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Pharmaceutical Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lonza

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Operator

Bend, OR

$24/hr

Join our expanding team in Bend, Oregon as a Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Operator. In this role,you'llbe a critical part of producinglife-savingand life-enhancing medicines used by patients around ...

Lonza

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Operator

Bend, OR · On-site

$27.60/hr

Join our expanding team in Bend, Oregon as a Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Operator. In this role, you'll be a critical part of producing life-saving and life-enhancing medicines used by patients ...

Lonza

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Operator

Bend, OR · On-site

$27.60/hr

Make a Difference in a Growing Industry Join our expanding team in Bend, Oregon as a Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Operator. In this role,you'llbe a critical part of producinglife-savingand life ...

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Pharmaceutical Operator information

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$19

$25

How much do pharmaceutical operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for pharmaceutical operator in the United States is $19.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a pharmaceutical operator do?

As a pharmaceutical operator, your duties center on the production of medicines. You weigh and measure ingredients, operate pharmaceutical manufacturing machinery, and monitor the manufacturing process to ensure the correct distribution of elements in each pill, tablet, or other medicinal vehicles. You may also clean and perform maintenance on the machinery. Some pharmaceutical technicians may specialize in milling, coating, or grinding pills. You inspect manufactured products as part of the manufacturer’s quality control (QC) practices.

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

To thrive as a Pharmaceutical Operator, you need a solid understanding of manufacturing processes, GMP regulations, and typically a high school diploma or relevant technical certification. Familiarity with automated production equipment, batch record documentation systems, and quality control instruments is expected. Attention to detail, strong teamwork, and effective communication are important soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure safe, compliant, and efficient production of pharmaceuticals, directly impacting product quality and patient safety.

What is the difference between Pharmaceutical Operator vs Manufacturing Technician?

AspectPharmaceutical OperatorManufacturing Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; GMP training often requiredHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training may be preferred
Work EnvironmentCleanroom settings in pharmaceutical manufacturingManufacturing plants, including pharmaceutical and other industries
Industry UsagePrimarily in pharmaceutical companiesUsed across various manufacturing sectors, including pharma
Job FocusOperating equipment, following GMP protocols, ensuring product qualityOperating machinery, maintaining production lines, troubleshooting

The main difference between a Pharmaceutical Operator and a Manufacturing Technician lies in their specific roles and focus areas. Pharmaceutical Operators primarily work within GMP-compliant environments, focusing on operating equipment and ensuring product quality in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Manufacturing Technicians may work across various industries, including pharmaceuticals, with a broader scope of maintaining and troubleshooting manufacturing equipment. Both roles require similar certifications but differ in their industry-specific responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by pharmaceutical operators in maintaining compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)?

Pharmaceutical Operators often face the challenge of consistently adhering to strict GMP guidelines, which require precise documentation, cleanliness, and careful handling of materials. Staying updated with frequent changes in protocols and ensuring every step is recorded accurately can be demanding, especially in fast-paced production environments. Operators must also be vigilant about cross-contamination risks and equipment calibration, as small oversights can have significant regulatory and safety consequences. Teamwork and clear communication with quality assurance and engineering staff are essential to navigate these challenges successfully.
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Pharmaceutical Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pharmaceutical Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,139 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Pharmaceutical Operator

Afton Scientific, LLC

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Afton Scientific is a contract manufacturing organization (CMO) in Virginia that specializes in small-batch filling of injectables from clinical trials to approved commercial drugs.
Utilizing 35,000 Sq. Ft of manufacturing, lab, warehouse, and administrative space, Afton provides custom, innovative solutions for clinical to commercial sterile manufacturing, packaging and labeling, analytical and micro lab services, and pharmaceutical support services.
Our Ready-To-Fill® line continues with our philosophy of guidance and support for our clients. It offers top-quality pre-sterilized components to those who can fill in-house.
  • Serving clients in 18 Countries
  • Successful NDA and ANDA drug registrations
  • In good standing with the FDA, PMDA, and MHRA

NOTE: Afton Scientific does not sponsor work visas. No recruiters please.
Pay Details: Non-exempt position, range of $25 - $30 per hour, depending on level of experience.
Essential Functions:
1. Perform manufacturing processes and operate production equipment, including, but not limited to: washers, autoclave, dry heat oven, heat sealers, vial washer, ultrasonic cleaner.
2. Perform production operations according to Batch Records and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
3. Maintain proper documentation (batch records, production logs, etc.)
4. Write and review master documents as applicable: SOPs and batch records
5. Write Operation Deviation Reports
6. Supervise contract production employees as applicable
7. Maintain inventory of control warehouse space
8. Perform production and maintenance activities in the Aseptic Processing Area (APA)
9. Write and edit documents including: procedures, deviations, master batch records, protocols and reports as necessary
10. Perform initial assembly and review of completed production records for completeness
11. Maintain order and cleanliness in production area
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
1. Ability to read and write English. Dress, speak and act in a professional manner
2. Physically able to stand for extended periods of time, mover objects up to 50 pounds, bend and reach to access equipment, have near vision correctable to 20/20 and be able to wear corrective eyewear to achieve this, if necessary.
3. Must be capable of working in close proximity to other employees, regardless of gender, in the confined environment of the production facility.
4. Must be capable of working in the clean room for uninterrupted extended periods
5. Ability to maintain neat and accurate records required
6. Must be able to work with minimal supervision.
Requirements for Education and Experience
1. Minimum of high school diploma or GED; Associates or Bachelor's degree desirable
2. One year of manufacturing experience required. Three years manufacturing experience or more strongly preferred.
3. Clean room experience preferred.

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