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Lab Manager Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Primient

Research Technician, Performance Starches

Decatur, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

Data Management: collect, analyze, and interpret research data. * Documentation: keep accurate ... Ensure lab safety procedures are followed, and safety standards are met. * Successfully complete ...

AEG Vision

Optician

Mount Zion, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

Escalates any issues with the Store Manager, as necessary * Retrieves patient charts and electronic ... Creates work orders for lab technicians, specifying information on lenses needed * Follows-up on ...

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All JobsLab Manager JobsLab Manager Jobs in Decatur, IL

Lab Manager information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$31.5K

$89.2K

$144.5K

How much do lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for lab manager in Decatur, IL is $89,199.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,900.00 and $107,700.00 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 in safety or specific technical areas can be advantageous.

What is the highest paying job in a laboratory?

The highest paying roles in a laboratory setting are often senior positions such as Laboratory Directors or Chief Scientific Officers, who oversee operations and research strategies. These roles 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.

How much does a lab manager earn?

Lab managers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $50,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can be higher in specialized fields or larger organizations, and the role often requires strong organizational and technical skills.

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 lab, 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 Decatur, IL? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Lab Manager jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Lab Manager job openings:
Lab Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Manager job openings in Decatur, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,199 per year, or $42.9 per hour.
Research Technician, Performance Starches

Research Technician, Performance Starches

Primient

Decatur, IL • On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Research Technician, Performance Starches | Primient
About Primient
Primient is a century old company with an entrepreneurial spirit. We are a leading producer of food and industrial ingredients made from plant-based, renewable sources. We deliver value through deep technical, commercial, and operational excellence that is backed by our long-standing corn wet milling heritage. Wherever we are in the process, from field to customer, our priorities are focused on ensuring we produce the safest, highest quality products through practices that uphold both our responsibility and commitments to the challenge and drive for excellence, our people and our planet. We are a privately held company with locations across the US, Mexico, Poland, and Brazil. We're investing in our plants and people to unlock our potential in the industrial and food sectors. Guided by our values of Safety, Excellence, Integrity, and Growth, we're focused on growing our business, our reputation, and the career of every teammate.
About the Role
Location:
Based in Decatur, IL
Role purpose:
A research technician plays a crucial role in supporting scientific research and laboratory operations. Here are some key responsibilities and qualifications typically associated with this role:
Responsibilities:
  • Support applications and technical service team with projects, formulating, screening, general lab work or equipment support.
  • Perform light maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment.
  • Sample Preparation: prepare samples for testing using various laboratory equipment.
  • Data Management: collect, analyze, and interpret research data.
  • Documentation: keep accurate records of all experiments and findings.
  • Communicate results and findings to the research and/or technical service team.
  • Maintains adequate lab supplies used for testing procedures and notify supervisor of the need to re-order such supplies.
  • Safety Compliance:
    • Ensure lab safety procedures are followed, and safety standards are met.
    • Successfully complete all safety trainings/requirements.
  • Conduct literature reviews related to research topics and projects & communicate findings to research and/or technical service team.

Team Collaboration: participate in research meeting and contribute to project strategies
  • Sustain clean working area, washing equipment/labware as required and placing them in the proper storage areas.

About You
  • B.S. in STEM (chemistry, biology, other), engineering or related degree w/ <3 yrs experience.
  • Proven work experience as a research technician or in a similar role.
  • Good attendance history.
  • Excellent safety record and awareness.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
    • Clearly summarizes technical work in reports and presentations.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
  • Good organizational skills.
  • Willingness to assume and learn new responsibilities.
  • Ability to lift 40 lbs. and be on feet for extended periods of time.
  • Demonstrate sufficient computer skills to utilize lab instrument operation programs.
  • Familiarity with current commercial software applications (Excel, Word).
  • Experience with operating standard lab equipment (i.e., pH meter, balances and spectrophotometer)
  • Technical aptitude:
    • Established math skills to perform calculations associated with lab testing.
    • Proficient in laboratory procedures and data analysis.
    • Attention to Detail - high level of accuracy in conducting experiments and recording data.

Total Rewards
The annual pay range estimated for this position is $101,352.00 - $152,028.00 + overtime and is bonus eligible.
Please note that while this range reflects the full spectrum of compensation available for this role, individual compensation will be determined based on several factors including your experience, skills, and alignment with the role's responsibilities. During the interview process there will be an opportunity to discuss how your background fits into the pay range.
We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:
  • Competitive Pay
  • Multiple Healthcare plan choices
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • A 401(k) plan with company and matching contributions
  • Short- and Long-Term Disability
  • Life, AD&D, and Voluntary Insurance plans
  • Paid holidays & vacation
  • Floating days off
  • Parental leave for new parents
  • Employee resource groups
  • Learning & development programs
  • Fun culture where you have an opportunity in shaping our future

Career Path & Culture
Primient is committed to a workplace that is all in - ensuring everyone has the opportunity to develop and shape a career that matters in an open culture which embraces equity, diversity and belonging. We challenge old ways of thinking; and encourage employee voices to be a guiding force for ongoing learning.
Primient supports a culture of inclusion that respects individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe our differences make better decisions, drive excellence, and deliver better business results. Primient employees experience autonomy and accountability in their role. Here, employees control their destiny as there is opportunity for career growth and pathways outside the norm.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
We are believers in the power of difference. We strive to represent the communities in which we operate and to provide an inclusive, welcoming environment for all. We want Primient to be a place where every employee feels they belong and knows they are seen, heard, valued and safe to speak up. Our aspiration is to unlock the full potential in diverse perspectives, while offering everyone an equal chance to grow,
Primient is an equal opportunity employer, committed to the strength of an inclusive workforce.
California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA")
The Company is committed to complying with the California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA") and all data privacy and laws in the jurisdictions in which it recruits and hires employees. We collect the following categories of personal information for the purpose of hiring the best qualified applicants and to comply with applicable employment laws: Name and contact information; Job preference and work availability; Social Security Number and/or other identification information; Education and qualifications; Employment history and experience; Military service; Reference and background check information, including relevant criminal history and credit history; Social media information; Pre-employment test results; Post-offer medical examination information and results, including drug test results; Voluntary self-disclosure information regarding minority, veteran, and disability status; and Information provided by you during the hiring process.

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