How Many Jobs Are Available in Major Pharmaceuticals? – There has been an upsurge in the adoration of the pharmaceutical industry and those in pharmaceutics due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Drug discovery, development, production, formulation, and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals are generally part of this industry, as they are used as medicines. They are subject to several laws, regulations, and rules about patenting, testing, and ensuring the safety of their use.
Many career opportunities are available within the pharmaceutical industry, which explains its popularity. The pharmaceutical industry is full of opportunities for aspirants, from manufacturing medical drugs to distributing those drugs. You can also find a great lifestyle in pharmaceutics and receive a good salary.
Many colleges and universities now provide pharmaceutical courses, internships, placements in companies, and much more. This article aims to explain how to obtain a job in the pharmaceutical industry and all the necessary information that goes along with it.
Overview of the Major Pharmaceuticals Job Market
The pharmaceutical industry has been a key part of the global economy for decades. It was one of the world’s most lucrative industries, bringing in approximately 1.42 trillion dollars in revenue in 2021. Drug companies research, develop, and manufacture drugs, medicines, and medical devices to help people live healthier and more fulfilling lives.
The growing world population is expected to increase the demand for pharmaceutical products. This will result in a rise in jobs in major pharmaceutical companies, particularly in research and development, manufacturing, sales, and marketing.
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Reasons to Choose Pharmaceutics as a Career
It was COVID-19 which turned world opinion toward pharmaceutics since, during that time, every aspect of life became somehow interconnected with pharmaceutics, and everyone was fascinated by vaccine discovery and distribution. This does not, however, mean that pharmaceutics does not have value outside of Coronavirus. The following are some reasons why you should consider a career in pharmaceutics:
1. There are many career paths available.
It is possible for students studying pharmaceutics to choose from a variety of options that they think will best suit their needs
2. High-end salary
There are some high-paying jobs in pharmaceuticals since the work requires specialized knowledge.
3. More Scope
The chances of having an internship or part-time job while studying pharmaceutics are excellent, which can aid students with their expenses.
4. Personally and professionally rewarding
Pharmaceutics is a field that is appreciated by everyone all over the world. It brings student satisfaction to contribute to the healthcare landscape in India, one of the largest in the world.
5. Social Upliftment
The pharmaceutical industry also indirectly contributes to the enhancement of life through the employment of pharmacists. You can participate and contribute to various healthcare drives, charitable trusts, and government schemes to provide subsidized medicines.
Types of Careers in the Pharmaceutical Industry
There are a variety of career paths in the pharmaceutical industry, including research and development (R&D), sales and marketing, manufacturing, and science. These are some of the most common roles in pharmaceuticals:
- Scientist
- Chemist
- Pharmacist
- Sales representative
- Project manager
- Quality manager
- Lab manager
- Contract manager
- Clinical research manager
- Manufacturing manager
- Supply chain director
- Regulatory affairs officer
- Patent attorney
- Financial analyst
- Pharmacoeconomics analyst
A National Association of Manufacturers survey found that 30% of all pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing jobs were related to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).
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How Many Jobs Are Available in Major Pharmaceuticals?
According to Jesus Leal, head of sales biologics at SUN Pharma, a career in pharmaceutical sales has an excellent outlook. A projected increase of $765.9 billion in revenue for the U.S. pharmaceutical market by 2027 is on the horizon.
Revenue in the pharmaceutical industry increases, and so should hiring – but that’s dependent on the job. It has been projected that pharmacist jobs will grow by only 2% through 2031, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, medical scientist jobs should increase by 17% over that period.
A major growth sector in the pharmaceutical industry is manufacturing. According to the National Association of Manufacturers, 267,000 Americans worked in pharma manufacturers in 2021. Companies of all sizes are included in this category, including startups, midsized companies, and multinational corporations.
According to the BLS, a 19% job growth is expected in pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing between 2019 and 2029. As a result of pandemic preparations and increased vaccine production, some of that growth can be attributed to the bureau.
What Do Pharmaceutical Jobs Pay?
According to the BLS, pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing have earned an average of $74,560 annually in 2021. The average U.S. employee earns $58,260 annually, well above the $58,260 average for all occupations.
However, the pay ranges drastically in the industry since there are so many different positions. The average salary for pharmacy technicians in May 2021 was $35,250, while the average salary for compliance officers was $82,510.
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Top 10 Of The Best-Paying Jobs In Pharmaceuticals
It is quite common for careers in the pharmaceutical industry to be highly paid since this industry is extremely complex and precise. It is possible to make a mistake with life-altering consequences as well. A career in this field will likely involve continued specialization since many of the skills required are niche-specific.
Medical Writer
The writer of a medical publication must be familiar with medicine. A medical writer about pharmaceuticals would be appropriate in this instance. A career in this field is well paid for because it requires extensive knowledge of the subject matter and writing practices.
Average Annual Salary: $104,000
Drug Safety Scientist
Someone in this position’s job is to ensure that drugs are used safely and safely. Various medications can interact with a medicine in a synergistic effect or worsen its side effects. They also conduct studies concerning drug side effects, and they also assist in labelling and warnings related to medications.
Average Annual Salary: $101,000
Pharmacology Professor
It depends on your college or university and your experience, how much you’re paid, and what you do. This career requires an advanced degree – usually a doctorate. Students will be expected to teach classes, research, and produce research papers.
Average Annual Salary: $94,000
Clinical Research Manager
A clinical research manager manages a clinical trial. They have the right people for the project and ensure everything is done properly. The research will require knowledge of the subject matter and often a degree in pharmacology if it’s pharmacology that’s being done.
Average Annual Salary: $90,000
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Research Scientist
A great deal of research is involved in the development, safety testing, and creation of drugs which are not unique to the pharmaceutical industry. A research scientist works in a research environment daily. Attention to detail, precision, and a good memory are important qualities for this position.
There is a good level of compensation for the careers listed here since they require a high level of education and experience. Doctoral degrees are frequently required for these jobs in complex fields. This list is a great place to start for those pursuing their doctorate or just wanting to get started in the field.
Average Annual Salary: $84,000
Formulation Scientist
Pharmaceutical companies employ most formulation scientists but aren’t exclusive to them. Chemical formulators are responsible for creating chemical formulas for products, so they require a deep understanding of chemistry. Most of this work is in the pharmaceutical industry, but you can also work in other industries, creating formulas for fertilizers, dyes, and fuels.
Average Annual Salary: $83,000
Pharmacologist
The creation of new medicines is the responsibility of pharmacists. To become a pharmacist, you need a college degree in either pharmacology or treatment at the highest level. They can participate in clinical trials if they have the appropriate qualifications.
Average Annual Salary: $82,000
Clinical Research Coordinator
A management position rather than a research position is what this job entails. It’s important, however, to have a basic understanding of what you’re researching before you can effectively manage it.
It is the clinical research coordinator’s job to coordinate all the different aspects of a study and that the departments work together.
Average Annual Salary: $52,000
Pharmacoepidemiologist
A pharmaceutical company plays this role after a drug is released rather than creating a new one. A pharmacoepidemiologist studies the effects of drugs on populations. The name derives from the fact that it blends clinical pharmacology and epidemiology, or how a population is affected by illnesses or other adverse health conditions.
Average Annual Salary: N/A
Pharmacometrician
Pharmacometrician refers to a cross between a pharmacologist and a mathematician. Those in this position are responsible for all the mathematical metrics for a study. For this reason, they should also have a strong background in pharmacology or medicine.
Average Annual Salary: N/A
Top 10 Entry-Level Jobs In Pharmaceuticals
Here are the top 10 Entry-Level Jobs in Pharmaceuticals. Also learn about Compliance analyst entry level jobs in 2023.
Pharmacist
There are various places to work in this field, from national chains such as CVS to local pharmacies or even hospital dispensaries. The degree is lower than that of someone who fabricates new drugs, as it requires a degree in pharmacology or pharmacy.
Average Annual Salary: $125,000
Clinical Research Associate
It’s an excellent way to research if you’re interested. You’ll assist the more experienced researchers in this low-level research position. A bachelor’s degree is commonly required for this role, making it easier to obtain. Being part of clinical trials will be one of your responsibilities as this is a clinical research position.
Average Annual Salary: $62,000
Microbiologist
Pharmacology and medical degrees are optional for this job, which is less directly related to pharmaceuticals. However, many drugs (antibiotics) are designed specifically to fight bacteria. The study of bacteria is the speciality of microbiologists.
The development of new drugs depends on the knowledge of new bacteria types and how bacteria become resistant to medications.
Average Annual Salary: $56,000
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Research Assistant
This type of researcher is less specialized than a clinical research assistant and isn’t exclusively involved in pharmaceutical research. This is the place to start a career in pharmacology, research, or research coordination if you’re interested in these fields.
Average Annual Salary: $41,000
Quality Assurance Technician
A quality assurance technician ensures that ingredients and the manufacturing process are in compliance with industry standards. The pharmaceutical industry requires high standards because it is an exacting industry. A career in this field offers great opportunities for growth and advancement.
Average Annual Salary: $37,000
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
This job is for those interested in pharmacology but wishing to be something other than researchers.
Pharmaceutical salespeople must have a strong understanding of their products, especially since most potential customers already have extensive knowledge of them.
Average Annual Salary: $103,000
Toxicologist
A solid understanding of pharmacology is helpful in this position, even though it is not directly involved with drug creation or study. Scientists conduct toxicology studies to detect the presence of drugs, chemicals, and poisons in tissue samples.
Average Annual Salary: $74,000
Pharmacist Clerk
There is no requirement for a pharmacology degree for this position – or any college degree for that matter – although a bachelor’s degree is preferred. A pharmacy clerk is entirely responsible for serving customers. Customer communication about the drugs is their responsibility, along with dealing with payments and appointments.
Their role is similar to that of a pharmacist’s assistant. A pharmacist’s job is always a good career choice in and of itself, as well as a great way to learn about pharmacology.
Average Annual Salary: $32,000
Assistant Pharmacology Professor
It is extremely difficult to obtain a professorship, so starting as an assistant is the best route to take if you’re interested in a career in academia. Through this, you can gain experience and contacts within the college or university system and learn about teaching and research.
Average Annual Salary: N/A
Staff Nurse
It is well known that nursing has a brutal schedule. An average staff nurse works forty hours a week, which is much more reasonable.
The trials require nurses, medical professionals, and others not directly involved in pharmaceuticals. Their roles include monitoring the health and talking to the participants in the trial.
These starter careers typically require a bachelor’s degree and some certifications due to the nature of the field. It should be pretty easy to get in once you meet the requirements.
Average Annual Salary: $66,000
What Are the Education Requirements for Major Pharmaceuticals Jobs?
The most common candidate pharmaceutical companies seek one with a scientific background. It is, therefore, imperative to obtain a degree in one of the following fields to land a job in this field:
- Pharmacy
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Medical sciences
- Microbiology
People who want to work in the pharmaceutical industry must understand these sciences strongly. An education in one of these fields will make you more competitive in the job market.
Is Major Pharmaceuticals a Good Career Path?
It is an excellent career path to work in major pharmaceuticals. There is a strong demand for pharmaceutical careers. They are well-paying and respected. If one opportunity does not work for you, you should be able to find another one due to the complex nature of the field.
Several careers in this field also offer the added benefit of helping others. Although the benefits of new drugs and treatments aren’t immediate, they can significantly impact people’s quality of life and longevity.
When you find one of the above careers appealing and the requirements to break into the field do not appear too challenging, consider a career in that field.
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Why Choose a Career in Pharmaceuticals?
It is a precise and exacting job working with pharmaceuticals. The benefits of working in this field are myriad because of that. The following qualities describe people who should strongly consider this option, even though it’s not recommended for everyone.
Your attention to detail is impeccable
It is very important to have a precise understanding of chemistry in pharmaceuticals. You could poison someone if you consume too much. If you take too little, the drug won’t work. This career field needs to be willing to keep refining.
It’s important to you to be well paid
The profession of pharmacology is important and requires high levels of education, even though only some careers in this field are highly paid. It is common for people in the field to do difficult work and be well compensated for it.
One of your virtues is patience
It takes time for your research or pharmacology work to have an effect. It is important to check, double-check, and have another person review the results in careers like these. The process of bringing a new drug to the market can take years.
A large company is fine with you
It is common for pharmaceutical companies to be very large. There is a distinct cultural difference between a large and small company, although it is okay. Pharmaceutical companies, large universities, and major hospitals are the majority of careers listed here.
It is important to consider many factors when applying for a pharmaceutical job. Your expertise would be well paid, and finding employment would be fine since it’s so high.
It is also unlikely that lower-skilled workers or machines will replace you. More schooling and attention to detail are involved in a career in pharmaceuticals, but if that isn’t a barrier to you, it would be a great choice.
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Education And Certification Requirements For a Career In Pharmaceuticals
It is strongly recommended that people who wish to pursue a career in this field have a higher level of education. These suggestions, of course, depend on what you want to achieve.
- Pharmacology. The pharmaceutical industry will likely have the greatest need for this qualification, especially for those with higher-level educational backgrounds.
- Pharmacy. This is for you if you are interested in pharmacy management or becoming a pharmacist.
- Medicine. There are many options with this higher-level degree. Physicians are in high demand in pharmaceuticals to assist with clinical trials or conduct research.
- Chemistry. It all comes down to chemistry in pharmaceuticals. An advanced degree in chemistry can help you get a job in the pharmaceutical industry. It’s also a great bachelor’s degree that prepares you for a career in pharmacology after graduation.
- Biology. There are different ways in which medicine affects biology. A bachelor’s degree is excellent if you want to become a microbiologist or a pharmacologist.
It is possible to obtain or be required to get a variety of certificates. Listed below are just a few to keep in mind.
- Pharmacists must be licensed: It varies from state to state, but all pharmacists must complete a training program and meet the required education level. Once your state’s board has licensed you, you can begin your practice.
- Nurses have to be registered: This is not only for nurses, of course. Medical professionals must have the right training and education before becoming licensed to practice.
- Certified Pharamceducatal Industry Professional (CPIP): This program is designed to certify professionals in the industry. Multiple certifications cover all aspects of the process, from development to manufacturing. The International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology is in charge of its administration.
- Certified Sales Professional (CSP): A certification like this is beneficial if you want to pursue a sales career. Your certificate is issued by the Manufacturer’s Representative Education Research Foundation.
The various aspects of pharmacology can also be certified, depending on your specialization. However, the best thing you can do, unless you want to work in sales or as a pharmacist, is to continue your education.
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What Do People Working In Pharmaceuticals Do?
The pharmaceutical industry has many career opportunities due to its wide-ranging nature. The field is, however, highly regulated and complex, limiting its potential.
There will be many jobs in this field dedicated to the research and development of new drugs and treatments. Besides selling, quality control, and studying drug effectiveness, there are other options.
FAQs
Where to Find Jobs in Major Pharmaceuticals
You can find jobs in major pharmaceuticals through industry-specific job sites, especially if you are targeting a specific area of expertise. Below is a list of some of the best job sites specific to the pharmaceutical industry:
PharmaOpportunities: Pharma Job Board connects pharmaceutical and life science professionals with employers seeking candidates.
PharmiWeb: Pharmajobs.com is the leading industry-sponsored job site in Europe for the pharmaceutical industry.
EuroPharmaJobs: European job seekers can find pharma jobs here, including international employment and jobs in English.
NextPharmaJob: Founded in 2010, this is an online job board for the pharmaceutical industry.
BigPharmaJobs: An Indian company with an international presence specializing in pharmaceutical recruitment.
Is major pharmaceuticals a good career path IN the USA?
Those who want to work in the medical industry might find Major Pharmaceuticals a good career choice. However, it takes a lot of patience and persistence to get a good job in the current job market.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
To become a medical science liaison, one must possess a college degree in biology or chemistry and two years of experience working directly with pharmaceuticals or in another healthcare-related area. Communication with people from different backgrounds should also be clear and effective.
Conclusion
The pharmaceutical industry consists of companies that manufacture and distribute pharmaceuticals and medical devices worldwide. Pharmaceuticals are among the world’s most lucrative sectors due to the ever-increasing need for drugs, medical supplies, and treatments. Therefore, a growing number of positions are available in major pharmaceutical companies.
