High-paying science jobs in Chicago
Science explores the natural world through research and experimentation. Scientists test hypotheses, analyze data, and contribute new knowledge. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are important.
The 318 science jobs listed below pay well, with salaries between $50,586 and $199,888 per year. Life Science Consultant, R&D Engineer and Electrical Designer are among the most popular high-paying roles in Chicago, IL.
Job title
Updated Sep 30, 2026
Job title
Chicago, IL
Illinois
Job openings (Chicago)
Director of Science
Chicago
$199,888
per year
Illinois
$183,532
per year
Life Science Consultant
Chicago
$149,419
per year
Illinois
$147,274
per year
R&D Engineer
Chicago
$114,187
per year
Illinois
$104,283
per year
Researcher
Chicago
$95,733
per year
Illinois
$96,365
per year
Electrical Designer
Chicago
$88,842
per year
Illinois
$97,192
per year
Environmental Specialist
Chicago
$80,999
per year
Illinois
$91,365
per year
Senior Clinical Research Coordinator
Chicago
$32.30
per hour
Illinois
$30.71
per hour
Postdoctoral Fellow
Chicago
$66,346
per year
Illinois
$64,483
per year
Clinical Research Coordinator
Chicago
$66,330
per year
Illinois
$44,133
per year
Research Assistant
Chicago
$21.49
per hour
Illinois
$21.17
per hour
Job descriptions below are for educational purposes. Please refer to the employer's job description for complete details.
-
Director of Science
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Directors of Science lead scientific research programs, develop strategies, and manage teams. Expertise in scientific principles, leadership skills, and project management is necessary.
The top companies hiring Director of Science in Chicago, IL are West Monroe (5 jobs), Merge (2 jobs), and Guidehouse (2 jobs).
Currently, 32% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 1% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 23 jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$199,888 per yearIllinois
$183,532 per year -
Life Science Consultant
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Life science consultants provide strategic guidance for life science organizations, leveraging their expertise. Key skills for this role include strong analytical skills, industry knowledge and effective communication.
The top companies hiring Life Science Consultant in Chicago, IL are Accenture (21 jobs), Deloitte (6 jobs), and Logic, Inc. (5 jobs).
Currently, 10% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 0% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 64 jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$149,419 per yearIllinois
$147,274 per yearSkills
- Technical writing
- Quality control
- Quality management
- Quality assurance
- Organizational skills
-
R&D Engineer
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
R&D engineers develop innovative products and solutions through research and testing. Candidates should possess strong technical skills, creativity and knowledge of industry trends.
The top companies hiring R&D Engineer in Chicago, IL are EY (3 jobs), Accenture (2 jobs), and Quadra Group (2 jobs).
R&D Engineer jobs take 23 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 10% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 3% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 59 jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$114,187 per yearIllinois
$104,283 per yearSkills
- C
- C++
- Python
- APIs
- .NET
-
Researcher
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Researchers conduct studies to gather and analyze data, contributing to knowledge advancement. Critical thinking, analytical skills and expertise in methodology are essential for success in this role.
The top companies hiring Researcher in Chicago, IL are The University of Chicago (14 jobs), Rush University Medical Center (1 job), and CoStar Group (1 job).
Researcher jobs take 75 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 26% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 15% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 23 jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$95,733 per yearIllinois
$96,365 per yearSkills
- Analysis skills
- Microsoft Excel
- English
- Microsoft Office
- Research & development
-
Electrical Designer
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Electrical designers create electrical system plans and specifications for projects. Strong technical drawing skills, knowledge of codes and attention to detail are essential in this role.
The top companies hiring Electrical Designer in Chicago, IL are Sargent & Lundy (12 jobs), Harley Ellis Devereaux (3 jobs), and Burns & McDonnell (2 jobs).
Electrical Designer jobs take 40 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 18% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 0% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 40 jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$88,842 per yearIllinois
$97,192 per yearSkills
- Electrical experience
- AutoCAD
- Manufacturing
- Programmable logic controllers
- English
-
Environmental Specialist
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Environmental specialists develop and implement programs to protect the environment. Candidates benefit from an expertise in environmental laws, analytical skills and project management experience
The top companies hiring Environmental Specialist in Chicago, IL are CDM Smith (2 jobs), Aramark (1 job), and Burns & McDonnell (1 job).
Environmental Specialist jobs take 20 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 14% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 23 jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$80,999 per yearIllinois
$91,365 per yearSkills
- Environmental compliance
- OSHA
- Communication skills
- Computer skills
- Microsoft Excel
-
Senior Clinical Research Coordinator
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Senior clinical research coordinators oversee clinical trials, ensuring compliance and accuracy in processes. Key skills for this role include extensive subject-matter knowledge, leadership and organization.
The top companies hiring Senior Clinical Research Coordinator in Chicago, IL are Rush University Medical Center (6 jobs), The University of Chicago (4 jobs), and INSIGHT (1 job).
Senior Clinical Research Coordinator jobs take 57 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 11% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 2% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 18 jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$32.30 per hourIllinois
$30.71 per hour -
Postdoctoral Fellow
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Postdoctoral fellows conduct independent research, contributing to scientific discovery. Key qualifications for this role include expertise in their field, strong analytical skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with a team.
The top companies hiring Postdoctoral Fellow in Chicago, IL are Shirley Ryan Ability Lab (7 jobs), Rush University Medical Center (2 jobs), and Hartgrove Behavioral Health System (1 job).
Currently, 2% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 22 jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$66,346 per yearIllinois
$64,483 per yearSkills
- Research
- Communication skills
- Analysis skills
- Writing skills
- Laboratory experience
-
Clinical Research Coordinator
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Clinical research coordinators manage clinical trials, ensuring compliance and data integrity. Strong organization, communication skills and regulatory knowledge are essential in this role.
The top companies hiring Clinical Research Coordinator in Chicago, IL are Rush University Medical Center (3 jobs), INSIGHT (3 jobs), and The University of Chicago (2 jobs).
Clinical Research Coordinator jobs take 92 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 10% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 5% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 18 jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$66,330 per yearIllinois
$44,133 per yearSkills
- Clinical research
- Clinical trials
- Research
- Good Clinical Practice
- Medical terminology
-
Research Assistant
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Research assistants support research projects by collecting data and performing experiments. Key skills for this role include strong analytical skills, attention to detail and the ability to follow protocols.
The top companies hiring Research Assistant in Chicago, IL are Rush University Medical Center (6 jobs), The University of Chicago (4 jobs), and Shirley Ryan Ability Lab (3 jobs).
Research Assistant jobs take 25 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 32% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 28 jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$21.49 per hourIllinois
$21.17 per hourSkills
- Machine learning
- Analysis skills
- Microsoft Office
- Laboratory experience
- Microsoft Word