1

Pharmaceutical Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Inspector I

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$14 - $19/hr

High School graduate or equivalent. * 1+ years pharmaceutical experience preferred. * Basic math ... Must be able to maintain visual inspection qualification requirements. Responsibilities: * Visually ...

Inspector I

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$14 - $19/hr

High School graduate or equivalent. * 1+ years pharmaceutical experience preferred. * Basic math ... Must be able to maintain visual inspection qualification requirements. Responsibilities: * Visually ...

Inspector I

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$14 - $19/hr

High School graduate or equivalent. * 1+ years pharmaceutical experience preferred. * Basic math ... Must be able to maintain visual inspection qualification requirements. Responsibilities: * Visually ...

The Production Inspector will work in the Capping Department and in the off-line inspection area ... Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent required. * 1-3 years of pharmaceutical experience ...

The production inspector will work in the Capping Department and on the off-line inspection area ... One (1) to three (3) years pharmaceutical experience preferred. * Basic math skills to perform ...

The production inspector will work in the Capping Department and on the off-line inspection area ... One (1) to three (3) years pharmaceutical experience preferred. * Basic math skills to perform ...

The production inspector will work in the Capping Department and on the off-line inspection area ... One (1) to three (3) years pharmaceutical experience preferred. * Basic math skills to perform ...

The production inspector will work in the Capping Department and on the off-line inspection area ... One (1) to three (3) years pharmaceutical experience preferred. * Basic math skills to perform ...

Nemera has built very long lasting, strong relationships with the leading global pharmaceutical ... Inspect test, or measure materials, products, and work for conformance to specifications. * Mark ...

Nemera has built very long lasting, strong relationships with the leading global pharmaceutical ... Inspect test, or measure materials, products, and work for conformance to specifications. * Mark ...

Nemera has built very long lasting, strong relationships with the leading global pharmaceutical ... Discuss inspection results with those responsible for products and recommend necessary corrective ...

Nemera has built very long lasting, strong relationships with the leading global pharmaceutical ... Inspect test, or measure materials, products, and work for conformance to specifications. Mark ...

Be Seen First

The Quality Assurance Inspector will be responsible for inspecting work in process and finished ... pharmaceutical packaging and fulfillment services. Resource Label provides products and services ...

High School graduate or equivalent. * 1+ years pharmaceutical experience preferred. * Basic math ... Must be able to maintain visual inspection qualification requirements. Responsibilities: * Visually ...

High School graduate or equivalent. * 1+ years pharmaceutical experience preferred. * Basic math ... Must be able to maintain visual inspection qualification requirements. Responsibilities: * Visually ...

One to three years of pharmaceutical experience preferred. * Basic math skills to perform required ... Must be able to maintain visual inspection qualification requirements. Education: * High School ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Pharmaceutical Inspector information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$28

$53

How much do pharmaceutical inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for pharmaceutical inspector in Chicago, IL is $28.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.09 and $32.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pharmaceutical inspector?

Pharmaceutical Inspectors are professionals responsible for ensuring that pharmaceutical products are manufactured, stored, and distributed in compliance with regulatory standards and guidelines. They conduct inspections of pharmaceutical facilities, review documentation, and evaluate processes to ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines. Their work helps protect public health by ensuring that only products meeting legal and safety requirements reach consumers. Inspectors may work for government agencies, such as the FDA or EMA, or within the pharmaceutical industry itself.

What are some common challenges pharmaceutical inspectors face in maintaining compliance during facility inspections?

Pharmaceutical Inspectors often encounter challenges such as staying current with evolving regulations, ensuring consistent documentation practices, and identifying subtle deviations from established protocols. They must balance thoroughness with efficiency during audits, often collaborating with cross-functional teams to clarify procedures and address compliance gaps. Navigating these challenges requires strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and a proactive approach to ongoing training and professional development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pharmaceutical inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pharmaceutical Inspector, you need a solid background in pharmaceutical sciences, quality control, and regulatory compliance, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), quality management systems, and inspection protocols is essential, and certifications such as Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) can be advantageous. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are vital soft skills for accurately assessing processes and reporting findings. These competencies ensure the safety, efficacy, and regulatory adherence of pharmaceutical products, protecting public health and maintaining industry standards.

What is the difference between Pharmaceutical Inspector vs Quality Control Analyst?

AspectPharmaceutical InspectorQuality Control Analyst
Required CredentialsTypically a degree in pharmacy, chemistry, or related field; certifications like GMP trainingSimilar educational background; often requires GMP or GLP training
Work EnvironmentRegulatory agencies, manufacturing plants, inspection sitesLaboratories, manufacturing facilities, quality testing labs
Employer & Industry UsageRegulatory bodies, pharmaceutical companies, manufacturing plantsPharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, quality assurance labs
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Pharmaceutical Inspectors and Quality Control Analysts work within the pharmaceutical industry and often share similar educational backgrounds and certifications. However, Pharmaceutical Inspectors primarily focus on regulatory compliance and conducting inspections at manufacturing sites, while Quality Control Analysts perform laboratory testing to ensure product quality. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in pharmaceutical quality assurance and regulatory roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pharmaceutical Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Pharmaceutical Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Pharmaceutical Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Pharmaceutical Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Pharmaceutical Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Pharmaceutical Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Pharmaceutical Inspector job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,620 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

Consumer Safety Inspector

Bolingbrook, IL • On-site


U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

161st of 295 rated public sector bodies

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Respectful managers


$40K/yr

Full-time

PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

$5,000 Sign on Bonus, Creditable Service for Annual Leave Accrual, Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program,and Referral Bonus Awards are available.
Shifts and species will vary based on assignment.
Employee may be detailed to any shift at any plant in the District.Qualifications:Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
Specialized experience:
Specialized experience is experience that provided you with knowledge of the properties and characteristics of regulated food commodities or other products for human consumption. Such experience may have been acquired in work such as consumer safety inspector or inspection aide, food inspector, public health inspector, quality inspection specialist, or similar position with responsibility for sampling, quality control and sanitation in a food manufacturing or production environment, or similar environment for other ingestible items.
See specific grade level specialized experience definitions below.
For the GS-05 Level: Applicants must have at least 52 weeks of qualifying experience that provided knowledge of the properties and characteristics of regulated food commodities and substances; such as: meat, poultry, fish, eggs, or other food or beverages for human consumption, or other ingestible substances, such as pharmaceuticals. You are to show in your resume examples such as applying proper techniques for collecting samples and/or performing field tests and examinations (e.g. identifying abnormalities in the product or production environment and recommending corrective actions), developing written reports and/or reporting findings of results orally (e.g. documenting abnormalities in the product or production environment and communicating those findings to others), and/or skill in maintaining effective personal contacts with a variety of individuals (e.g. discussing findings with internal or external contacts regarding the food safety standards established in the production environment), or other similar work making determinations on products for human consumption or the production environment (e.g. ensuring conformance with established standards). Such experience may have been acquired working positions such as consumer safety inspector or inspection aid, food inspector, public health inspector, quality inspection specialist, or other related position.
For the GS-07 Level: In addition to the qualifications above, applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 level), and incumbents are expected to have performed standard and recurrent duties on an independent basis. Your resume should demonstrate at least 52 weeks of experience in independently carrying out routine, standard assignments on a regular and recurring basis that provided you with knowledge of the properties and characteristics of regulated food commodities and substances; such as: meat, poultry, fish, eggs, or other food for human consumption, and other ingestible substances, such as pharmaceuticals.
For the GS-08 Level: Applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-07 level). In addition to the qualifications above, experience must include working with the Federal Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products Inspection Acts in order to inspect meat, poultry and egg products; working with basic SSOP and HACCP principles and practices in order to verify plant HACCP and SSOP responsibilities; performing basic mathematics and elementary statistical concepts and methods to perform testing and sampling procedures; and experience in reaching and interpreting conclusions.
For the GS-09 Level: Applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-08 level). In addition to the qualifications above, incumbents are expected to have experience working at a more independent level than lower graded CSIs, which may include duties such as recommending refusal of exports and providing temporary coverage at locations outside of the official duty station.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Please view OPM's Qualifications Standards, Consumer Safety Inspector Series, GS-1862.
The duties of a Consumer Safety Inspector are performed in a hazardous working environment. For additional information, please click here. The below requirements are not an all-inclusive list. Failure to fully meet a functional requirement is not automatically disqualifying.Education:Education may be used to qualify in lieu of specialized experience as described below.
For the GS-05 level: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours/credits in any combination of coursework in the areas of: agricultural, biological, or physical sciences, food technology, epidemiology, home economics, pharmacy, engineering, or nutrition. Specialized government or military training may be creditable if it is related directly to this position.
OR
A combination of education and specialized experience. In this instance, only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours of a course of study leading to a bachelor's degree (with some related coursework, as described in number 2 above) is creditable towards meeting the requirements, along with specialized work experience. The combination must equal 100% of the requirement. For example, if you have 33% of the education requirement, then you will need 67% of the specialized experience requirement.
For the GS-07 Level: One full year of directly related graduate education is qualifying for GS-07.
OR
A combination of education and specialized experience. In this instance, only graduate education directly related to the work of the position is creditable towards meeting the requirements, along with specialized work experience. The combination must equal 100% of the requirement. For example, if you have 33% of the education requirement, then you will need 67% of the specialized experience requirement.
For the GS-09 Level: Two full years of directly related graduate education or a directly related master's degree is qualifying for GS-09.
OR
A combination of education and specialized experience. In this instance, only graduate education in excess of the first 18 semester hours directly related to the work of the position is creditable towards meeting the requirements, along with specialized work experience. The combination must equal 100% of the requirement. For example, if you have 33% of the education requirement, then you will need 67% of the specialized experience requirement.Employment Type: OTHER


What USDA Forest Service employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom