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Pharmaceutical Operator Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Ashland has an exciting opportunity for a Pharmaceutical Operator I to join our ISP Chemicals business at our Columbus - Atlas Street . This is a very visible, significant role within the Company and ...

Ashland has an exciting opportunity for a Pharmaceutical Operator I to join our ISP Chemicals business at our Columbus - Atlas Street . This is a very visible, significant role within the Company and ...

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Pharmaceutical Operator information

See Ohio salary details

$13

$18

$24

How much do pharmaceutical operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for pharmaceutical operator in Ohio is $18.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $20.82 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 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.

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 popular job titles related to Pharmaceutical Operator jobs in Ohio?

For Pharmaceutical Operator jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Pharmaceutical Operator jobs in Ohio look for?

The top searched job categories for Pharmaceutical Operator jobs in Ohio are:

What cities in Ohio are hiring for Pharmaceutical Operator jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Pharmaceutical Operator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Pharmaceutical Operator jobs in OH?

For Pharmaceutical Operator jobs in OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Pharmaceutical Operator job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,111 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Pharmaceutical Operator

Ashland

Columbus, OH • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

ISP Chemicals LLC
Are you the kind of person that is always thinking, sketching, seeking, and adjusting? Who needs to understand how things work and then figure out how they can work better? Are you a passionate, tenacious, solver who loves to work with others who share your drive? Are you positive, constructive, and ingenious?
Are you always solving?
Then we'd like to meet you and bet you'd like to meet us.
Ashland has an exciting opportunity for a Pharmaceutical Operator I to join our ISP Chemicals business at our Columbus - Atlas Street. This is a very visible, significant role within the Company and the manufacturing function. This position will report to Production Manager
The responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Receives safety training as well as sifting and packaging training
  • Dryer training and centrifuge introductions
  • Will receive reactor operations training
  • Introduction to batch operations and packet training
  • Takes samples of process material
  • Assists advanced operators
  • Clean-up the plant
  • Performs additional work as required by Production Supervisor
  • Follow safety and environmental rules and regulations

In order to be qualified for this role, you must possess the following:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent with strong background in chemistry and looking for a career in the chemical industry.

The following skill sets are preferred by the business unit:
  • Team Player interfacing with every department on site.
  • Accountable for giving every effort in his training period to ensure he/she will have the essential understanding of the plant policies, procedures, and safety practices.

In more than 100 countries, the people of Ashland LLC. (NYSE: ASH) provide the specialty chemicals, technologies and insights to help customers create new and improved products for today and sustainable solutions for tomorrow. Our chemistry is at work every day in a wide variety of markets and applications, including architectural coatings, automotive, construction, energy, personal care and pharmaceutical. Visit www.ashland.com to see the innovations we offer.
At Ashland our vision is to be a leading, global specialty chemicals company whose inspired and engaged employees add value to all we touch. In fact our people, employees, customers and vendors define who we are. They are the driving force behind everything we do.
Not only do we value our customers but we value our employees, and we work to offer them a dynamic and challenging environment. We hold ourselves to high standards at Ashland, and we value integrity and honesty.
Ashland has a history of attracting the best people and keeping them. The reasons are simple: industry competitive salary and benefits, pay-for-performance incentive plans and a diverse work environment where employees feel challenged and valued. People come to Ashland and stay. As a growing Fortune 500 specialty chemicals company, we offer opportunities for development and advancement throughout our global organization. Our values define who we are and what we care about as a company. If you are looking for a relationship with a company instead of simply a job, this may be a great fit.
Ashland is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. NOTE: We do not accept resumes from external staffing agencies or independent recruiters for any of our openings unless we have a signed recruiting agreement in place to fill a specific position.