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Pharmaceutical Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lonza

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Operator

Bend, OR · On-site

$27.60/hr

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Operator Location: Bend, OR. Relocation compensation is available. Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences operating across five continents. While we work in ...

Lonza

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Operator

Bend, OR

$24/hr

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Operator Location: Bend, OR. Relocation compensation is available. Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences operating across five continents. While we work in ...

Medline

Pharmaceutical Product Operator

Waukegan, IL

$21.75 - $31.50/hr

Job Summary The Pharmaceutical Product Operator is responsible for executing cloth converting and/or packaging processes in a controlled ISO-classified cleanroom environment. This role ensures ...

Penn Life Sciences

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Aseptic Operator I/II

Langhorne, PA · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

Our mission is to strengthen domestic pharmaceutical supply, enhance patient access to affordable, life-saving medications, and uphold the values of integrity, innovation, and scientific excellence ...

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Pharmaceutical Operator information

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$14

$19

$25

How much do pharmaceutical operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 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 is the highest paying pharmaceutical job?

The highest paying pharmaceutical jobs are often executive roles such as Vice President of Pharmaceutical Operations or Chief Scientific Officer, which require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership skills. These positions can offer salaries exceeding $200,000 annually, especially in large companies or specialized areas like drug development and regulatory affairs.

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 is a pharmaceutical operator?

A pharmaceutical operator is a worker responsible for operating and monitoring equipment used in the manufacturing of pharmaceutical products. They ensure production processes comply with safety and quality standards, often working in cleanroom environments and following strict protocols. Certification and knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) are typically required for this role.

How do I get into a pharmaceutical company?

To become a pharmaceutical operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring technical training or an associate degree in a related field. Relevant skills include attention to detail, knowledge of manufacturing processes, and familiarity with safety protocols; certifications such as GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) training can improve job prospects. Gaining experience through entry-level roles or internships in pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities can also help you enter the field.

Is pharmaceuticals a good career?

A career as a pharmaceutical operator involves working in manufacturing environments to produce medications, requiring attention to detail, adherence to safety protocols, and often certification or training. It can offer stable employment and opportunities for advancement in the healthcare industry, but job satisfaction depends on individual interests and work environment preferences.

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 July 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 Manufacturing Operator I

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Operator I

Catalent Pharma Solutions

Kansas City, MO

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Catalent rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 74 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Operator I

Position Summary:

  • Work Schedule: Monday - Thursday 1:30pm-12am

  • 100% onsite

Start your career where science meets purpose.

At Catalent, we don't just make medicine-we help people live better, longer lives. As a Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Operator I, you'll be part of a team that transforms scientific breakthroughs into life-saving treatments. This is more than a job. It's a career launchpad in a growing industry with real impact.

The Role

  • Responsible for ensuring cGMP compliance, general good housekeeping, informing Senior Pharmaceutical Technician or Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Lead of work orders to be placed for processing rooms and equipment within core group.

  • Ensures 5S standards are met and maintained. Ensure that the facility is kept "tour ready" at all times and people/material/flow/cleaning and zone concepts are maintained at all times.

  • Associate Pharmaceutical Technician should have high ability to learn batch records to ensure clarity and drive accuracy for processing. Ensure that training is up to date and progressing for core group requirements with direction from Senior Pharmaceutical Technician or Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Lead. Ensure that assigned operational areas are processing under GMP conditions and applicable SOP's are being strictly followed.

  • Provides information to support core group metrics and efficiency increases.

  • Focuses on building proficiency with business critical equipment within core group while maintaining high quality standards.

  • Follows all Catalent safety procedures and identifies/communicates the necessary adjustments to address potential safety concerns. Will also ensure the proper use of PPE (Personal Protection Equipment)

  • Ability to wear a PAPR (Powered Air Purifying Respirator) during manufacturing when required. Ability to wear required gowning required to work in the GMP manufacturing areas.

  • Operating safely in a dynamic environment which includes mobile and fixed equipment and changing conditions while completing job tasks that range from simple to complex and/or multi-tasking. Must be capable of wearing steel-toed safety shoes for 8 to 12 hours a day, depending on duration of the shift.

  • Other duties, as assigned

The Candidate

  • High school diploma or GED required

  • 0-3 years of experience with Pharma or cGMP manufacturing environment preferred.

  • Equipment process and framework knowledge. Have working knowledge of basic hand tools. Basic computer skills.

  • Knowledge of cGMP, FDA, MHRA and DEA guidelines and how to apply them effectively. Knowledge of Solid Dosage manufacturing preferred.

  • Must be able to manage priorities and projects prioritizing effectively. Capability to work in a matrix organization.

  • Maintains current knowledge of cGMP regulations and regulatory trends as they pertain to the stated responsibilities

  • Individuals may be required to sit, stand, walk regularly and occasionally lift up to 40 pounds

Why you should join Catalent

  • Career growth with a clear path and regular performance reviews

  • Day-one benefits: medical, dental, vision

  • 401(k) match, tuition reimbursement, and wellness perks

  • Paid time off: 152 hours + 8 paid holidays

  • Inclusive culture with Employee Resource Groups and community initiatives

  • Discounts from 900+ merchants via Perkspot

  • A mission-driven workplace where your work helps save lives

Catalent offers rewarding opportunities to further your career! Join the global drug development and delivery leader and help us bring over 7,000 life-saving and life-enhancing products to patients around the world. Catalent is an exciting and growing international company where employees work directly with pharma, biopharma and consumer health companies of all sizes to advance new medicines from early development to clinical trials and to the market. Catalent produces more than 70 billion doses per year, and each one will be used by someone who is counting on us. Join us in making a difference.

personal initiative. dynamic pace. meaningful work.

Visit Catalent Careers to explore career opportunities.

Catalent is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and veterans.

If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may submit your request by sending an email, and confirming your request for an accommodation and include the job number, title and location to DisabilityAccommodations@catalent.com. This option is reserved for individuals who require accommodation due to a disability. Information received will be processed by a U.S. Catalent employee and then routed to a local recruiter who will provide assistance to ensure appropriate consideration in the application or hiring process.

Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives: Catalent Pharma Solutions (Catalent) is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Catalent employee by a third party agency and/or search firm without a valid written & signed search agreement, will become the sole property of Catalent. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral. Thank you.

Important Security Notice to U.S. Job Seekers:

Catalent NEVER asks candidates to provide any type of payment, bank details, photocopies of identification, social security number or other highly sensitive personal information during the offer process, and we NEVER do so via email or social media. If you receive any such request, DO NOT respond- it is a fraudulent request. Please forward such requests to spam@catalent.com for us to investigate with local authorities.

California Job Seekers can find our California Job Applicant Notice HERE.

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About Catalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Catalent is an exciting and growing international company where employees work directly with pharma, biopharma and consumer health companies of all sizes to advance new medicines from early development to clinical trials and to the market. Catalent produces more than 70 billion doses per year, and each one will be used by someone who is counting on us. Join us in making a difference.Catalent is committed to the health and safety of its employees, visitors and the customers and patients we serve.

Industry

Pharmaceutical product wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Somerset, NJ, US

Year founded

2007

Social media

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