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What does a compounder do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read

Compounders are the other term of pharmacists who provide assistance to doctors. They prepare customized medicine with the doctor and know the doses, side effects, and storage conditions of a drug. These people must be aware of what medicines the doctors are prescribing to their patients. They assist doctors to combine various medicines according to the prescription. Part of their task is to create customized medicines based on height, weight, and medical needs. They can create ointment, tablets, and cream based on the doctor's prescription.

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Compounder responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real compounder resumes:

  • Maintain water systems for the EPA.
  • Follow OSHA and company policies regarding hazardous materials.
  • Work with ISO certify companies.
  • Operate HAAS CNC mill and turning center.
  • Used colloid mills and homogenizers in that process.
  • Follow EPA standards on hazardous and non-hazardous waste management.
  • Submit samples to QC for approval or adjusting a batch.
  • Utilize inventory lot rotation (FIFO) for all materials used.
  • Work in pre-weigh department, weigh chemicals, colors and active ingredients.
  • Work in masks and suits with a strong emphasis on sanitation and cleanliness.
  • Measure, pre-weigh, blend and compound raw materials to create flavor compounds.
  • Submit in-process and finish product samples with proper documentation to QA for testing.
  • Fix incorrect prepare batches by following formulas/ written procedures and using math skills to problem-solve formulas.
  • Operate mix tanks, drum mixers and used various types of solvents, chemicals and raw materials for glue formulation.
  • Used automation to operate valves, pumps, mixers, to monitor the chillers and the condition of the materials.

Compounder skills and personality traits

We calculated that 12% of Compounders are proficient in Math, Basic Math, and GMP. They’re also known for soft skills such as Ability to use technology, Analytical skills, and Communication skills.

We break down the percentage of Compounders that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Math, 12%

    Involved in the production of specialty silicone products using large scale manufacturing equipment According to specific guidelines requiring math skills.

  • Basic Math, 10%

    Perform basic mathematical calculations as needed to ensure product quantities are accurately packaged.

  • GMP, 8%

    Followed GMP while operating machinery, ability to measure/weigh raw materials and follow strict instructions.

  • Mixers, 5%

    Operated mix tanks, drum mixers and used various types of solvents, chemicals and raw materials for glue formulation.

  • Safety Procedures, 5%

    Adhere to company protocol on compounding and safety procedures.

  • Batch Sheets, 4%

    Review all raw materials prior to beginning a production batch to ensure all materials are in accordance to prescribed batch sheets.

Most compounders use their skills in "math," "basic math," and "gmp" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential compounder responsibilities here:

Analytical skills. Another essential skill to perform compounder duties is analytical skills. Compounders responsibilities require that "chemical technicians must be methodical in conducting scientific experiments and interpreting data." Compounders also use analytical skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "drained sample for laboratory analysis. "

Communication skills. compounders are also known for communication skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to compounder responsibilities, because "chemical technicians must explain their work to scientists and engineers or to workers who may not have a technical background." A compounder resume example shows how communication skills is used in the workplace: "maintain excellent communication with material handler, filler operators, qa, and supervisor. "

Interpersonal skills. A big part of what compounders do relies on "interpersonal skills." You can see how essential it is to compounder responsibilities because "chemical technicians must work well as part of a team that often includes scientists, engineers, and other technicians." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical compounder tasks: "demonstrated teamwork and interpersonal skills by working with the assembly line to achieve hourly, daily and departmental goals. "

Detail oriented. Lastly, "detail oriented" is an important element of what a compounder does. Compounder responsibilities require this skill because "chemical technicians need to set up, operate, and maintain precision laboratory equipment and instruments." This resume example highlights how compounder duties rely on this skill: "prepare production schedule, product blending procedures, and production reports and data entry all details to computer through pcs36 system. "

All compounder skills

The three companies that hire the most compounders are:

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Compare different compounders

Compounder vs. Packaging technician

A packaging technician is responsible for planning the packaging design of various products, creating attractive outputs by utilizing software tools and applications, and ensuring that the deliverables adhere to the product's features. Packaging technicians generate new designs according to market trends and public demands. They discuss their product samples to the management team and adjust plans based on the requirements and suggestions. A packaging technician also considers the sales performance of the products to develop outputs that show high innovations, attracting customers to purchase the items, and generating more resources for revenues.

If we compare the average compounder annual salary with that of a packaging technician, we find that packaging technicians typically earn a $2,982 lower salary than compounders make annually.Even though compounders and packaging technicians are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require math, basic math, and gmp in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a compounder are more likely to require skills like "mixers," "batch sheets," "qc," and "troubleshoot." On the other hand, a job as a packaging technician requires skills like "preventative maintenance," "hand tools," "data entry," and "work ethic." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Packaging technicians tend to make the most money working in the pharmaceutical industry, where they earn an average salary of $39,796. In contrast, compounders make the biggest average salary, $39,715, in the manufacturing industry.The education levels that packaging technicians earn slightly differ from compounders. In particular, packaging technicians are 1.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a compounder. Additionally, they're 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Compounder vs. Quality assurance supervisor

A quality assurance supervisor oversees and leads the quality control operations within a manufacturing plant or similar establishment. They are primarily responsible for crafting and implementing policies that prioritize the efficiency of products or services, supervising and evaluating the performances of the workforce, and setting standards and procedures that align not just with the goals of the company, but the national and international level of production standards. Furthermore, as a supervisor in the field, it is crucial to encourage and shape quality assurance workers into valuable members of the company.

Quality assurance supervisor positions earn higher pay than compounder roles. They earn a $27,190 higher salary than compounders per year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Compounders and quality assurance supervisors both require similar skills like "gmp," "fda," and "quality standards" to carry out their responsibilities.

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, compounder responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "math," "basic math," "mixers," and "safety procedures." Meanwhile, a quality assurance supervisor has duties that require skills in areas such as "food safety," "corrective action," "customer service," and "continuous improvement." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

On average, quality assurance supervisors earn a higher salary than compounders. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, quality assurance supervisors earn the most pay in the health care industry with an average salary of $80,377. Whereas compounders have higher pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $39,715.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Quality assurance supervisors tend to reach higher levels of education than compounders. In fact, they're 7.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Compounder vs. Manufacturing supervisor

A manufacturing supervisor is a management-level employee who takes responsibility for the daily operations of the production processes in the manufacturing sector. Manufacturing supervisors execute different roles as sponsors, coaches, directors, counselors, and educators. They supervise staff, organize the production team, and monitor the overall workflow. There are necessary skills for this position, including adaptability, cooperation, verbal and written communication, and conflict resolution. The supervisors are also expected to be skilled in mentorship and in making a sound decision.

On average scale, manufacturing supervisors bring in higher salaries than compounders. In fact, they earn a $32,375 higher salary per year.compounders and manufacturing supervisors both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "gmp," "safety procedures," and "fda," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from compounder resumes include skills like "math," "basic math," "mixers," and "batch sheets," whereas a manufacturing supervisor is more likely to list skills in "continuous improvement," "lean manufacturing," "safety regulations," and "process improvement. "

Manufacturing supervisors earn the best pay in the pharmaceutical industry, where they command an average salary of $85,664. Compounders earn the highest pay from the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $39,715.Most manufacturing supervisors achieve a higher degree level compared to compounders. For example, they're 7.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Compounder vs. Operation supervisor

Operations supervisors manage a specific operations-related team or department. They ensure that all the agreed-upon key performance indicators are being met. They also address any performance challenges and strategize on how to improve different areas in the team. They communicate team goals and balance the organization's requirements with the team's profile. Operations supervisors also manage the employees under their department. They hire for vacancies and train new employees. They also ensure that employees are properly coached for improvement. Operations supervisors are expected to be strategic, personable, and good communicators.

Operation supervisors typically earn higher pay than compounders. On average, operation supervisors earn a $18,324 higher salary per year.While their salaries may vary, compounders and operation supervisors both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "basic math," "safety procedures," and "fda. "Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A compounder uses "math," "gmp," "mixers," and "batch sheets." Operation supervisors are more likely to have duties that require skills in "logistics," "payroll," "customer satisfaction," and "continuous improvement. "operation supervisors enjoy the best pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $66,587. For comparison, compounders earn the highest salary in the manufacturing industry.In general, operation supervisors hold similar degree levels compared to compounders. Operation supervisors are 4.8% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of compounder

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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