 1

Lombard, IL · On-site

$18/hr

This is a full-time, onsite, Lab Tech 1 position located in Lombard, IL, Monday through Friday, 9 ... That's why we need you -- your curiosity, your talents, and your drive -- to help us advance this ...

Pacelabs

Entry-Level Lab Technician 1

Lombard, IL · On-site

$18/hr

This is a full-time, onsite, Lab Tech 1 position located in Lombard, IL,Monday through Friday, 9:00 ... That's why we need you -- your curiosity, your talents, and your drive -- to help us advance this ...

Uniti Med

Travel Cath Lab Technologist

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$2.3K - $3.0K/wk

A dedicated recruiter and support team that will help you every step of the way to sure you start ... Cath Lab Tech About Uniti Med Uniti Med meticulously matches your talents to our open needs to ...

Uniti Med

Travel Cath Lab Technologist

Winfield, IL · On-site

$2.2K - $3.0K/wk

A dedicated recruiter and support team that will help you every step of the way to sure you start ... Cath Lab Tech About Uniti Med Uniti Med meticulously matches your talents to our open needs to ...

Simple Mills

R&D/QA Lab Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.50 - $26/hr

... help maintain high-quality products in market. The position will report to the R&D Manager, Portfolio Transformation and responsibilities will include: Technical Testing & Lab Support 

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Lab Helper information

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$14

$18

$28

How much do lab helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab helper in Chicago, IL is $18.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.97 and $18.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the role of a lab helper?

A lab helper assists scientists and technicians by preparing materials, setting up equipment, and maintaining a clean and organized laboratory environment. They may also record data, handle supplies, and ensure safety protocols are followed, often working under supervision in research or clinical labs.

What is the difference between Lab Helper vs Lab Technician?

AspectLab HelperLab Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalentAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in a related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratory support, assisting with basic tasksPerforming tests, analyzing samples, operating lab equipment
Employer & Industry UsageResearch labs, educational institutions, healthcare facilitiesMedical labs, research institutions, industrial labs
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level roles and support tasksCompared for technical responsibilities and qualifications

The main difference between a Lab Helper and a Lab Technician lies in their qualifications and responsibilities. Lab Helpers typically assist with basic tasks and require minimal formal education, while Lab Technicians perform more complex testing and usually hold relevant certifications or degrees. Both roles are essential in laboratory settings, but Lab Technicians have a higher level of technical responsibility.

What does a lab helper do?

A lab helper assists with preparing experiments, organizing supplies, and maintaining laboratory equipment. They often follow safety protocols, record data, and support scientists or technicians in daily lab operations.

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

To thrive as a Lab Helper, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, with basic laboratory knowledge and attention to detail. Familiarity with lab equipment, safety protocols, and inventory management systems is typically required. Strong organizational skills, reliability, and teamwork are important soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the laboratory runs efficiently, maintains safety standards, and supports scientific staff effectively.

What are lab helpers?

Lab helpers are support staff who assist scientists, researchers, or lab technicians in maintaining the daily operations of a laboratory. Their duties typically include preparing materials, cleaning equipment, organizing supplies, and sometimes helping with experiments under supervision. Lab helpers play a crucial role in ensuring the lab runs smoothly and safely by keeping the workspace organized and adhering to safety protocols. While they generally do not design experiments, their work is essential for efficient and accurate scientific research.

What qualifications do I need to be a lab assistant?

To be a lab helper, typically a high school diploma or equivalent is required, and some positions may prefer coursework in science or related fields. Basic skills in laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and the ability to follow safety protocols are important; certifications are generally not mandatory but can be advantageous.

How much does a lab assistant get paid?

Lab assistants typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of tasks. Entry-level positions may pay closer to minimum wage, while more experienced assistants or those working in specialized labs can earn higher wages. Salaries can also vary based on whether the role is part-time or full-time and the industry sector.

What does a typical day look like for a Lab Helper and how do they support the overall workflow of the laboratory?

A typical day for a Lab Helper involves preparing and organizing lab equipment, cleaning glassware, restocking supplies, and assisting with basic experimental setups. Lab Helpers play a crucial role in maintaining a clean, efficient lab environment, allowing scientists and technicians to focus on more complex tasks. They frequently collaborate with laboratory staff to ensure that all materials are available and that safety protocols are followed. This support helps the team meet deadlines and maintain high standards of accuracy and safety in their work.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Lab Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Helper job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,946 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Research Manager - Energy & Environment Lab (Full-Time, Benefits Eligible)

UChicago Energy & Environment Lab

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Research Manager - Energy & Environment Lab (Full-Time, Benefits Eligible)
Location: Chicago, IL
Expected Start Date: Flexible
About the Unit:
The University of Chicago Energy & Environment Lab (E&E Lab) partners with agencies at the local, state and federal level to identify, rigorously evaluate, and help scale programs and policies that reduce pollution and improve environmental outcomes, while ensuring access to reliable and affordable energy. The E&E Lab uses natural experiments, randomized controlled trials, behavioral economics, and machine learning to help policymakers identify and generate evidence around innovative approaches to their most pressing environmental and energy-related challenges.
The E&E Lab is part of the University of Chicago's new Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth. The Lab's mission is to partner with government agencies to identify and rigorously evaluate policies with the greatest potential to improve human lives at scale; the Lab's evidence-based approach gives policymakers and practitioners the knowledge they need to effectively achieve the greatest social good per dollar spent.
Job Summary
The University of Chicago Energy & Environment Lab is seeking a Research Manager (RM) with strong research, methodological, and management skills to support large-scale environmental policy research projects. The RM will help manage a growing portfolio of applied research projects related to environmental policy and contribute to project development, data analysis, research design and implementation. The RM will work closely with partners at government agencies, a dedicated team of research analysts and data scientists, to implement research projects led by Faculty Director Michael Greenstone and other faculty at University of Chicago and other institutions.
Responsibilities
  • Manage research partnerships with government agencies and serve as project manager for research and technical assistance projects, leading communications and project deliverables.
  • Meaningfully contribute to the research design, analysis and implementation of policy relevant research projects.
  • Assist with setting the strategic direction of the E&E Lab by helping form new partnerships and building capacity.
  • Closely collaborate with Lab leadership and faculty serving as principal investigators on projects to plan and execute research projects.
  • Manage data collection, cleaning and econometric data analysis for a variety of projects.
  • Build predictive analytics/machine learning models, in collaboration with other research staff.
  • Prepare memos, presentations, and papers targeting both policymakers and academic audiences.
  • Ensure compliance with institutional, state and federal regulatory policies and procedures as well as internal data privacy and security policies.
  • Conduct thorough and critical reviews of relevant literature.
  • Assist with writing grant proposals and managing grant reports.
  • Prepare human subjects protocols and amendments for IRB.
  • Use subject matter and best practices knowledge to perform lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Work independently on developing study designs.
  • Solve complex problems relating to the administration of projects, including planning new procedures, adapting existing procedures to the needs of the project, and making significant contributions to methodology.
  • Performs other related work as needed.

Qualifications
Education:
  • At a minimum, a Bachelor's degree in economics, data science or related field.
  • Master's degree in economics, computer science, statistics or other relevant field, is preferred.
  • Coursework in econometrics, mathematical statistics, and data science.

Experience:
  • A minimum of four years of relevant research experience.
  • Programming in Stata or R.
  • Experience working in rigorous impact evaluation, field experiments / randomized controlled trials.
  • Designing econometric models, and/or predictive analytics/machine learning models.
  • Work with large and complex datasets.

Preferred Competencies
  • Strong background in applied statistics & econometrics.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to present research concepts in a simple and straightforward way for non-technical audiences.
  • Strong time management skills with a proven ability to multitask and prioritize activities to successfully complete projects on tight deadlines with little supervision.
  • Strong project management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
  • Work both independently, in a self-directed manner, and as a team member.
  • Knowledge and understanding of energy and environmental policy topics strongly.
  • Topical expertise in energy and environmental economics, including familiarity with the field literature.

Required Documents
  • Resume/CV (required)
  • Cover Letter (required)
  • Unofficial transcript (required)

The University of Chicago provides equal employment opportunities to all employees, applicants, and job seekers. No person shall be discriminated against in employment or harassed because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, parental status, ancestry, source of income, or other classes protected by law. This policy includes the commitment to maintaining a work environment free from unlawful harassment.

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