Illinois Biopharma Job Market Shows Resilience Amid Industry Growth
The Illinois biopharmaceutical job market is demonstrating notable resilience and growth, according to recent data and hiring trends. As the state continues to cement its position as a key player in the BioMidwest Hotbed, several major pharmaceutical companies are actively recruiting talent across various specialties.
Employment Growth and Industry Expansion
Illinois has seen a significant uptick in bioscience employment, with the sector growing by 7.5% since 2019. As of 2023, the state boasted 93,402 bioscience professionals spread across 4,926 businesses, according to 2024 data from BIO and TEConomy Partners. This growth trajectory underscores the robust health of the life sciences industry in the region.
Recent BioSpace data further supports this positive trend, revealing that job postings for Illinois-based positions during the first half of 2025 have shown an upward trend compared to the latter part of 2024. Year-over-year job availability has remained relatively stable, with only a marginal 1.7% decrease from June 2024 to June 2025.
Key Companies Driving Hiring
Several pharmaceutical giants are at the forefront of this hiring surge, offering a diverse array of opportunities for life sciences professionals:
AbbVie
With over 200 open positions, AbbVie leads the pack in terms of job availability. The company is seeking talent across various domains, including senior scientist roles in process chemistry and radiochemistry in North Chicago, IT technical specialists in Mettawa, and clinical documentation associates in Chicago.
Amgen
Amgen has approximately 10 openings, focusing on roles such as counsel for global commercial operations in Deerfield, senior marketing associates for ultra-rare diseases in Evanston, and competitive intelligence managers.
CSL
CSL is offering both in-person and remote opportunities, including positions for quality specialists in Waukegan, senior production engineers in Kankakee, and regional sales managers for North Central Chicago.
Other Notable Employers
Lundbeck, Novo Nordisk, and Takeda are also actively hiring, with positions ranging from data engineering and regulatory affairs to field sales and quality control. These companies are offering a mix of on-site and remote work options, catering to the evolving preferences of the workforce.
The diverse range of positions available, from research and development to sales and regulatory affairs, reflects the multifaceted nature of the biopharmaceutical industry in Illinois. This variety not only provides ample opportunities for professionals at different career stages but also underscores the state's comprehensive approach to fostering a robust life sciences ecosystem.
As the biopharmaceutical landscape continues to evolve, Illinois appears well-positioned to maintain its status as a key hub for innovation and employment in the life sciences sector. The steady job market, coupled with the presence of industry leaders and prestigious academic institutions, suggests a promising outlook for professionals seeking careers in this dynamic field.
References
- 6 Companies Hiring in Illinois
Looking for a biopharma job in Illinois? Check out the BioSpace list of six companies hiring life sciences professionals like you.
Explore Further
What recent trends have been observed in executive changes within Illinois biopharma companies?
How have layoffs or hiring practices across Illinois's life sciences industry evolved in recent years?
What are the recruitment strategies of major pharmaceutical companies like AbbVie in Illinois?
What major personnel changes have occurred at companies such as CSL and Amgen in the last year?
How have shifts in personnel at Illinois biopharma companies affected their overall market performance?