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 296 science jobs listed below pay well, with salaries between $50,571 and $146,400 per year. R&D Engineer, Life Science Consultant and Electrical Designer are among the most popular high-paying roles in Chicago, IL.
Job title
Updated Aug 29, 2026
Job title
Chicago, IL
Illinois
Job openings (Chicago)
Life Science Consultant
Chicago
$146,400
per year
Illinois
$144,271
per year
R&D Engineer
Chicago
$117,142
per year
Illinois
$108,623
per year
Clinical Research Associate
Chicago
$114,186
per year
Illinois
$113,731
per year
Research Analyst
Chicago
$107,659
per year
Illinois
$100,274
per year
Electrical Designer
Chicago
$91,303
per year
Illinois
$98,003
per year
Environmental Specialist
Chicago
$86,171
per year
Illinois
$91,887
per year
Senior Clinical Research Coordinator
Chicago
$33.39
per hour
Illinois
$32.17
per hour
Postdoctoral Fellow
Chicago
$67,028
per year
Illinois
$64,862
per year
Clinical Research Coordinator
Chicago
$64,102
per year
Illinois
$45,330
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.
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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 (17 jobs), Deloitte (5 jobs), and Simon-Kucher & Partners (5 jobs).
Currently, 12% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 1% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 59 jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$146,400 per yearIllinois
$144,271 per yearSkills
- Technical writing
- Quality control
- Quality management
- Quality assurance
- Organizational skills
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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 Accenture (2 jobs), CFS (1 job), and Ferrero (1 job).
R&D Engineer jobs take 22 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 62 jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$117,142 per yearIllinois
$108,623 per yearSkills
- C
- C++
- Python
- APIs
- .NET
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Clinical Research Associate
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Clinical research associates monitor clinical trials, ensuring compliance with regulations. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and knowledge of trial processes are essential.
The top companies hiring Clinical Research Associate in Chicago, IL are IQVIA (5 jobs), Thermo Fisher Scientific (1 job), and AbbVie (1 job).
Clinical Research Associate jobs take 53 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 41% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 1% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 13 jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$114,186 per yearIllinois
$113,731 per yearSkills
- Clinical research
- Data collection
- Research
- Clinical trials
- Medical terminology
-
Research Analyst
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Research analysts evaluate data and trends to inform decision-making. Key skills for this role include strong analytical thinking, expertise in data analysis tools and effective communication.
The top companies hiring Research Analyst in Chicago, IL are legalandgeneral (2 jobs), Ipsos (1 job), and Kroll Inc. (1 job).
Research Analyst jobs take 15 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 22% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 8% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 13 jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$107,659 per yearIllinois
$100,274 per yearSkills
- Analysis skills
- Microsoft Excel
- English
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Office
-
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 51 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 34 jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$91,303 per yearIllinois
$98,003 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 Burns & McDonnell (2 jobs), S&C Electric Company (1 job), and Northwestern Medicine (1 job).
Environmental Specialist jobs take 22 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 15% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 24 jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$86,171 per yearIllinois
$91,887 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 (7 jobs), The University of Chicago (1 job), and University of Illinois (1 job).
Senior Clinical Research Coordinator jobs take 63 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 10% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 2% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 17 jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$33.39 per hourIllinois
$32.17 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 (6 jobs), Rush University Medical Center (3 jobs), and Hartgrove Behavioral Health System (1 job).
Currently, 2% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 22 jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$67,028 per yearIllinois
$64,862 per yearSkills
- Research
- Communication skills
- Analysis skills
- Writing skills
- Laboratory experience
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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 (7 jobs), INSIGHT (3 jobs), and The University of Chicago (2 jobs).
Clinical Research Coordinator jobs take 97 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 6% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 22 jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$64,102 per yearIllinois
$45,330 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 (7 jobs), The University of Chicago (1 job), and DePaul University (1 job).
Research Assistant jobs take 37 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 32% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 30 jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$21.49 per hourIllinois
$21.17 per hourSkills
- Machine learning
- Analysis skills
- Microsoft Office
- Laboratory experience
- Microsoft Word