Laboratory Manager Jobs in Illinois
Laboratory Manager jobs in Illinois are in active demand, concentrated in clinical diagnostics, pharmaceutical manufacturing, food and beverage testing, and academic research, with openings for candidates at every level from bench-level supervisors to senior operations leads. Chicago, Deerfield, and Peoria account for the largest share of postings, anchored by established employers such as Abbott Laboratories, Baxter International, and the University of Illinois Health system. The most sought-after specialties include clinical laboratory management, quality control oversight, and regulatory compliance in FDA-regulated environments. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Job Description
Laboratory Assistant Manager5800 Industrial Ave, Loves Park, IL 61111
IL180 Manufacturing Facility
Full-time Shift(s): MON TUE WED THU FRI 7:00am - 5:00pm
OVERVIEW:
Working as an Assistant Laboratory Manager, you will assist the Lab Manager in developing policies and procedures around our inspection plans, quality system and general lab operations. You will provide training and input to our Laboratory Technicians while overseeing their day-to-day operations. Based on required workload, you will use various tools and equipment types to test sample parts for performance, dimensional, mechanical and chemical attributes to determine if they are acceptable to established standards or customer requirements.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:
o Assisting in developing and implementing policies and procedures in an ISO 17025 Accredited Laboratory
o Developing, implementing, and training lab technicians in testing proficiency and best practices
o Recruiting and supervising staff
o Managing daily operations
o Identifying and troubleshooting technical issues within the lab
o Understanding and adhering to laboratory safety protocols
o Testing product in an A2LA Accredited Laboratory
o Collecting and analyzing test data, and data entry
o Communicating project status and results
o Creating documentation, such as inspection instructions, reports on test results and certifications
REQUIRED POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
The following skills and qualifications are required for this position:
o 18 years of age or older, due to the nature of work
o Excellent written and oral communication skills
o Proficient using Microsoft Office Suite
o Demonstrate strong math aptitude, attention to detail and sense of urgency
o Highly motivated, self directed and customer service oriented
o Demonstrate strong organization, planning, and prioritizing abilities
o Work independently as well as in a team environment
o Possess 2 years of experience working in a testing laboratory
o Demonstrate our core values of ambition, innovation, integrity, and teamwork
o Willingness to stand for long periods of time
o Lift, slide, carry and lower packages that typically weigh 25lbs-50lbs and may weigh up to 75lbs
o Pass the required drug screen (applicable in the US, Puerto Rico and Guam ONLY)
PREFERRED POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
o Possess or working towards an associate's degree in a related technical field
o Prior experience using basic measuring equipment and inspection tools
o Possess an understanding of basic geometry
ABOUT US:
Since 1967 Fastenal has grown as a distributor of industrial and construction supplies from a single branch to a Fortune 500 company with over 3,000 servicing locations, each providing tailored local inventory and personal service for our customers. As we've expanded across the world, we've retained a core belief in people and their ability to accomplish remarkable things - if given the opportunity. From this philosophy stems an entrepreneurial culture that challenges every employee to run their own business, create their own success, and advance to become company leaders.
As a growth company with a solid financial position, we are committed to training, promoting from within, and creating opportunities for our employees. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit and are looking to make your mark as part of an elite growth company, you won't find a better fit than Fastenal.
FULL-TIME BENEFITS:
Fastenal offers a competitive benefits package to all full-time employees. This package includes Health, Life, Long Term Disability, and Dental Insurance, in addition to, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, and 401(k) with an employer contribution.
COMPENSATION:
The base pay range for this position is $55,000 - 70,000. In addition to base pay, this position is also eligible for a bonus and/or commission.
Please respond by 09-03-2026.
Equal Opportunity Employer
See All 10 Laboratory Manager Jobs in Illinois
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Find Laboratory Manager JobsLaboratory Manager Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Laboratory Manager Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in laboratory manager jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in a life science, chemistry, or related field required
- ASCP or AMT board certification strongly preferred by Illinois clinical employers
- Minimum three to five years of laboratory operations or supervisory experience
- Demonstrated knowledge of CAP, CLIA, and Illinois Department of Public Health laboratory standards
- Experience managing staff scheduling, budgets, and laboratory quality management systems
- Proficiency with laboratory information systems and instrument troubleshooting in regulated environments
Laboratory Manager Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a laboratory manager in Illinois?
Most laboratory managers in Illinois hold a bachelor's or master's degree in a biological science, chemistry, or clinical laboratory science. For clinical roles, employers expect board certification through ASCP or AMT and compliance with Illinois Department of Public Health licensing standards for CLIA-regulated laboratories. Candidates typically build toward management by leading a laboratory team or quality function for several years before stepping into a department director or manager role.
How much do laboratory managers make in Illinois?
Laboratory managers in Illinois earn a median of about $159,670 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $85,210 for the lowest 10% to over $281,660 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire laboratory managers in Illinois?
Employers hiring laboratory managers in Illinois right now include Mercyhealth, UChicago Medicine, and AbbVie, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Illinois's concentration of major pharmaceutical, hospital, and food-safety testing operations means hiring activity is relatively consistent across both the Chicago metropolitan area and downstate facilities.
Which Illinois cities have the most laboratory manager jobs?
Chicago, Elmhurst, and Freeport have the most laboratory manager openings in Illinois. Chicago drives the largest share through its dense network of hospital systems, university medical centers, and life sciences companies headquartered in the metro, while suburban hubs like Deerfield and North Chicago add volume from large pharmaceutical campuses that operate multiple on-site laboratories.
Are there remote laboratory manager jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Laboratory manager roles are fundamentally hands-on, requiring physical oversight of staff, instruments, and samples, so most positions require full on-site presence. About 100% of laboratory manager openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those tend to cover administrative or regulatory compliance functions rather than day-to-day bench operations.
How can I get hired as a laboratory manager in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is moving into a lead technologist or senior scientist role first and demonstrating supervisory responsibility before applying to manager positions. Large Illinois health systems such as Northwestern Medicine and Rush University Medical Center hire laboratory supervisors and team leads who have strong bench credentials but limited formal management experience. Earning ASCP certification and completing a laboratory management course through the Illinois Society for Clinical Laboratory Science strengthens a candidacy considerably.
Where can I find and apply to laboratory manager jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to laboratory manager jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings updated regularly. Find roles that match your specialty and experience level and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 10 Laboratory Manager Jobs in Illinois
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