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Food Health Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Town of Burlington

Health Inspector

Burlington, MA · On-site

$40/hr

Reporting to the Director of Public of Health for the Town of Burlington, the Health Inspector is ... Includes the inspection of food service establishments, housing, nuisance and other complaints, and ...

Town of Burlington

Health Inspector

Burlington, MA

$40/hr

Reporting to the Director of Public of Health for the Town of Burlington, the Health Inspector is ... Includes the inspection of food service establishments, housing, nuisance and other complaints, and ...

City of New York

Public Health Inspector

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

The Bureau of Food Safety and Community Sanitation (BFSCS) protect the public, including New York ... threat to health or safety. DOHMH is mandated to inspect 26,000 restaurants annually, school ...

City of New York

Public Health Inspector

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

The Bureau of Food Safety and Community Sanitation (BFSCS) protect the public, including New York ... threat to health or safety. DOHMH is mandated to inspect 26,000 restaurants annually, school ...

Wasserhund Brewing Company

Lead Cook

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

Responsible for the completion of temp logs and other required log books for health inspections * Food Prep : Responsible for checking on hand items versus par levels and writing the prep list ...

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Food Health Inspector information

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$24.5K

$54.9K

$99K

How much do food health inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for food health inspector in the United States is $54,939.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $63,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Food Health Inspector typically collaborate with restaurant staff during inspections?

Food Health Inspectors work closely with restaurant staff to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. During inspections, they communicate openly with managers and kitchen staff, explaining regulations and observing food handling practices. Inspectors aim to educate staff about proper procedures, answer questions, and provide feedback to help prevent violations. Their approach is generally collaborative, focusing on improving food safety standards rather than simply penalizing non-compliance.

What type of inspector gets paid the most?

In the field of food health inspection, senior or supervisory inspectors, such as lead food safety inspectors or those working for federal agencies like the FDA or USDA, tend to earn higher salaries due to increased responsibilities and experience. Certifications, specialized training, and working in high-cost regions can also contribute to higher pay for food health inspectors.

How long does it take to be a food inspector?

Becoming a food health inspector typically requires completing a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training or certification programs that can last several months. Many inspectors also gain experience through on-the-job training or related food safety education, and some states require passing a certification exam before employment.

How to become a food health inspector?

To become a food health inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by relevant training or certification in food safety and sanitation. Many states require passing an exam and gaining experience in food service or public health, with some jurisdictions requiring a bachelor's degree in a related field. Certification from agencies like the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification is often preferred or required.

What is the difference between Food Health Inspector vs Food Safety Specialist?

AspectFood Health InspectorFood Safety Specialist
Required CredentialsFood safety certifications, health department trainingFood safety certifications, sometimes additional industry-specific training
Work EnvironmentInspecting restaurants, food processing plants, public facilitiesDeveloping safety protocols, conducting training, analyzing food safety data
Employer & Industry UsageHealth departments, government agenciesFood companies, consulting firms, regulatory agencies

Food Health Inspectors primarily focus on inspecting food establishments to ensure compliance with health regulations, while Food Safety Specialists develop safety protocols and provide training to prevent foodborne illnesses. Both roles require similar certifications and often work within the food industry, but their daily tasks and focus areas differ.

What is the highest salary of a food inspector?

The highest salary for a food health inspector can reach around $70,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and level of responsibility. Senior inspectors or those in supervisory roles tend to earn higher wages, especially with specialized certifications and extensive experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Health Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Health Inspector, you need knowledge of food safety regulations, inspection techniques, and a relevant degree in environmental health or a related field. Familiarity with inspection software, laboratory testing tools, and certifications such as the Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) are typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to remain objective under pressure are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate inspections, regulatory compliance, and the protection of public health.

What are Food Health Inspectors and what do they do?

Food Health Inspectors, also known as food safety inspectors or sanitarians, are professionals responsible for ensuring that food establishments comply with health and safety regulations. They inspect restaurants, food processing plants, and other food-related businesses for cleanliness, proper food handling, storage practices, and sanitation standards. Their work helps prevent foodborne illnesses by identifying violations, educating staff, and enforcing corrective actions. Inspectors may also investigate complaints and respond to outbreaks of foodborne illness.
More about Food Health Inspector jobs
What cities are hiring for Food Health Inspector jobs? Cities with the most Food Health Inspector job openings:
What states have the most Food Health Inspector jobs? States with the most job openings for Food Health Inspector jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Food Health Inspector jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Food Health Inspector jobs are:
Food Health Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Health Inspector job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,939 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Health Inspector

Town of Burlington

Burlington, MA • On-site

$40/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Reporting to the Director of Public of Health for the Town of Burlington, the Health Inspector is responsible for enforcing the provisions of various federal, state, and local public health laws and regulations for the Tri-Ton Coalition, an inter-municipal shared services program serving the Towns of Burlington, Lexington and Wilmington.
Essential functions include, but are not limited to:
  • Administers and enforces the provisions of federal, state and local public health laws and rules, regulations and programs. Works with permit holders and the public to achieve compliance; reports to the Director of Public Health concerning compliance. Includes the inspection of food service establishments, housing, nuisance and other complaints, and other areas required by law.
  • Maintains data/records using departmental records management software. Supplies and generates inspection reports.
  • Attends classes and other Town offered trainings to maintain current knowledge of required equipment and procedures.
  • Perform other duties related to the primary scope of the position as required.
Minimum qualifications include
  • Associate's degree in Science or Public Health, or a related field.
  • Must obtain certification as a Registered Sanitarian within two (2) years of hire
  • Ability to enforce and interpret regulations firmly, tactfully, and impartially
  • Ability to perform light physical tasks, including occasional lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling of objects and materials weighing up to 25-50 pounds
  • Duties frequently require climbing, reaching, bending, and kneeling to perform essential tasks
This is a part time, grant funded position through June 2027 with potential to expand beyond that.
Starting salary is $40.00 per hour with a maximum 19 hours per week.
Please Note: MA General Laws mandate that any individual having direct contact at any time with either children or senior citizens be subject to CORI screening by the Criminal History Systems Board. Any conditional offer of employment is contingent upon acceptable CORI results.
Position will remain open until filled.

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