Medical laboratory technicians in Illinois earn $48,110 median — 21% below the national figure, but with 11,200 jobs across the state. The gap reflects lower lab volumes outside Chicago, though major health systems like Northwestern Medicine and Advocate Aurora still compete for certified technicians.
Salary and employment data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS Illinois
Illinois · Training Path
How to Become a Medical Laboratory Technician in Illinois
Several NAACLS-accredited programs span Illinois, from community colleges to universities, offering flexible pathways into the field.
- 1
Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology
education2 years · $25,000-$38,000
Complete a two-year Associate's degree from a NAACLS-accredited Medical Laboratory Technician program, including coursework in chemistry and biology plus clinical rotations.
- 2
MLT(ASCP) Certification Exam
training licensing1-2 months · $235
Pass the MLT(ASCP) certification exam from the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification to become a certified Medical Laboratory Technician.
- 3
Entry-Level Medical Laboratory Technician
career2-3 years ·
Begin working as a certified Medical Laboratory Technician, performing laboratory tests and procedures under supervision in hospitals, clinics, or diagnostic laboratories.
Accredited Programs · Illinois
Accredited Medical Laboratory Technician Programs in Illinois
Programs look similar on paper, but clinical rotation sites and equipment matter more than tuition cost. Ask each school about their first-time pass rates on the MLT(ASCP) exam and whether their lab partnerships lead to job offers — some programs place 90% of graduates at their clinical sites.
6 of ~10 accredited programs in Illinois
| Institution | Credential | Length | Estimated Cost | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Illinois College Belleville | Associate | 2 yr | — | NAACLS (National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences) |
| Illinois Central College Peoria | Associate | 2 yr | $10,400 | NAACLS |
| Kankakee Community College Kankakee | Associate | — | — | NAACLS |
| Elgin Community College Elgin | Associate | — | — | NAACLS |
| Spoon River College Canton | Associate | — | — | NAACLS |
| Oakton Community College Des Plaines | Associate | — | — | NAACLS |
Loading programs...
Last verified 2026-04-23. Program details — including tuition, duration, and accreditation — verified against each institution's official website.
Illinois · Licensing Authority
Licensing and Certification in Illinois
You need a NAACLS-accredited associate degree to sit for the certification exam — self-study won't qualify you. Most Illinois technicians choose MLT(ASCP) because hospital systems prefer it over the alternative MLT(AMT) credential, though both are nationally recognized and meet employer requirements.
| Credential | Issuing Body | Type | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MLT(ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology)) | American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification | certification | required |
| MLT(AMT (American Medical Technologists)) | American Medical Technologists (AMT) | certification | alternative |
| State Laboratory License | State Department of Health or Clinical Laboratory division (varies by state) | license | required_in_some_states |
Illinois · BLS OEWS 2024
Medical Laboratory Technician Salary in Illinois
With an associate degree costing $15k–$36k at most Illinois programs, the salary return starts immediately after certification.
Medical laboratory technicians in Illinois earn $48,110 median — 21% below the national figure, or about $12,890 less per year before taxes. That gap narrows when you factor in Illinois housing costs running 10–15% below coastal states, making the purchasing power closer than the raw numbers suggest.
10th
$48,110
25th
$66,934
Median
$48,110
75th
$82,098
90th
$97,427
| How it compares | Median | vs. Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois (you are here) | $48,110 | — |
| Ohio | $46,710 | -3% |
| Pennsylvania | $46,260 | -4% |
| Georgia | $45,780 | -5% |
| North Carolina | $44,320 | -8% |
| National | $60,780 | +26% |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 11,200 employed in Illinois
HealthJob Analysis · Illinois
Is It Worth It? ROI in Illinois
Yes — $1.146M 20-year net and break-even by year 3 make medical laboratory technician one of Illinois's highest-return associate-degree paths.
Year 3
Break-even
$1.15M
20-year net
$32k
Education cost
By the end of year 3 you have paid off the $32k in tuition and also earned back the wages you skipped while studying. From there on, every paycheck is net gain — which is why the 20-year total lands at $1.146M even after subtracting all costs.
20-year net earnings = cumulative income minus education cost and the years you weren't earning.
What the first 10 years look like
| Year | What happens | Cumulative net |
|---|---|---|
| Year 2 | In training. Net cost so far: -$32k. | -$32k |
| Year 3 | In training. Net cost so far: +$14k. | +$14k |
| Year 5 | Early-career earnings compound. Net +$135k lifetime. | +$135k |
| Year 10 | Mid-career median pay kicks in. Net +$471k lifetime. | +$471k |
A bachelor's in biology costs twice as much and takes 2 more years to generate income — medical lab tech in Illinois delivers faster payback with clearer job placement.
Assumes Illinois median salary of $48,110, 2% annual wage growth, no loan interest. Does not account for cost of living.
HealthJob Analysis · Illinois
AI & Automation for Medical Laboratory Technicians in Illinois
The parts most exposed to AI are routine result interpretation and some microscopy pattern recognition. The parts that are safest involve specimen preparation, instrument troubleshooting, and quality control procedures. If you pick this career, lean into the technical maintenance and complex specimen work — those skills become more valuable as AI handles the routine analysis.
Tasks that are changing
- AI handles major parts
- AI augments
- AI assists
- Human-only
Assemble electrical systems or prototypes.
Read blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, or engineering instructions.
Set up and operate test equipment to diagnose and analyze electronics.
Identify and resolve equipment malfunctions.
Assemble, test, or maintain circuitry or components.
AI handles testing via Kompass and assembly via Siemens robots; maintenance remains human-led.
Maintain system logs or manuals.
AI inspection systems like Jidoka integrate with ERP/MES for automatic logging, assisting documentation.
Compile and maintain records of schematics and repairs.
AI systems auto-generate logs via MES integration during inspections.
Modify, maintain, or repair electronics equipment or systems.
AI products in use today
- C3 AI Reliability — C3 AI
- Kompass — Jidokasource
- AI robotics — Siemens
Illinois · Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much do medical laboratory technicians make in Illinois?
- Medical laboratory technicians in Illinois earn $48,110 median salary, with the 90th percentile reaching $97,427. Entry-level positions start around $48,110, while experienced technicians in hospital settings can earn significantly more.
- Do I need a license to work as a medical laboratory technician in Illinois?
- Illinois does not require state licensure for laboratory personnel. You need national MLT(ASCP) or MLT(AMT) certification, which requires completing a NAACLS-accredited associate degree program and passing the certification exam.
- How long does it take to become a medical laboratory technician in Illinois?
- It takes about 2 years to complete an associate degree in medical laboratory technology from a NAACLS-accredited program. After graduation, you take the MLT(ASCP) certification exam and can start working immediately upon passing.
- Which hospitals in Illinois hire medical laboratory technicians?
- Northwestern Medicine, Advocate Aurora Health, University of Chicago Medical Center, and OSF HealthCare all employ medical laboratory technicians. Community hospitals and reference labs like Quest Diagnostics also hire regularly throughout the state.
- How much does medical lab tech training cost in Illinois?
- Associate degree programs at Illinois community colleges typically cost $15,000-$25,000 total for in-state residents. Private programs can run higher, but most students complete training for under $30,000 including books and fees.
Sources & Data
These references are used to build salary, training-path, and job-outlook estimates shown on this page.
- •Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- •O*NET OnLine
- •ASCP BOC
- •AMT
- •State licensing boards
- •HealthJob AI Impact Analysis
- •BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook - Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians
- •NAACLS Program Directory
- •Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS State Data — Illinois
Data last refreshed: April 2026