Compounders mix chemicals together in the process of manufacturing items such as medicine and makeup for consumers. According to the job search site Indeed, compounders make an average of $26,000 per year as of April 2015.

Compounder Types and Duties

Fragrance compounders create scents for perfumes and other scented products. Flavor compounders create substances that give a products their taste. Compounders may also create chemicals for medications, such as the fill and materials that make up the non-medicinal portion of a pill. Companies also hire compounders to mix together different cosmetic powders and other types of chemicals for makeup.

All of these different types of compounders follow specific recipes and processes, stirring the correct amount of materials together while heating, cooling or applying pressure to the mix as necessary.

Additional Duties

Compounders inspect raw materials, ensuring that the ingredients meet requirements for odor, consistency and color. Some jobs require moving large batches of materials with forklifts to replenish ingredient stocks.

They might label compounds approved by quality control, helping to prepare a finished product ready to be shipped to customers. They keep detailed records on the completed batches. They also need to keep work spaces and mixing equipment clean and follow the safety and production quality policies of their employers.

Education and Experience

Most companies require a minimum of a high school diploma or a GED to work as a compounder. Some employers prefer to hire people who have completed some college coursework in food science or chemistry while others might require a year or two of compounding experience for the job.

Companies often provide on-the-job training to get their new hires up to speed with formulas, quality and safety routines while assessing skills and ability.

Occupational Requirements

Compounders need to read and comprehend production instructions, and basic chemical and hazard information. They need math and measurement skills to ensure that ratios of mixed materials are consistent. The work often involves working as part of a team, so compounders need excellent written and verbal communication skills.

The job also requires the ability to use chemical scanners, computers and other technology to create and test compounds. Being able to kneel, bend and stand for long periods of time and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds may be other requirements of the work depending on the employer.