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Milk Lab Jobs (NOW HIRING)

2nd Shift Milk Lab Technician 1

Ithaca, NY · On-site

$18.25 - $24.25/hr

JOB SUMMARY Lab Technician I is an entry level lab position. Technicians will be assigned to one ... Examples of duties performed include: washing milk sample vials and preparing them for reuse ...

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Milk Lab information

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$34

How much do milk lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for milk lab in the United States is $22.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a milk lab and what does a milk lab technician do?

A Milk Lab is a specialized facility within hospitals, especially neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), where human milk is safely prepared, stored, and sometimes fortified for premature or ill infants. Milk Lab technicians are responsible for handling, processing, labeling, and tracking breast milk and donor milk to ensure it meets strict safety and nutritional standards. Their role is critical in supporting the health of vulnerable newborns by minimizing risks of contamination and ensuring accurate nutrition delivery.

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

To thrive as a Milk Lab Technician, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, microbiology, and food safety standards, often supported by a degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems), and quality control certifications such as HACCP are typically necessary. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help ensure accuracy and effective reporting of results. These competencies are crucial for maintaining product quality, regulatory compliance, and overall safety in dairy production environments.

What are some common challenges faced in a milk lab and how can new team members effectively address them?

In a Milk Lab, common challenges include maintaining strict quality control standards, operating specialized testing equipment accurately, and managing time-sensitive tasks, especially during busy collection periods. New team members can address these by becoming thoroughly familiar with lab protocols, actively seeking guidance from experienced colleagues, and practicing precise documentation. Strong communication skills and attention to detail will also help ensure smooth workflow and reliable results in collaboration with the broader dairy operations team.

What is the difference between Milk Lab vs Milk Technician?

AspectMilk Lab
CertificationsTypically requires food science or dairy processing certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting focused on product testing and quality control
Industry UsageUsed mainly in dairy product development and quality assurance
Job FocusResearch, formulation, and lab testing of dairy products

Milk Lab roles are primarily involved in research and development within dairy laboratories, focusing on product formulation and quality testing. Milk Technicians often work in processing plants, handling production, and ensuring product standards. While both roles require knowledge of dairy products, Milk Lab positions emphasize laboratory skills and product innovation, whereas Milk Technicians focus on production processes and operational tasks.

More about Milk Lab jobs

What cities are hiring for Milk Lab jobs?

Cities with the most Milk Lab job openings:

What states have the most Milk Lab jobs?

States with the most job openings for Milk Lab jobs include:

Infographic showing various Milk Lab job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Part Time, and 67% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,864 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Milk Lab Technician- NICU Part Time Rotating

Chicago, IL • On-site


Northwestern Memorial Healthcare
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 392 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

128th of 893 rated healthcare providers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$18.75 - $22.50/hr

Other

Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Company Description
At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?
Job Description
The Milk Lab Technician reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
The Milk Lab Technician is responsible for preparing and distributing human milk and/or formula feedings of all neonatal patients in the NICU. This position is part of an interdisciplinary medical care team and works under the direct supervision of the NICU nursing manager. This position is responsible for performing inventory control, conducting compliance audits, and maintaining professional competency and skills required for professional practice.
Responsibilities:
  • Prepares infant feedings using appropriate equipment and aseptic technique.
  • Prepares infant feedings as directed per infant feeding order.
  • Utilizes standardized recipes for milk preparation.
  • Assists with calculations of new recipes or formulas under the supervision of the registered dietician.
  • Identifies questionable feeding orders and escalates to appropriate medical team member.
  • Labels and stores all milk properly.
  • Delivers infant feedings per designated schedule.
  • Receives, distributes, and stores all milk and/or formula in accordance with the policies and procedures outlined for the Milk Lab.
  • Responsible for maintaining sufficient inventory of the Milk Lab, including inventory, and ordering, receipt and tracking of donor breast milk
  • Maintains cleanliness and sanitation of Milk Lab and Milk Lab equipment, in accordance with infection prevention policies and guidelines.
  • Conducts compliance audits, identifies and performs quality improvement efforts, and maintain logs, records, and other required documentation.
  • Assists with training other technicians as necessary.
  • Maintains professional communication with all members of the interdisciplinary care team.
  • Demonstrates excellent customer/patient service, in alignment with NM's Patient's First Mission.
  • Performs additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required:
  • Minimum High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Analytical skills to gather, analyze, and interpret data.
  • Strong mathematical skills.
  • Experience with medical terminology.
  • Excellent customer service skills.
  • Exceptional verbal and communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and part of a team.
  • Time and task management.
  • Ability to prioritize and problem solve.
  • Previous experience with an EMR.
  • Previous experience with Microsoft Office and other Windows based systems.
  • Formula/Human Milk Technician Certificate will be required within the first 12 months of employment, if not already certified upon hire. Maintenance of certification will be required, according to the certifying body's renewal requirements.
Preferred:
  • Previous nutrition or pharmacy technician experience.
  • Previous experience using EPIC electronic medical record.
  • Formula/Human Milk Technician Certificate. Maintenance of certification will be required, according to certifying body's renewal requirements.

Additional Information
Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.
Background Check
Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.
Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.
Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.


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