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Per Diem Lab Assistant Jobs in DeKalb, IL (NOW HIRING)

Per Diem Days The Patient Care Assistant assists patients with activities of daily living, provides basic nursing care to all patients and assists in maintenance of a safe environment under the ...

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Per Diem Lab Assistant information

See DeKalb, IL salary details

$10

$19

$29

How much do per diem lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for per diem lab assistant in DeKalb, IL is $19.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $22.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a per diem lab assistant?

Per Diem Lab Assistants are laboratory support staff who work on an as-needed basis rather than a regular, full-time schedule. Their primary responsibilities include preparing samples, maintaining lab equipment, and assisting with testing procedures. Because their hours can vary depending on the laboratory's needs, this role offers flexibility and is often used to cover staff shortages, busy periods, or special projects. Per Diem Lab Assistants are commonly found in hospitals, research institutions, and diagnostic laboratories.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a per diem lab assistant?

To thrive as a Per Diem Lab Assistant, you need a basic understanding of laboratory procedures, specimen handling, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), phlebotomy equipment, and proper safety protocols is commonly required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication help you excel in this fast-paced, flexible role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure accurate results, maintain lab efficiency, and support patient care in variable work schedules.

What are the most common challenges faced by per diem lab assistants, and how can they be managed?

Per Diem Lab Assistants often encounter challenges such as adapting quickly to different lab environments, managing fluctuating work schedules, and staying updated on diverse testing procedures. Since the role typically involves filling in for full-time staff or covering peak workloads, strong adaptability and time management skills are essential. Building good communication with permanent staff and being proactive in asking questions can help ease transitions and ensure quality work. Additionally, familiarizing yourself with the specific protocols of each lab assignment can make your shifts smoother and more efficient.

What is the difference between Per Diem Lab Assistant vs Full-Time Lab Technician?

AspectPer Diem Lab AssistantFull-Time Lab Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in a related field; certification may be preferred
Work EnvironmentTemporary, flexible shifts in laboratories, hospitals, or clinicsFull-time, permanent positions with regular hours in similar settings
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, research labs, clinics; used for short-term staffing needsHospitals, diagnostic labs, research institutions; core staff roles

Per Diem Lab Assistants typically work on a temporary, flexible basis with minimal credentials, focusing on support tasks. Full-Time Lab Technicians hold permanent roles with more advanced qualifications, performing routine testing and analysis regularly. The main difference lies in employment status, credentials, and job stability.

What are popular job titles related to Per Diem Lab Assistant jobs in DeKalb, IL?

For Per Diem Lab Assistant jobs in DeKalb, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Per Diem Lab Assistant jobs in DeKalb, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Per Diem Lab Assistant jobs in DeKalb, IL are:

What cities near DeKalb, IL are hiring for Per Diem Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities near DeKalb, IL with the most Per Diem Lab Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Per Diem Lab Assistant job openings in DeKalb, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,334 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Temporary Lab Assistant

Elgin, IL โ€ข On-site

Elgin Community College
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schoolsย โ€ขย 1 - 5K employees

$16/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 hours ago


Job description

About ECC:
Elgin Community College serves over 9,000 students at every stage of their educational journeys, including university transfer programs, career and technical education, continuing education classes, and adult basic education. As a community, we pride ourselves on nurturing a welcoming campus where every person-students, staff members, faculty members, and campus visitors-feels valued. The work of each ECC employee is central to the college's mission, and as an employer, the college fosters a positive environment through professional challenges, excellent benefits, and opportunities for recognition and camaraderie.
Work Schedule:
Varies. Based on the students' schedules.
Rate of Pay:
$16 per hour
FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt
Grant Funded:
No
Job Summary:
This temporary position performs work of moderate difficulty by ensuring equal access to educational opportunities for students with disabilities. Work is distinguished by attending the class sessions and providing assistance to students with disabilities with the physical mechanics and dexterity requirements of class activities. General supervision is provided by assigned manager
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
1. Must have previous experience and knowledge in the specified subject area.
2. Considerable skills in verbal and written communication to accurately and legibly scribe for students and accurately read for students.
3. Ability to follow multi-step directions; highly reliable.
4. Ability to express verbally what is seen in a descriptive manner.
5. Working skill in organizing work to meet established deadlines while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy.
6. Demonstrate sensitivity, understanding, and respect of diverse populations within the College.
7. Maintain confidentiality of privileged information and adhere to applicable privacy laws and ethical standards.
8. Ability to work a flexible schedule, which includes days/evenings/weekends as needed by the department.
Desired Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
N/A
Essential Duties:
1. Ensure equal access to educational opportunities for students with disabilities.
2. Aid students with disabilities with the physical mechanics and dexterity requirements of class activities (e.g., lifting, pouring, writing, typing, etc.).
3. Attend the class in which the student with a disability is enrolled. Must be available to attend the entire class session and meet with the student at other established times during the week. Lab assistants cannot be enrolled in the same course level of the students they are assisting. Lab assistants will follow directions provided by the student with a disability and will not contribute to the content of the course or be responsible for teaching the material to the student with a disability.
4. The services are individually designed and based on the specific needs of each student:
a. Read aloud academically required materials.
b. Write down information as dictated by the student.
c. Describe visual information.
d. Assist with completing in-class assignments, tests, quizzes, and other course materials on paper and on the computer as described by the student.
e. Adjust/move lab equipment, lift lab materials, pour lab materials, and perform other lab duties as described by the student.
f. Will perform only those tasks directed by the student.
g. Are used as a tool, not a teacher or tutor.
h. Will not prompt or guide a student in performing a lab/class task.
i. Must follow all class/lab safety procedures.
5. Maintain confidentiality of privileged information and adhere to applicable privacy laws and ethical standards.
6. Demonstrate sensitivity, understanding, and respect of diverse populations within the workplace.
7. Adheres to department guidelines for attendance and punctuality
Other Duties:
Adhere to department guidelines for attendance and punctuality including ability to work a flexible schedule, which includes days/evenings/weekends as needed by the department.
Physical Demands:
Medium (up to 50 lbs. occasionally or 30 lbs frequently or 10 lbs constantly)
Visual Acuity:
Close visual acuity (e.g. computer, assembly)
Work Environment:
Moderate noise
Environmental Conditions:
Typical office or administrative
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Elgin Community College does not discriminate, or tolerate discrimination, against any member of its community on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex/gender/gender identity, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law in matters of admissions, employment, or in any aspect of the educational programs or activities it offers.
In addition, Elgin Community College provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to ensure equal access and equal opportunities with regard to employment practices, educational opportunities, and programs and services. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the College's EEO/AA Officer. Determinations on request for a reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.