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Medical Lab Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Rush

Medical Lab Assistant

Oak Park, IL · On-site

$17.63 - $24.91/hr

Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Medical Laboratory Science or Clinical Laboratory Science. • This ... the lab area. Labels and processes specimens properly. Performs all laboratory procedures ...

Rush Oak Park Hospital

Medical Lab Assistant

Oak Park, IL · On-site

$17.63 - $24.91/hr

Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Medical Laboratory Science or Clinical Laboratory Science. • This ... the lab area. Labels and processes specimens properly. Performs all laboratory procedures ...

Endeavor Health

Lab Assistant II

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$19.31 - $28/hr

Position: Lab Assistant II * Location: Elmhurst Hospital 155 E Brush Hill Road Elmhurst, IL ... Under close supervision of the supervisor or Medical Lab Scientist, and according to detailed ...

NorthShore

Lab Assistant II

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$19.31 - $28/hr

Position: Lab Assistant II * Location: Elmhurst Hospital 155 E Brush Hill Road Elmhurst, IL ... Under close supervision of the supervisor or Medical Lab Scientist, and according to detailed ...

Sarahbush

$17.79/hr

Lab Assistant Processing Lab Assistant - Processing ensures proper receipt of specimens and paperwork into the Laboratory. Assists in clinical areas as directed. Department: Lab Hours: PRN (As Needed ...

Joliet Junior College

Culinary Lab Assistant

Joliet, IL · On-site

$15.38 - $17.30/hr

Culinary Lab Assistant POSITION TITLE:Culinary Lab Assistant STATUS:Part time DEPARTMENT: Culinary Arts SUB-DIVISION: Career & Technical Education DIVISION: Academic Affairs CLASSIFICATION: Non ...

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Medical Lab Assistant information

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$12

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How much do medical lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical lab assistant in Illinois is $22.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a medical lab assistant?

Medical Lab Assistants are healthcare professionals who support laboratory technologists and technicians by preparing samples, conducting basic tests, and ensuring lab equipment is clean and functioning. They play a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients by handling specimens such as blood, urine, and tissue. Their responsibilities include labeling samples, recording data, and sometimes interacting with patients to collect samples. Medical Lab Assistants work in hospitals, clinics, research laboratories, and diagnostic centers, helping to ensure accurate and timely test results.

Is a medical lab assistant a good career?

A medical lab assistant is a valuable healthcare professional who performs laboratory tests and prepares specimens, supporting diagnosis and treatment. The role typically requires attention to detail, technical skills, and certification, with job prospects generally stable due to ongoing demand in healthcare settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a medical lab assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Medical Lab Assistant, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, specimen handling, and safety protocols, typically gained through a diploma or certificate in medical laboratory technology. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), centrifuges, and automated analyzers is important for efficient workflow. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication help ensure accurate results and smooth collaboration with healthcare teams. These skills and qualities are essential for maintaining high standards of laboratory accuracy, safety, and timely patient care.

How much does a medical lab assistant get paid?

A medical lab assistant typically earns between $30,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certification. Salaries can vary based on the healthcare setting and whether the role involves specialized skills or advanced equipment. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced assistants or those with additional certifications can earn higher wages.

What are some common challenges medical lab assistants face in their daily work, and how can they be managed?

Medical Lab Assistants often encounter challenges such as handling a high volume of specimens, maintaining accuracy under time pressure, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Managing these challenges involves strong organizational skills, effective communication with laboratory technologists and other healthcare staff, and diligent attention to detail. Many labs offer ongoing training and support to help assistants stay current with best practices and improve workflow efficiency, ensuring patient safety and reliable test results.

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

AspectMedical Lab AssistantMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, phlebotomy certificationAssociate degree in medical laboratory technology, certification often required
Work EnvironmentClinics, hospitals, diagnostic labsHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilities
Job DutiesSample collection, preparing specimens, basic testingPerforming complex tests, analyzing samples, operating lab equipment
Employer & IndustryHealthcare facilities, clinicsHospitals, research labs, diagnostic centers

Medical Lab Assistants typically handle sample collection and basic tasks, while Medical Laboratory Technicians perform more complex testing and analysis. Both roles are essential in healthcare labs, but Technicians usually require more advanced education and certification.

What does a medical lab assistant do?

As a medical lab assistant, you typically work in a hospital or clinical/medical laboratory. This role is slightly different than a lab tech position in that you have less responsibility. As a lab assistant, it’s your job to assist technologists and technicians with lab tests. Depending on the specific position, your duties may include preparing specimens, managing their storage, and keeping track of the results. Other everyday tasks involve keeping the lab equipment clean, maintaining an accurate inventory of supplies, and placing orders as needed. You may also have administrative duties, like billing and filing.

More about Medical Lab Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Medical Lab jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Medical Lab jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Medical Lab Assistant jobs in Illinois? For Medical Lab Assistant jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Medical Lab Assistant jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Medical Lab Assistant jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Medical Lab Assistant jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Medical Lab Assistant job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Medical Lab Assistant jobs in IL? For Medical Lab Assistant jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Medical Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Medical Lab Assistant job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,479 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Medical Lab Assistant

Rush University

Oak Park, IL • On-site

$17.63 - $24.91/hr

Other

Posted 25 days ago

Rush University rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

336th of 616 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Job Description

Location: Oak Park, Illinois

Business Unit: Rush Oak Park

Hospital: Rush Oak Park Hospital

Department: Laboratory

Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0.9 and 1.0)

Shift: Shift 2

Work Schedule: 8 Hr (2:00PM - 10:30PM)

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

Pay Range: $17.63 - $24.91 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:

This position is responsible for supporting laboratory operations by accepting, preparing, and processing specimens; maintaining laboratory equipment; and ensuring accurate data entry and specimen tracking.

Other information:

• A high school diploma or equivalent PLUS two years of documented work experience using formal, standard laboratory procedures OR

• An Associate Degree from an accredited intuition any of the following areas:

Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Medical Laboratory Science or Clinical Laboratory Science.

• This position requires teamwork to achieve common goals and meet deadlines to provide quality care to clients and patients.

Disclaimer:

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.

Responsibilities:

•Performs multiple computer entry, inquiry, and receiving functions. Performs transcription of laboratory orders and registration activities when needed. Demonstrates good communication and customer service skills on the phone and in person. Calls critical results, documents to whom and that a “read back” was performed and within the expected time frame.

•Accessions and processes specimens according to the appropriate procedure prepare specimens accordingly for transport or delivery. Recognizes and resolves any specimen and equipment problems.

•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 preventative maintenance, including corrective action and documentation, for all procedures and instrumentation.

•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.

•Disinfects 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.

•Delivers specimens to RUSH laboratory locations, and/or loads specimens on instrumentation; Additional job duties will be defined by the laboratory's specific bench or assignment competencies.

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.

Position Medical Lab Assistant

Location US:IL:Oak Park

Req ID 28123

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