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Laboratory Helper Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Laboratory Engineer

Northbrook, IL · Hybrid

$64K - $86K/yr

UL Solutions is seeking a Laboratory Engineer to support both our water analytical and water ... We help our customers innovate, launch new products and services, navigate global markets and ...

Laboratory Engineer

Northbrook, IL · Hybrid

$64K - $86K/yr

UL Solutions is seeking a Laboratory Engineer to support both our water analytical and water ... We help our customers innovate, launch new products and services, navigate global markets and ...

Laboratory Engineer

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$64K - $86K/yr

UL Solutions is seeking a Laboratory Engineer to support both our water analytical and water ... Examines complex customer samples with help and learns to operate appropriate tests for each case.

And we will be 100% committed to helping you reach your full potential. Summary The Laboratory Technician is responsible for safely conducting analysis and reporting of various products, such as Oil ...

Showing results 21-40

Laboratory Helper information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$14

$18

$28

How much do laboratory helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for laboratory helper in Elgin, IL is $18.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.88 and $18.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a laboratory helper?

Laboratory Helpers are support staff who assist scientists, technicians, and researchers in laboratory settings. Their duties often include preparing and cleaning equipment, organizing materials, maintaining a clean work environment, and helping with basic experiments under supervision. They play a crucial role in ensuring that laboratory operations run smoothly and efficiently. While they typically do not conduct advanced experiments, their work is essential for the daily functioning of the lab.

What does a laboratory helper do?

Laboratory Helpers play a crucial role in maintaining smooth lab operations by handling tasks such as preparing and cleaning equipment, organizing supplies, disposing of waste materials safely, and assisting senior technicians with basic experiments and sample collection. They often ensure that workspaces remain tidy and that essential materials are readily available, which helps minimize disruptions for scientists and researchers. By supporting routine functions and adhering to safety protocols, Laboratory Helpers contribute to an efficient and safe environment, allowing the research team to focus on more specialized tasks.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a laboratory helper?

To thrive as a Laboratory Helper, you need basic knowledge of laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, safety protocols, and inventory management systems is often required. Reliability, good organizational skills, and the ability to follow instructions precisely are standout soft skills in this position. These competencies ensure accurate support for laboratory operations, maintain safety standards, and contribute to efficient workflow.

What is the difference between Laboratory Helper vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLaboratory HelperLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalentPost-secondary education, often a diploma or associate degree
Work EnvironmentAssisting in labs, cleaning, preparing materialsPerforming tests, analyzing samples, operating lab equipment
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in research, medical, and industrial labs for support rolesCommonly employed in clinical, research, and industrial labs for technical tasks

While both roles support laboratory operations, Laboratory Helpers primarily assist with preparatory and support tasks, whereas Laboratory Technicians perform more technical testing and analysis. The Technician role typically requires more formal education and technical skills, making it suitable for those seeking a more advanced position in the lab environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Laboratory jobs in Elgin, IL?

The most popular types of Laboratory jobs in Elgin, IL are:

What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Laboratory Helper jobs?

Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Laboratory Helper job openings:

Infographic showing various Laboratory Helper job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,731 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

Medical Laboratory Scientist 1

Rush University Medical Center

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 hours ago


Rush University Medical Center rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 109 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

120th of 1,061 rated hospitals


Job description

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Business Unit: Rush Medical Center

Hospital: Rush University Medical Center

Department: RML Chemistry

Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0. 9 and 1. 0)

Shift: Shift 3

Work Schedule: 8 Hr (11:00PM - 7:30AM)

Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits learn more at our Rush benefits page (https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits).

Eligible for a $6,000 sign-on bonus

Pay Range: $29.36 - $42.61 per hour
Rush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data. The pay range for each role reflects Rush’s anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.

Summary:
The Medical Laboratory Scientist 1 is responsible for performing all assigned laboratory testing and reporting for the testing area. This position requires teamwork to achieve common goals and meet deadlines to provide quality care to clients and patients. Exemplifies the Rush mission, vision and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures. Must adhere to the Rush Code of Conduct and Rush ICARE values: Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Excellence, executing these values with compassion

Other information:
•Education: Bachelor’s degree in laboratory science, biological science, chemistry, or education/work experience meeting the qualifications of high complexity testing personnel as defined by CLIA 42 CFR 493 1489; no previous experience required.
•Acceptable credentials (can vary depending on the laboratory section):
oMedical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) via the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
oMedical Technologist (MT) via the American Medical Technologists (AMT)
oBlood Bank (BB) via the ASCP
oChemistry (C) via the ASCP
oCytogenetics (CG) via the ASCP
oCytotechnologist (CT) via the ASCP
oHematology (H) via the ASCP
oMicrobiology (M) via the ASCP
oMolecular Biology (MB) via the ASCP
oSpecialty in Cytometry (SCUM) via ASCP
oTechnologist in HLA (CHT) via ACHI
oMedical Laboratory Technician (MLT) via AACC or ASCP with a minimum of 5 contiguous year's high complexity clinical laboratory experience.
•Associate’s degree and/or education/work experience qualifications as defined by CLIA 42 CFT 493 148; and MLT or other laboratory certification; and 5 contiguous years of experience required. Some laboratory sections may have more stringent education and certification requirements.
•Certification from a nationally recognized certifying agency is required. Some laboratory disciplines may require more stringent certification criteria.
•Acceptable credentials (can vary depending on the laboratory section):
•Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) via the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
•Affective behavior: Interacts effectively and respectfully with everyone encountered at the medical center.

Responsibilities:
• Utilizes required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as defined by the lab area. Labels and processes specimens properly. Performs all laboratory procedures efficiently and effectively with minimal supervision once trained. All testing must be done following Rush approved Policies and Procedures.
•Performs required quality control (QC) procedures and preventative maintenance, including corrective action and documentation, for all procedures and instrumentation. Recognizes QC problems or discrepancies and attempts to determine the cause of the problem. Notifies the appropriate supervisor or designee regarding QC problems or discrepancies according to the established procedure.
•Performs basic troubleshooting of equipment and processes with minimal assistance, documents action, and notifies appropriate personnel, for example, supervisors, of problems all the time. Able to recognize when additional help is needed and seek out that help.
•Keeps work area neat, clean, organized, and well-stocked at all times. Disinfect the area at the beginning and end of each shift.
•Accepts no inappropriate specimens. Notifies the appropriate person of specimens that must be drawn or collected again and documents the notification
•Meets turnaround time expectations by prioritizing and organizing the workload for the shift. Monitors the pending list periodically to ensure turnaround time of all samples.
•Utilizes time effectively and seeks out additional job duties when shift tasks are complete. Completes work without incurring overtime. Assists fellow workers to finish shift tasks. Adheres to the defined allotted time for breaks and lunch.
•Required to obtain and document 12 hours of laboratory continuing education per year.
•Accepts and/or volunteers for method evaluations and new procedure development or other special projects and completes them within an agreed upon time frame. Participates in procedure implementation and training of new staff and students. Encouraged to identify and participate in process improvement projects.
•May perform the duties of the tech-in-charge for specified periods. Oversees operations according to departmental guidelines. Understands when to defer issues to appropriate personnel, for example, a supervisor or director, and does so.
•Reviews lab results as required and takes appropriate action before verification and release. Recognizes and calls critical results within defined time frames. Reviews paper-generated results and transcribes them accurately into the Lab Information.Additional Job Components
•Additional job duties will be defined by the laboratory's specific bench or assignment competencies.
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.

Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.


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