Illinois has solidified its position as a fast-growing biotech hub, with over 93,000 life sciences workers earning an average salary of $153,000, growing at 7.5% annually since 2019—20 times faster than the state's overall private sector. This growth is fueled by strong scientific expertise, manufacturing presence, and supportive public policies championed by the Illinois Biotechnology Innovation Organization (iBIO). Governor J.B. Pritzker's administration bolstered the sector through tax incentives, biotech education, start-up support, and streamlined trials. New programs include a state SBIR matching initiative and a venture fund for emerging companies, reinforcing Illinois’s competitive biotech ecosystem.