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Microbiology Lab information

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How much do microbiology lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for microbiology lab in Chicago, IL is $23.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.81 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a microbiology lab do?

A microbiology lab specializes in studying microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. These labs perform tests to identify and analyze microbes in samples from humans, animals, food, water, or the environment. The results are used for diagnosing infections, monitoring public health, ensuring food safety, and supporting research. Microbiology labs play a vital role in detecting outbreaks, guiding treatment decisions, and advancing scientific knowledge.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a microbiology lab technician?

To thrive as a Microbiology Lab Technician, you need a strong background in biology or microbiology, laboratory techniques, and attention to detail, typically backed by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, aseptic techniques, and data analysis software such as LIMS is essential. Strong organizational skills, critical thinking, and effective communication are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure precise, reliable results and maintain laboratory safety and efficiency in testing and research environments.

What are some common challenges faced when working in a microbiology lab, and how can they be managed?

One common challenge in a microbiology lab is maintaining strict aseptic techniques to prevent contamination, which requires constant attention to detail and proper training. Technicians also frequently balance multiple tests with tight turnaround times, so strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize are essential. Additionally, working with potentially hazardous microorganisms means adhering to safety protocols at all times, often in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Open communication and teamwork help manage workloads and ensure accurate results.

What is the difference between Microbiology Lab vs Microbiology Technician?

AspectMicrobiology LabMicrobiology Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in microbiology or related fieldOften requires an associate degree or certification in microbiology techniques
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, often in hospitals, research facilities, or biotech companiesLaboratory or clinical environment, supporting microbiologists and scientists
Job RoleOversees microbiological testing, manages lab operations, and ensures quality controlPerforms tests, prepares samples, and assists microbiologists in experiments

Microbiology labs focus on managing and overseeing microbiological testing processes, often requiring higher education and managerial responsibilities. Microbiology technicians support these labs by conducting tests and preparing samples, typically with less formal education. Both roles are essential in microbiology work environments, but they differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

Are microbiology lab professionals in high demand?

Microbiology lab professionals are in high demand due to the need for accurate disease diagnosis, research, and public health monitoring. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as laboratories seek skilled technicians with knowledge of microbiological techniques and laboratory equipment.

What careers can you do with microbiology?

A microbiology lab professional can pursue careers such as microbiologist, clinical laboratory technician, research scientist, quality control analyst, or public health microbiologist. These roles often require knowledge of laboratory techniques, microbiological tools, and safety protocols, and may involve working in healthcare, research institutions, or industry settings.

What microbiology lab jobs pay well?

In microbiology labs, roles such as microbiologist, senior scientist, or laboratory manager tend to offer higher salaries, often exceeding $70,000 annually depending on experience and location. Advanced positions requiring specialized skills, certifications, or management responsibilities generally pay more than entry-level roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Microbiology Lab jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Microbiology Lab jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Microbiology Lab jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Microbiology Lab jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Microbiology Lab jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Microbiology Lab jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Microbiology Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Microbiology Lab job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,273 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Medical Technician, Microbiology - Part-Time, Day Shift

The University of Chicago Medicine

Chicago, IL • On-site

$20.50 - $25.75/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

University Of Chicago Medicine rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

239th of 893 rated healthcare providers

Job description


Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system, UChicago Medicine, as a Medical Technician in the Clinical Microbiology Lab department. Here, you will perform a wide range of duties in support of basic laboratory operations, act as the initial recipient of requests for services provided by the laboratory and appropriately sorts and performs initial processing on those requests in order to provide the highest level of quality service possible. The Medical Technician may perform limited testing under appropriate supervision. This is the Clinical Microbiology Lab department. This position is 100% onsite opportunity. You will need to be based in the greater Chicagoland area.
Eligible for a Sign-On Bonus up to $750
Essential Job Functions
  • Receives specimens submitted to laboratory and utilizes policies and procedures for requisition and specimen requirements to determine whether the submitted specimen can be processed for analysis.
  • Accurately enters all pertinent patient and specimen information into the laboratory computer system and follows appropriate procedures during computer downtime, according to laboratory policies and procedures.
  • Conducts preliminary specimen preparations for the analytical process, when necessary, through centrifugation or homogenization of fluid and tissue specimens and distribution of the prepared specimens to the appropriate sections of the laboratory.
  • Assures the proper storage and procedures for specimens that cannot be immediately analyzed or specimens that need to be sent for analysis to referral labs.
  • Properly prepares smears and inoculates culture media, following laboratory standards for specimen priority, according to laboratory policies and procedures.
  • Distributes requisitions, workcards, inoculated smears, and specimens saved for direct processing or further testing appropriately, and incubates all culture materials under appropriate conditions, according to laboratory policies and procedures.
  • Answers inquiries regarding specimen handling and laboratory procedures, and, when necessary, directs inquiries to the appropriate laboratory staff.
  • Retrieves results from computer records, workcards, or worksheets when requested by physicians and other healthcare workers, and, when necessary, directs inquiries to the appropriate laboratory staff.
  • Prepares and maintains adequate stocks of reagents, standards, control materials and other supplies required for the performance of testing at assigned workstations and notifies or assists the supervisor with any shortages or problems.
  • Practices the proficient and safe use of all equipment necessary for the completion of all duties and responsibilities, performs required maintenance and initiates troubleshooting procedures when necessary, documents equipment failures and resolution appropriately. Assists in establishing and monitoring compliance with safety procedures.
  • Performs limited testing, as appropriate, under CLIA 88 rules.
  • Analyzes all test and quality control results for errors, inconsistencies and deviations prior to reporting results and initiates and documents troubleshooting and problem solving to resolve issues.
  • Records required information accurately, neatly, and completely on workcards and/or worksheets.
  • Reports all test results in the laboratory information system according to all laboratory policies and procedures, within stated turn-around times and follows the appropriate backup procedures during computer downtimes. Files laboratory results in an organized, neat, and timely fashion.
  • Attends training sessions, seminars and workshops appropriate for the acquisition of the necessary skills and information to enhance clinical laboratory science skills.
  • Communicates any pertinent information or problems with appropriate laboratory staff and supervisor.
  • Acts in a consistently professional manner while conducting all duties and responsibilities and wears clothing that is appropriate for conducting those duties.
  • Performs other duties as requested by senior management.

Required Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Must satisfy CLIA 88 qualification requirements for testing personnel performing waived or moderate complexity testing.
  • Appropriate training/experience in clinical laboratory science.
  • Knowledge and ability to use laboratory/hospitals information systems.
  • Knowledge and ability to use automated microbiology systems and conventional laboratory equipment.
  • Ability to interact in a professional manner with individuals at all levels.
  • Ability to stand, stretch, and bend for majority of time worked; ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
  • Exceptional organizational ability with attention to detail mandatory.
  • Ability to work in stressful situations.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Associate's degree in clinical laboratory science, microbiology or related field from an accredited college or university preferred.
  • MLT certification/eligibility preferred.

Position Details
  • Job Type/FTE: Part-Time (0.50)
  • Shift: Day Shift
  • Unit/Department: Lab Clinical Microbiology - Hyde Park
  • CBA Code: Non-Union

In this role, we anticipate that you will generally work approximately 20 hours per week. We anticipate that you will generally be scheduled to work the day shift and will not be scheduled for on-call shifts. We anticipate you will be scheduled to work 100% at the Hyde Park campus. The days of the week that you are scheduled will vary depending on the week, but we anticipate that you will be scheduled to work on weekends (Saturday and/or Sunday) every other week.
5815 S Maryland Ave
UChicago Medicine Mitchell Hospital - Hyde Park is a six-story hospital at the heart of our historic Hyde Park campus.
An integral part of our academic medical center, the Bernard A. Mitchell Hospital is home to a variety of specialty care, including our post-natal mother-baby unit, advanced imaging services, physical therapy services, dialysis access center and in-patient units. Other amenities include wireless internet, a chapel, an on-site restaurant and a gift shop
About Us
We've been at the forefront of medicine since 1899. We provide superior healthcare with compassion, always mindful that each patient is a person, an individual. To accomplish this, we need employees with passion, talent and commitment... with patients and with each other. We're in this together: working to advance medical innovation, serve the health needs of the community, and move our collective knowledge forward. If you'd like to add enriching human life to your profile, UChicago Medicine is for you. Here at the forefront, we're doing work that really matters. Join us. Bring your passion.
UChicago Medicine is growing; discover how you can be a part of this pursuit of excellence at: UChicago Medicine Career Opportunities
UChicago Medicine is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, parental status, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status and other legally protected characteristics.
As a condition of employment, all employees are required to complete a pre-employment physical, background check, drug screening, and comply with the flu vaccination requirements prior to hire. Medical and religious exemptions will be considered for flu vaccination consistent with applicable law.
Compensation & Benefits Overview
UChicago Medicine is committed to transparency in compensation and benefits. The pay range provided reflects the anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position.
The pay range is based on a full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) and is reflective of current market data, reviewed on an annual basis. Compensation offered at the time of hire will vary based on candidate qualifications and experience and organizational considerations, such as internal equity. Pay ranges for employees subject to Collective Bargaining Agreements are negotiated by the medical center and their respective union.
Review the full complement of benefit options for eligible roles at Benefits - UChicago Medicine.

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