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Pharmaceutical Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AbbVie

PR · On-site

The Pharmaceutical Operator I is responsible to properly execute the Manufacturing processes and equipment Operation according to process order. The execution should be always according the ...

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 ...

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Pharmaceutical Operator information

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How much do pharmaceutical operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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 is a Pharmaceutical Operator?

A Pharmaceutical Operator is a professional responsible for operating and maintaining equipment used in the manufacturing of pharmaceutical products. Their tasks typically include measuring, mixing, and monitoring raw materials, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards, and documenting the production process. Pharmaceutical Operators play a crucial role in ensuring that medicines are produced safely and efficiently, adhering to strict regulatory guidelines. They often work in cleanroom environments and must follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

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
Operator, Pharmaceutical I (3rd shift)

Operator, Pharmaceutical I (3rd shift)

AbbVie

PR • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

AbbVie rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 71 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

Company Description

About AbbVie

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

Job Description

Purpose:

The Pharmaceutical Operator I is responsible to properly execute the Manufacturing processes and equipment Operation according to process order. The execution should be always according the Manufacturing instructions following the Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and Safety (OSHA) regulations.

Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for Cleaning, Set Up and Operation of all equipment related to Manufacturing process.
  • Responsible for receipt, verification and usage of raw materials to be used within the process.
  • Responsible to follow manufacturing order instructions, basic operating procedures process related and procedures related to safety and Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).
  • Responsible for quality, productivity and process efficiencies under execution.
  • Responsible for sampling requirements of the process.
  • Responsible and knowledgeable of equipment operation such as weight scales, mixers, granulators, milling, sifters, ovens and blenders. Also, knowledge in solution preparation.
Qualifications

Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or Associate Degree in Science, preferably.
  • No experience required.
Additional Information

Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law: 

  • The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this roleat  the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on manyfactors  including  geographic location, and we may ultimately  pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be  modified in the future. 

  • We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.

  • This job is eligible to  participate in our short-term incentive programs. 

Note: No amount of pay is  considered to be wages or compensation until such amount isearned,  vested,  and determinable. The amount and availability of  any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that areallocable to a   particular employee  remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be  modified at the Company's sole and absolutediscretion,  consistent with applicable law. 

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. 

US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html

US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:

https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html

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About AbbVie

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women's health, and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

North Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

2013

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