Lab Assistant Jobs in Illinois
Lab assistant jobs in Illinois concentrate in clinical diagnostics, pharmaceutical research, and academic science, with demand spread from entry-level technicians to senior research support roles across one of the country's most active life sciences markets. Chicago, Peoria, and Rockford anchor most of the hiring, where established employers like Abbott Laboratories, Baxter International, and the University of Chicago Medicine maintain large laboratory operations. The most consistent openings are in clinical chemistry, quality control, and specimen processing. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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- Department: Clinical Lab
- Schedule: Day shift- 6am-2:30pm (primary shift and/or 9am-5:30pm with rotating holidays and weekends
- Facility: St. Mary of Nazareth Hospital
- Location: Chicago, IL 60622
The Laboratory Assistant: 1) performs computer entry, filing, telephone communication and other clerical duties, 2) demonstrates good telephone etiquette and be able to greet patients and other visitors in a polite and friendly manner, 3) possesses good communication skills, 4) demonstrates adequate knowledge of the terminology of tests ordered in the laboratory, 5) demonstrates a good working knowledge of phlebotomy and the equipment used in collecting specimens from newborns to geriatric patients, 6) processes pathology, microbiology, immunology, hematology, coagulation, urinalysis, chemistry, and blood bank specimens (pre-analytic phase only) 7) processes specimens for reference laboratory, 8) stocks and orders routine supplies, 9) keeps storage areas, trays, centrifuges, and collection areas clean, 10) processes or places specimens on laboratory instruments in accordance with established policy and procedures, 11) with proper documented training the laboratory assistant may perform, instrument preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, assist in quality control procedures, perform, primary culture inoculations, stain slide preparations, and subculture from liquid media, 11) other tasks or responsibilities may be assigned by the department manager/director, i.e. monitor, mail, fax, answer phone, inter departmental deliveries. Etc. 12) Assist in Pathology with training and eval, 13) Runner 14) assist in transcribing of post-analytic results.
1. HS Diploma or Equivalent required.
The company is dedicated to empowering its staff with a comprehensive, competitive benefits package, allowing them the freedom to customize their benefits to fit their unique needs. Our abundant resources, programs, and voluntary options serve as a foundation for individual growth and well-being. Learn more here: https://www.primehealthcare.com/benefitsthatmattermost/
Employment Status: Full Time Shift: Days Equal Employment Opportunity:
See All 50 Lab Assistant Jobs in Illinois
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Find Lab Assistant JobsLab Assistant Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Lab Assistant Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Education
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in lab assistant jobs across Illinois.
- Associate degree or higher in a life science, chemistry, or related field preferred
- Phlebotomy certification recognized in Illinois for clinical lab roles is a common advantage
- Experience operating standard laboratory equipment such as centrifuges and analyzers
- Familiarity with laboratory information systems and electronic data entry practices
- Ability to follow strict safety and quality control protocols in a regulated environment
- Strong attention to detail and accurate documentation skills for sample and test records
Lab Assistant Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a lab assistant in Illinois?
Most lab assistant positions in Illinois require at minimum a high school diploma, though employers in clinical and research settings strongly prefer an associate or bachelor's degree in a life science or medical laboratory science field. Clinical lab roles often call for phlebotomy certification, which Illinois does not mandate by law but which most hospital systems require internally. Illinois does not have a state-specific lab assistant license, so preparation focuses on education, hands-on training, and earning nationally recognized credentials such as the ASCP phlebotomy certification.
Which companies hire lab assistants in Illinois?
Employers hiring lab assistants in Illinois right now include Northwestern Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, and Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Systems, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Illinois's deep concentration of pharmaceutical manufacturers, hospital networks, and research universities means that lab assistant demand remains consistent year-round across both the Chicago metro and downstate hubs like Peoria and Rockford.
Which Illinois cities have the most lab assistant jobs?
Chicago, Illinois, and Geneva lead Illinois for lab assistant openings. Chicago dominates because it is home to major health systems, pharmaceutical headquarters like Abbott and Baxter, and research universities, while Peoria's OSF HealthCare and UnityPoint Health anchors a strong clinical lab market, and Rockford's regional hospital network generates steady entry-level and mid-level demand.
Are there remote lab assistant jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Lab assistant work is fundamentally hands-on, requiring direct specimen handling, equipment operation, and on-site quality control, so most roles are fully in-person. About 0% of lab assistant openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions typically involve data entry, laboratory information system support, or administrative coordination rather than bench work.
How can I get hired as a lab assistant in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a part-time or student lab aide position at an Illinois community college, hospital, or university research department while completing coursework. Large Illinois health systems such as Northwestern Medicine and Advocate Health run new-graduate and volunteer lab programs that give candidates verifiable hands-on hours. Moving laterally from roles like medical assistant, pharmacy technician, or sterile processing technician is also common, as those positions share specimen-handling and documentation skills. Earning a nationally recognized phlebotomy certification from ASCP gives candidates a measurable edge when competing for first jobs.
Where can I find and apply to lab assistant jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to lab assistant jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings updated in real time. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your background and location, and apply directly to the positions that fit.
See All 50 Lab Assistant Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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