Post job

How to hire a compound specialist

Compound specialist hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring compound specialists in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire a compound specialist is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new compound specialist to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a compound specialist, step by step

To hire a compound specialist, consider the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Follow these steps to hire a compound specialist:

Here's a step-by-step compound specialist hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a compound specialist job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new compound specialist
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist
jobs
Post a compound specialist job for free, promote it for a fee
  1. Identify your hiring needs

    Before you post your compound specialist job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a compound specialist for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    Hiring the perfect compound specialist also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

    The following list breaks down different types of compound specialists and their corresponding salaries.

    Type of Compound SpecialistDescriptionHourly rate
    Compound SpecialistComputer support specialists provide help and advice to people and organizations using computer software or equipment. Some, called computer network support specialists, support information technology (IT) employees within their organization... Show more$14-34
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Assays
    • Capsules
    • USP
    • IV
    • Clean Rooms
    • FDA
    Responsibilities:
    • Develop and employ Java applications, design database systems, and manage accurate network maintenance.
    • Perform duties under AAMI and FDA guidelines.
    • Place clean instruments in sterilizers such as autoclaves and monitor autoclaves.
    • Represent the validation and calibration departments during FDA, ISO and client audits.
    • Keep rooms and utensils clean to exceed regulations set forth by the FDA (GMP).
    • Practice proper GMP and PPE at all times.
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your compound specialist job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A compound specialist salary can vary based on several factors:
    • Location. For example, compound specialists' average salary in nebraska is 39% less than in connecticut.
    • Seniority. Entry-level compound specialists earn 58% less than senior-level compound specialists.
    • Certifications. A compound specialist with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a compound specialist's salary.

    Average compound specialist salary

    $46,997yearly

    $22.59 hourly rate

    Entry-level compound specialist salary
    $30,000 yearly salary
    Updated January 2, 2026
  4. Writing a compound specialist job description

    A compound specialist job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a compound specialist job description:

    Compound specialist job description example

    With a vision of creating quality skincare and cosmetic products for the most popular brands in the world, our founders established a company based on the principle of "no surprises." Since 1995, this vision has guided our growth, and we have developed into an organization that pushes the boundaries of formulating and manufacturing. With over 400 full-time employees, we continue to build a highly-engaged team that produces quality products for our customers. We are especially focused on collaboration and continuous improvement; we work together to learn from where we have been and to make where we are going even better.

    Elevation Labs is proud to offer employees a competitive benefits package including: paid time off, paid holidays, maternity leave, 401k with company match, bonuses, health insurance with a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), dental and vision plans, life, A&D, short term and long term disability insurance plans and a company-paid employee assistance program (EAP).

    Our Mission and Culture

    Phenomenal Customer Experiences every day, through highly Engaged and Empowered Colleagues, while impacting our Community in a progressive way.

    We believe that the best way to deliver phenomenal customer experiences is to create an environment where our employees feel appreciated and supported. We work to build trust through regular all-hands meetings and approachable leadership. We encourage meaningful relationships and thoughtful interactions between team members at all levels of our organization: our line leads value active engagement on the production floor, and our management team is committed to supporting employee growth and career development. As one of the largest companies in the area, we offer countless ways for you to follow your passion and grow your career.

    Aside from our company culture, we are committed to making a positive impact within the larger Denver community. Throughout the year our employees host STEM Exposure events at local elementary and middle schools, and we also actively support multiple charities, including the local branches of Toys for Tots.

    Our Values

    Act With Integrity We uphold the highest standard of integrity in all that we do. We honor our commitments and are transparent and honest with our customers, colleagues and communities.

    Take Ownership We act with discipline and rigor. We hold ourselves accountable to follow the highest standards and deliver our commitments on time.

    Seek Innovative Solutions We challenge the status quo and seek out innovative ways to improve all that we do, from product formulation to production efficiencies and cultural advancements.

    Show Care and Respect We deeply care about the health, happiness and safety of our colleagues and communities. We treat others as we want to be treated.

    Work And Win Together We believe that success depends on collaboration and teamwork. We work tirelessly with our partners, both internal and external, to deliver Phenomenal Experiences Every Day.

    Job Summary :

    Serves as a liaison between the Production, R&D and QC---by reviewing in-process qualifications (color, viscosity, pH & specific gravity) of each batch made in compounding and executing against them.

    Duties and Responsibilities :
    • Accurately weighs and records amounts and lot #'s of specified raw materials.
    • Troubleshoots batches.
    • Performs all batch adjustments including but not limited to; pH, viscosity, color and batch reworks.
    • Investigates all OOS batches and conducts root cause analysis.
    • Competes all in process bulk testing for batch release to transfer.
    • Interfaces with QA department for batch release.
    • Collaborates with R&D to execute bulk reworks.
    • Conduct YOOS investigations.
    • Must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation without posing a direct threat to the individual or others.
    • Use ERP system to complete job close out and material association to jobs.
    • Will perform as an alternate compounder, as needed.
    • Performs other duties as assigned and/or needed.

    Qualifications:

    • Follow GMP and GDP process while carrying out job function.
    • Communicate verbally and/or in writing discrepancies in lot number amounts or locations.
    • Ability to learn and operate valves for steam and water on process vessels for heating and cooling of batches.
    • Work with minimum supervision.
    • Strong computer skills.
    • Strong math skills and quantitative analysis.
    • Communicate well with other compounders and material handlers as to needs for raw materials.
    • Communicate with lab personnel and production manager on issues regarding out of spec. batches.
    • Communicate with quality control lab personnel about testing needs.

    Machines Operated

    • Process vessels, Forklift, Transfer Pumps, Scales and Water Meters.
    • Picometer
    • pH meter
    • Viscometer
    • Lab mixer

    Elevation Labs provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Elevation Labs complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment at every location in which the Company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.


    The essential duties listed are representative of the major duties required of this job; ability to perform the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation is required. Elevation Labs may make reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitation of otherwise-qualified individuals with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business.


    This job description is not designed or intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required for this job. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as assigned.


    Other Duties This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

    • Perform essential duties and responsibilities efficiently, accurately and safely.

    Physical and Mental Demands:

    • Routinely lift 75-100 pounds.
    • Regularly required to stand
    • Occasionally/frequently required to walk
    • Regularly use hands to finger, handle or feel
    • Regularly reach with hands and arms
    • Occasionally/frequently required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl
    • Frequently required to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
    • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus

    The physical demands identified above are representative of those that will be required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.


    Work Environment:

    • Regularly required to work in areas where chemical materials are encountered.
    • Manufacturing setting with moving machinery
    • Regularly required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment
    • May involve exposure to shop environment including variable noise levels
    • Must customarily have a high consciousness for personnel and equipment safety

    In compliance with Colorado's Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, we are disclosing the compensation range for roles that will be, or could be, performed in Colorado. Compensation for similar positions located outside of Colorado may differ.

    If performed in Colorado, the base wage for this position generally ranges between $20-$23 per hour. This wage may vary based on relevant factors including but not limited to experience, education, performance, scope of responsibilities, location and other considerations permitted by law.



    Job Posted by ApplicantPro
  5. Post your job

    To find the right compound specialist for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

    • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with compound specialists they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit compound specialists who meet your education requirements.
    • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your compound specialist job on Zippia to find and attract quality compound specialist candidates.
    • Use niche websites such as dice, engineering.com, stack overflow, it job pro.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    Recruiting compound specialists requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

    It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

    While interviews are great, you will only sometimes learn enough from a conversation with a compound specialist applicant. In those cases, having candidates complete a test project can go a long way in figuring out who's the most likely to succeed in the role. If you aren't a technical person and don't know how to design an appropriate test, you can ask someone else on the team to create it or take a look at these websites to get a few ideas:

    • TestDome
    • CodeSignal
    • Testlify
    • BarRaiser
    • Coderbyte

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new compound specialist

    Once you have selected a candidate for the compound specialist position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

    You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

    Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new compound specialist. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
    Sign up to download full list

How much does it cost to hire a compound specialist?

Before you start to hire compound specialists, it pays to consider both the one-off costs like recruitment, job promotion, and onboarding, as well as the ongoing costs of an employee's salary and benefits. While most companies that hire compound specialists pay close attention to the initial cost of hiring, ongoing costs are much more significant in the long run.

The median annual salary for compound specialists is $46,997 in the US. However, the cost of compound specialist hiring can vary a lot depending on location. Additionally, hiring a compound specialist for contract work or on a per-project basis typically costs between $14 and $34 an hour.

Find better compound specialists in less time
Post a job on Zippia and hire the best from over 7 million monthly job seekers.

Hiring compound specialists FAQs

Search for compound specialist jobs

Ready to start hiring?

Browse computer and mathematical jobs