The Pilbara Development Commission was established under the Pilbara Development Commission Act 1992 on 1 July 1993. It operated on an interim basis until 7 April 1994 when the Pilbara Development Commission Act 1992 was repealed and a new Pilbara Development Commission was established under uniform legislation, the Regional Development Commissions Act 1993. The Pilbara Development Commission was one of nine regional development commissions established through this Act to facilitate economic and social development in Western Australia's regions.

The Commission provides the regional link between government policy and planning and regional aspirations and needs. It promotes development and growth in the Pilbara region.

As part of a series of Machinery of Government changes effective from 1 July 2017, staff of the Pilbara Development Commission were transferred to the new Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. The Commission remains a Statutory Authority under this new arrangement.