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Lab Technician Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

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Lab Technician information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$12

$21

$33

How much do lab technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab technician in Decatur, IL is $21.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.74 and $23.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges a Lab Technician may encounter during daily work and how can they effectively address them?

Lab Technicians often face challenges such as managing multiple experiments simultaneously, maintaining strict adherence to safety and quality protocols, and troubleshooting unexpected equipment issues. Effective time management and strong organizational skills are crucial for balancing these responsibilities. Proactively communicating with supervisors and collaborating with team members can help resolve technical problems quickly, while regular equipment maintenance and thorough documentation ensure smooth lab operations.

What kind of lab tech makes the most money?

Among lab technicians, those specializing in clinical chemistry, molecular diagnostics, or working in high-demand industries like pharmaceuticals tend to earn higher salaries. Advanced certifications, specialized skills, and experience in high-tech environments can also increase earning potential for lab technicians.

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

AspectLab TechnicianMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate's degree; certifications varyAssociate's degree in medical laboratory technology; certification often required
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, industrial labs, environmental testingHospitals, clinics, medical labs
Industry UsageResearch, manufacturing, environmental testingHealthcare, medical diagnostics
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

While both Lab Technicians and Medical Laboratory Technicians work in laboratory settings, Medical Laboratory Technicians specifically focus on medical diagnostics in healthcare environments, often requiring specialized certification. Lab Technicians have broader roles across various industries, including research and manufacturing. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are lab technicians?

Lab technicians are professionals who perform technical tasks in laboratories, such as preparing samples, conducting tests, operating laboratory equipment, and recording results. They work in various fields, including medical, research, environmental, and industrial labs. Lab technicians play a crucial role in supporting scientists and healthcare professionals by ensuring that lab operations run smoothly and results are accurate. Their work often involves following strict protocols to maintain safety and quality standards.

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

To thrive as a Lab Technician, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, scientific principles, and at least an associate degree in a relevant field such as biology or chemistry. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), analytical instruments like spectrophotometers, and safety certifications (e.g., OSHA training) is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate results, compliance with safety standards, and smooth laboratory operations.

What Do Lab Technicians Do?

Lab technicians play an essential role in the study and treatment of diseases. They are responsible for assisting physicians in hospitals and doctor’s offices by collecting samples and performing tests on tissues, blood, and other body fluids. The tests they perform and the results they gather help doctors diagnose patients and determine causes of illnesses. Lab technicians may work in all general areas of a laboratory or doctor’s office, or they may choose to specialize. For example, immunohematology technologists collect and prepare blood donated for transfusions, while immunology technologists examine the human immune system.

What does a lab technician do?

A lab technician performs tests and experiments in laboratories to support scientific research, medical diagnosis, or quality control. They prepare samples, operate laboratory equipment, record data accurately, and follow safety protocols. Typically, they have technical training or certifications and work under the supervision of scientists or lab managers.

Can I work in a lab without a degree?

Lab technician roles typically require at least a high school diploma or equivalent, with many positions favoring or requiring postsecondary education or certifications in laboratory procedures. While some entry-level positions may accept relevant experience or on-the-job training, most labs prefer candidates with formal education and knowledge of lab equipment and safety protocols.

What qualifications do I need to be a lab technician?

To become a lab technician, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with many roles requiring an associate degree or a bachelor's degree in fields like biology, chemistry, or related sciences. Relevant skills include attention to detail, familiarity with laboratory equipment, and sometimes certification in safety or specific techniques, depending on the industry or employer.
What job categories do people searching Lab Technician jobs in Decatur, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Technician jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Lab Technician jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Lab Technician job openings:
Infographic showing various Lab Technician job openings in Decatur, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 26% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,456 per year, or $21.9 per hour.
Lab Services Technician

$26.56/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 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 $17.14/Hr.
Max
USD $26.56/Hr.
Overview
Registers, orders, labels specimens with appropriate barcode labels and receives all lab specimens arriving at MMC Lab for both inpatient, outpatient, and outreach services. Evaluates specimen received verses testing ordered and confirms specimen collection was accurate and specimens are labeled with appropriate patient identifiers. Recognizes critical "stat" specimens compared to routine testing. Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems to ensure billing ins accurate and results are provided to the ordering provider. Embodies the Memorial Health System Performance Excellence Standards of Safety, Courtesy, Quality, and Efficiency that support our mission, vision and values.
Qualifications
Education:
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
Licensure/Certification/Registry:

Experience:

Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
• Strong organizational skills.
• Basic communication skills required.
• Knowledge of insurance policy numbers and diagnosis coding definitions helpful.
• Knowledge of Medical Terminology.
• Knowledge of laboratory test codes and testing requirements.
• Demonstrate the ability to type and use a keypad.
• Moderate physical effort.
Responsibilities
  1. Interprets, orders, and generates barcode labels from the Lab LIS system and applies labels to appropriate specimen tubes and collection containers. Must be able to interpret many different physician orders and requests to include over 1800 lab tests and select the appropriate orderable code in the Lab LIS system.
  1. Removes biological specimens from biohazard bags including blood, urine, bone marrow, body fluids, and tissue specimens. Understand all different types of collection media, preservatives, and risks of exposure to infectious agents. Handles both infectious A and B substances with appropriate CDC, and IDPH guidelines. Ability to determine if specimen was collected in appropriate collection container and media. Understands steps to resolve collection issues to ensure patient testing is performed or recollected.
  1. Receives all calls arriving in the laboratory from providers, clients, nurses, management, and patients. Logs calls in tracking software, answers all questions pertaining to phlebotomy draws, specimen collection, transport of specimens, provides lab results, supply requests, forensic autopsy cases, and administrative questions. Escalates callers to management or technical departments when necessary if unable to resolve all question
  1. Correctly enters outpatient and non-patient demographic, insurance, and diagnosis information into the hospital registration system, answering all questions in each field and updating any information that is not current. Understands insurance policy numbers and carrier codes including client account versus patient insurance billing. Recognizes valid diagnosis codes and follows appropriate resolution on any noncompliant codes.
  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. Monitors the printing of physician reports for inpatients and outpatients. Separates lab reports for delivery to the correct ordering provider or client site to ensure providers receive lab results in a timely manner.
  1. Communicates requests for specimen collection to phlebotomists in a timely and appropriate manner. Works closely with phlebotomy staff and managers to organize and facilitate inpatient and outpatient phlebotomy requests.
  1. Inputs all faxed orders into the lab orders database, questioning any illegible order, calls physician's office with clarification of test order and patient demographics and order request (standing or one time). Follows all instructions on provider order including, add on testing and testing cancelations. Understands how to handle a verbal order request from a provider and documents correctly.
  1. Schedules all fine needle aspirates and biopsies as requested by clinicians, ensures a pathologist is dispatched when clinician is ready to perform procedure.
  1. Processes all slide and block requests for internal and external consultations, including preparing appropriate paperwork, requesting material, pathologist review and sign off, shipping, and material returns.
  1. Assists with the preparation of slides and blocks for sendout testing.
  1. Contribute to departmental operations by performing other related duties as may be required and/or assigned.
  2. Monitors the laboratory computer system operations menu to ensure all operations are running and respond to the appropriate prompts to print daily reports. Notify appropriate computer operations staff concerning exceptions.
  1. Maintains and scans patient records according to government regulations and accreditation guidelines.
  1. Ensures that professional and personal activities conform to Memorial Medical Center strategic plan and philosophy regarding the Guest Relation Program.
  1. Performs other related work as required or requested.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

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