If you have always been asking the question, ‘is major pharmaceuticals a good career path,’ then this post will be of great help to you. The major pharmaceuticals is the most considered career paths in the medical field. So, if you are thinking of picking a career path along this line, you are actually in for a good deal.
The Major Pharmaceuticals industry is a booming field that’s expected to grow over the next decade. If you’re looking for a career path that combines business and science, it might be worth considering this industry.
Here’s what you need to know about Major Pharmaceuticals: how it works, how much money people make with a degree in this field, and why it’s such a great choice for your future! Let’s dig deep to find an answer to the question, ‘is major pharmaceuticals a good career path.’
First, What Is the Major Pharmaceuticals Industry About?
The pharmaceutical industry is an important one to humans, so they are always in high demand in every economy. As a professional in the industry, you will be at the forefront of treating patients. That means workers there spend a bulk of their time discovering, developing, producing, and marketing drugs that can be used as effective medications.
The industry is also responsible for developing medical devices and services. Because of the important role they play in the economy, jobs in the major pharmaceuticals industry usually come with high responsibilities. The lives of several people can be on the line when they fail to do their job correctly.
However, jobs here are also highly rewarding. So you can get handsome compensation for your diligence and knowledge. Jobs in the major pharmaceuticals are among the highest-paying jobs in the U.S. So if you are asking, ‘is major pharmaceuticals a good career path,’ it’s time you stop asking and start taking steps to get a job in the field.
How Many Jobs Are Available In Major Pharmaceuticals?
The pharmaceuticals industry is very big and hence provides several amazing opportunities for employment. The industry presently employs more than 322,200 professionals, and the number is projected to increase in the next decade.
The pharmaceutical industry is a booming business, with an increasing number of drugs being developed every year. The growth in this industry has been fueled by the emergence of new treatments for chronic conditions, including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in the pharmaceutical industry is projected to grow 8% from now until 2024.
Is Major Pharmaceuticals a Good Career Path?
Now, let’s dive into the core of this post. Let’s answer the question, ‘is major pharmaceuticals a good career path?’ If you are not sure why you should choose a career path in the major pharmaceuticals industry, here are some benefits to motivate you.
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Plenty of jobs available
The Major Pharmaceuticals industry is full of exciting opportunities to help make a difference in people’s lives. The pharmaceutical industry is one of the largest industries in the world, bringing in more than $1 trillion annually. This means that there are plenty of jobs available for anyone who wants to work in this field.
Pharmaceutical companies employ thousands of people each year, including researchers and scientists who are constantly looking for ways to better treat patients and make medications safer. They also hire sales representatives who work with doctors and other medical professionals to promote their products.
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Travel opportunities
Working for a large company gives you access to the resources needed for extensive travel, whether you’re going across town or halfway around the world! If you’re passionate about exploring different cultures, this is an excellent way to do so while furthering your career goals.
And if you’re more interested in seeing how things operate at home than abroad, don’t worry—you’ll still get plenty of chances to travel within your own country!
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Impressive salaries
This is another huge advantage of working in the major pharmaceuticals industry. The pay is really good. Pharmaceutical companies are willing to pay top dollar for talented employees, and this allows workers to earn a very good living.
Most jobs in the industry pay more than $60,000 per year. And you can even earn up to $130,000 annually, depending on your experience, type of work, company size, and your location. Earning an average of $60K per year means you will be earning almost 50% more than the average U.S. salary.
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Chance to make a difference
Working in pharmaceuticals can offer you a perfect chance to make a major impact in the lives of people. You will be making some life-changing discoveries that will make a huge difference in the lives of people all over the world.
Whether it’s a new way to treat Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, a new cancer drug that is finally more effective than chemotherapy, or even a vaccine for the flu – major pharmaceutical firms are involved in making a difference in the economy.
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Research opportunities
Pharmaceutical companies are constantly seeking new drugs and cures, so there are ample opportunities to participate in research projects that could lead to breakthroughs in healthcare.
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Opportunities outside of pharmaceuticals/biology research fields
Since companies like this one are dedicated solely towards biomedical sciences (and its related industries), it may seem like there aren’t many other options available except for those dealing directly with medicine or biology itself.
However, these types of organizations often have divisions dedicated towards other sectors, such as engineering or chemistry, which would allow employees who aren’t interested exclusively in working with medications instead explore something new without having to leave behind their past experience entirely
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Flexible job opportunities
While this may sound like a dream job, it’s actually quite possible. Pharmaceutical companies are very flexible in terms of where you work and how much time you spend at work. For example, if you have children and would prefer to have them nearby during the day instead of sending them off to daycare or leaving them with a nanny, then working from home is an option for you.
Or maybe you want to travel the world while still keeping up with your career? Well, that’s not an issue either! In fact, there are many pharmaceutical companies that offer paid travel opportunities and even housing assistance so employees can live abroad while they provide vital services for patients around the globe.
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Job security
In addition to high salaries, job security is another major benefit of working in the pharmaceutical industry. The demand for pharmaceutical products is always high, and this means that there are very few layoffs in this sector.
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Career growth
The pharmaceutical industry offers excellent opportunities for career advancement. Employees who perform well can quickly move up the ladder, and there are many opportunities to switch companies and advance to higher-paying positions.
Career Paths in Major Pharmaceuticals
Now, let’s take a step forward. Let’s see some common job roles in the industry.
#1: Pharmacists
You might not realize it, but you’ve probably already had a pharmacist help you. They’re the ones who work behind the counter at your local pharmacy and fill your prescriptions. But they’re also the people who research and develop new drugs and even create new uses for existing drugs.
In addition to working in pharmacies, pharmacists can also find employment in pharmaceutical research and development departments or in hospitals as drug specialists or clinical pharmacologists. A pharmacist typically earns an average of $120,000 per year.
#2: Pharmacologist
Pharmacologists are responsible for developing new drugs, as well as testing them to ensure that they are safe for human consumption. They work in teams with chemists and biologists to create new medicines, and they often work with physicians who prescribe medications to patients.
In order to become a pharmacist, you’ll need to get an undergraduate degree in chemistry or biology, as well as a doctorate in pharmaceutical sciences.
#3: Principal scientist
This is one of the top-paying jobs in the industry, so when you are asking, ‘is major pharmaceuticals a good career path,’ you may want to have your eyes on it if you meet the requirements.
Principal scientists are the leaders of their fields, responsible for leading and managing a team of scientists and technicians. They work with clients to develop new products, create prototypes, and oversee the manufacturing process.
In this role, you’ll be working directly with patients and their families to understand what they need and how they use your products. The average salary of a principal scientist is $131,000.
In this role, you’ll need a Ph.D. in your field (pharmacology, chemistry, biochemistry). You’ll also need strong communication skills and experience working with a team.
#4: Pharmaceutical sales representative
Pharmaceutical sales representative is one of the most rewarding careers in the pharmaceutical industry. If you love helping people and have a knack for selling, this is a great career choice for you.
As a pharmaceutical sales representative, your goal will be to develop relationships with doctors and other healthcare professionals in order to introduce them to new products, services, and educational materials provided by your company. You’ll also need to sell these products to hospitals and individual physicians’ offices.
The best part about this job is that it allows you to create real change in people’s lives. Your job will be about much more than just getting people excited about new drugs; it could also mean saving lives!
#5: Drug manufacturer
Drug manufacturers are tasked with creating new drugs and improving existing ones. They’re also responsible for ensuring that all of their products are safe and effective. Because of this, they play an important role in ensuring that patients get access to life-saving medication.
The requirements for working in drug manufacturing vary depending on what kind of work you want to do, but there are some commonalities across the field, including a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or biology or a related field. You will also need experience in laboratory settings.
#6: Medical science liaison
Medical science liaisons are vital to pharmaceutical companies in the United States. These professionals are responsible for connecting with healthcare providers, educating them about new medications, and answering questions about products. They also perform research on how best to market those products and provide insights that can improve sales and marketing efforts.
The job requires knowledge of medical terminology and the ability to communicate clearly with doctors and other healthcare professionals in both written and verbal forms. It also requires strong analytical skills as well as a knack for building relationships with people who might be potential customers or clients. The average salary of a medical science liaison is $114,000 per year.
#7: Clinical research scientist
Clinical research scientists are the people who help pharmaceutical companies bring new medicines to market. They’re responsible for designing and running clinical trials, which is a fancy way of saying they conduct research on human subjects in order to determine whether or not a drug is safe and effective.
If you’re interested in this career, you’ll need a Master’s degree in clinical research science, which usually takes about two years to complete. You may also have to take additional coursework related to statistics and experimental design.
You can find jobs as clinical research scientists at hospitals or universities that partner with pharmaceutical companies or directly with those companies themselves and you get a good hourly Rate.
Entry-Level Jobs in Major Pharmaceuticals
#8: Calibration technician
When we talk about the topic, ‘is major pharmaceuticals a good career path,’ it will make sense to talk about some entry-level jobs in the field. And one of them is a calibration technician.
Calibration technicians work in the pharmaceutical industry to ensure that all chemical processes are followed correctly. They usually have a degree in chemistry or a related field.
Calibration technicians are responsible for conducting tests on equipment and machinery used by pharmaceutical companies, and they must also test the products themselves before they are released for sale to consumers. This often involves measuring the purity of chemicals and analyzing their chemical composition.
Calibration technicians may also be responsible for troubleshooting problems with equipment or machinery used during production processes.
#9: Maintenance technician
If you’re a whiz at fixing things, you might be a maintenance technician. As a maintenance technician, you’ll make sure that all the equipment in a pharmaceutical company is working well and efficiently. You’ll also have to keep an eye on the environment, making sure it’s properly ventilated and free of contaminants.
#10: Packaging operator
As a packaging operator, you will be responsible for packaging pharmaceuticals onto pallets. You will be responsible for ensuring that the products are safe and secure during transportation and that they are properly labeled. You will also be responsible for making sure that the pallets are ready to ship out on time.
Highest-Paying Pharmaceutical Companies in the U.S.
Sarepta Therapeutics
Sarepta Therapeutics is one of the top-paying pharmaceuticals company in the industry, offering an average yearly salary of $329,229.
Sarepta Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company that develops treatments for rare diseases. The company was founded in 2003 by David A. Stein and Leonard Bell with only $1 million, but today it has more than 1,200 employees and has raised more than $1 billion.
Celgene
Celgene is the top-paying pharmaceutical company in the world, with an average salary of $263,237. Celgene’s generous salaries are likely due to its success as an early player in the biotechnology industry. Founded in 1987 by Michael Gilman and Sol Barer, Celgene has been able to maintain a successful track record for decades.
The company has several drugs on the market to treat cancer and other diseases; in addition to their commercial success, many of these drugs have also been approved for use by Medicare and Medicaid patients.
Neurocrine Biosciences
Neurocrine Biosciences was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in San Diego, California. The company develops treatments for neurological and endocrine diseases, as well as products for use in the treatment of cancer.
Their drugs are used to treat Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, to help with weight loss, and treat menstrual disorders. Neurocrine Biosciences pays its employees an average of $259,000 per year.
Exelixis
Exelixis is a biotech company that develops drugs to treat cancer. The company’s leading drug, cabozantinib, is used to treat a type of kidney cancer called renal cell carcinoma.
Exelixis has been around since 2001 and has its headquarters in South San Francisco, California. The company employs about 900 people worldwide and has offices in the United Kingdom and Germany as well as in China and Japan. The average salary of a worker in Exelixis is $248,850.
Is Major Pharmaceuticals a Good Career Path; Some Downsides in the Industry
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Rigorous education requirement
The job market for pharmaceuticals is extremely competitive, so you’ll need to earn a master’s or higher degree to get your foot in the door. That means spending more time in school and working hard to complete your degree.
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High responsibilities
Once you’re hired, you’ll be expected to work long hours and carry a lot of responsibility. This is not a job for someone who doesn’t like being busy!
What Are the Education and Certification Requirements for a Career In Major Pharmaceuticals?
When we are addressing, ‘is major pharmaceuticals a good career path,’ we should talk about the requirements for getting a job there. To get a job in the industry, you will likely need to have a bachelor’s degree. That is the most common degree earned by workers in the industry.
And if you have Master’s and Doctorate degrees, they will be a plus to you. You may also need some certifications (not all pharmaceutical jobs require this). Some commonly earned certifications include:
- Certified Specialty Pharmacist (CSP)
- Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist (BCPP)
- Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
- Board Certified Nuclear Pharmacist (BCNP)
- Board Certified Medication Therapy Management Specialists (BCMTMS)
- Certified Geriatric Pharmacist (CGP)
