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Lab Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Wheaton College

Lab Manager-Engineering

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$60K - $62K/yr

The Lab Manager also teaches one or more sections of engineering lab each year. A Master's or Ph.D. degree in engineering or a related discipline is required. Familiarity with prototyping equipment ...

Shorr Packaging Corp.

Package Test Lab Manager

Aurora, IL · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

The Package Test Lab Manager oversees all operations within the packaging test laboratory, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant testing of packaging materials, components, and finished goods.

Shorr Packaging

Package Test Lab Manager

Aurora, IL · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

The Package Test Lab Manager oversees all operations within the packaging test laboratory, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant testing of packaging materials, components, and finished goods.

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Lab Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$31.5K

$89.1K

$144.4K

How much do lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for lab manager in Illinois is $89,112.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,800.00 and $107,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Lab Manager, you need expertise in laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and scientific analysis, typically supported by a degree in a relevant science field and prior lab experience. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), inventory software, and regulatory compliance certifications such as OSHA or CLIA is often required. Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills help manage teams, coordinate projects, and ensure accurate reporting. These abilities are vital for maintaining efficient lab operations, regulatory compliance, and a safe, collaborative work environment.

What qualifications do you need to be a lab manager?

A lab manager typically needs a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or engineering, along with several years of experience in laboratory settings. Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills are essential, and certifications like OSHA safety training or specific technical licenses can be advantageous.

What is the highest paying job in a laboratory?

The highest paying jobs in a laboratory setting are often senior roles such as Laboratory Directors or Chief Scientific Officers, who oversee operations and research strategies. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and strong leadership skills, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the industry and organization.

What does a Lab Manager do?

A Lab Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a laboratory. Their duties typically include supervising staff, ensuring safety protocols are followed, managing inventory and ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Lab Managers also coordinate experiments and research activities, and may handle budgeting and administrative tasks. Their role is crucial in ensuring the lab runs efficiently and safely.

Do you need a PhD to be a lab manager?

A PhD is not typically required to be a lab manager; most positions require a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field, along with experience in laboratory operations, management skills, and knowledge of lab procedures. Advanced degrees may be preferred for managing research-intensive labs, but practical experience and organizational abilities are often more important.

What are some common challenges faced by Lab Managers when overseeing a diverse research team?

Lab Managers often encounter challenges related to coordinating schedules, managing conflicting priorities among researchers, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. Balancing administrative duties with hands-on support requires strong organizational skills and adaptability, especially when unexpected issues arise, such as equipment malfunctions or supply shortages. Effective communication is key to fostering collaboration and maintaining a productive work environment, as Lab Managers frequently serve as the bridge between researchers, technicians, and external vendors.

What does a Laboratory Manager do?

A Laboratory Manager oversees daily operations in a laboratory, including managing staff, ensuring safety protocols, maintaining equipment, and coordinating experiments or research activities. They often handle budgeting, compliance with regulations, and may require knowledge of laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

What is the difference between Lab Manager vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab ManagerLaboratory Technician
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant science, often with management experienceAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in a science or related field
Work EnvironmentOversees lab operations, manages staff, and ensures compliancePerforms routine tests, prepares samples, and maintains lab equipment
ResponsibilitiesSupervises staff, manages budgets, and coordinates projectsConducts experiments, records data, and maintains lab safety

The main difference between a Lab Manager and a Laboratory Technician lies in their responsibilities and level of oversight. Lab Managers focus on managing lab operations, staff, and compliance, while Laboratory Technicians handle hands-on testing and sample preparation. Both roles require relevant scientific credentials, but Lab Managers typically have more experience and managerial skills.

More about Lab Manager jobs
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 Manager jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Lab Manager job openings:
Lab Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Manager job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $89,112 per year, or $42.8 per hour.
Lab Manager

Lab Manager

International Search Partners

Rock Island, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Metallurgical Lab Manager - comm'l heat treat (aerospace)
Rapidly growing commercial heat treater requires metallurgical lab manager. This role will develop the testing and met lab procedures from scratch.
  • Provide leadership, guidance and training to ensure the integrity of the iron chemistry and testing of parts
  • Oversee metallurgical testing and analysis results to determine any changes that need to be made.
  • Liaison between facility, Corporate Engineering and Quality for integrity and specification issues
  • Lead on multiple projects to include: new machinery/equipment, movement of machinery/equipment within plant, plant layout, safety and environmental projects, process changes, etc.
  • Research options and obtain quotes for scope of work
  • Prepare CARs, when needed and support staff with CARs, quotes, etc.
  • Oversee all aspects of project from start to finish including contact for contractors/vendors, ordering material/equipment/machinery, conduct contract safety training, etc.
  • Assist Director of Operations with annual budget for facility and approve PR when Director of Operations is not available
  • Supervise Manufacturing Engineers, Quality Engineers, CAD Operator as assigned.
  • Lead initiatives to promote BOW, EMLS, Dual Bottom Line and other company programs
Required Skills:
  • Bachelors Degree in Engineering, preferably Metallurgical Engineering.
  • Ability to effectively communicate with both internal and external customers verbally and in writing.
  • Passion and ability to development team members and strive for continuous improvement.

Apply