Process Development Scientist information
See Chicago, IL salary details
$21.31 - $25.14
6% of jobs
$25.14 - $28.97
17% of jobs
$29.28 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$28.97 - $32.80
20% of jobs
The median wage is $35.10 / hr.
$32.80 - $36.63
11% of jobs
$36.63 - $40.46
13% of jobs
$40.46 - $44.29
3% of jobs
$45.86 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$44.29 - $48.12
12% of jobs
$48.12 - $51.95
7% of jobs
$51.95 - $55.78
4% of jobs
$55.78 - $59.61
3% of jobs
$59.61 - $63.44
3% of jobs
How much do process development scientist jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for process development scientist in Chicago, IL is $39.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.23 and $47.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
A Process Development Scientist is a professional who designs, develops, and optimizes processes for manufacturing products, typically in industries like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or chemicals. Their work involves scaling up laboratory procedures to full production, improving efficiency, ensuring quality, and meeting regulatory standards. They collaborate with research, engineering, and manufacturing teams to implement new processes or refine existing ones. Process Development Scientists play a critical role in bringing new products from the research phase to commercial production while maintaining safety and compliance.
To thrive as a Process Development Scientist, you need a background in chemistry, biochemistry, or chemical engineering, supported by at least a bachelor’s (often master’s or PhD) degree and experience in laboratory research. Familiarity with analytical instrumentation (such as HPLC, GC, and mass spectrometry), process modeling software, and relevant regulatory standards is crucial. Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help drive innovation and coordinate with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure the efficient development and scale-up of robust, safe, and cost-effective processes in pharmaceutical, biotech, or chemical manufacturing environments.
Process Development Scientists often encounter challenges when transitioning processes from the laboratory to large-scale production. These can include maintaining product quality and consistency, optimizing yields, and ensuring that processes are cost-effective at scale. Addressing equipment differences, process variability, and regulatory compliance are also common hurdles. Collaboration with engineers, manufacturing teams, and quality assurance professionals is essential to successfully navigate these challenges and achieve scalable, robust processes.
A process development scientist designs, optimizes, and scales up manufacturing processes for products such as pharmaceuticals or chemicals. They analyze data, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure processes meet quality and regulatory standards, often using tools like statistical analysis and laboratory equipment. Their work supports efficient, reliable production and continuous process improvement.
What are the most commonly searched types of Process Development Scientist jobs in Chicago, IL?
The most popular types of Process Development Scientist jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Process Development Scientist jobs in Chicago, IL?
For Process Development Scientist jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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