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Food Health Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Occupational Food Safety Manager will coordinate efforts targeting a holistic approach to ... AccompanyPublic Health Department / Regulatory Inspectors during on-site inspections and respond to ...

The Occupational Food Safety Manager will coordinate efforts targeting a holistic approach to ... AccompanyPublic Health Department / Regulatory Inspectors during on-site inspections and respond to ...

The Occupational Food Safety Manager will coordinate efforts targeting a holistic approach to ... AccompanyPublic Health Department / Regulatory Inspectors during on-site inspections and respond to ...

Perform documented random and/or scheduled internal audits and inspections of the facility to ... Health & Welfare Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Voluntary Life) * Paid Time Off

Food Safety Manager

Bartlett, IL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Perform documented random and/or scheduled internal audits and inspections of the facility to ... Health & Welfare Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Voluntary Life) * Paid Time Off

Food Safety Manager

Bartlett, IL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Perform documented random and/or scheduled internal audits and inspections of the facility to ... Health & Welfare Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Voluntary Life) * Paid Time Off

Maintenance

Naperville, IL · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

Perform routine inspections and maintenance tasks on facilities equipment. * Monitor inventory of ... Min 15.00 Max 19.50 Position Pay Range BENEFITS Free Play & 1/2 price food! Health, dental, vision ...

Maintenance

Naperville, IL · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

Perform routine inspections and maintenance tasks on facilities equipment. * Monitor inventory of ... Min 15.00 Max 19.50 Position Pay Range BENEFITS Free Play & 1/2 price food! Health, dental, vision ...

Food Safety Supervisor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Responsibilities * Actively participate in regulatory inspection readiness, processes and ... Paid weekly * 401K and health benefits available * Opportunities for professional growth and ...

Food Safety Supervisor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Responsibilities * Actively participate in regulatory inspection readiness, processes and ... Paid weekly * 401K and health benefits available * Opportunities for professional growth and ...

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Food Expediter

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Inspect each dish for accuracy, temperature, and presentation before it leaves the kitchen. This ... Maintain cleanliness and organization at the expediting station, ensuring compliance with health ...

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Food Expediter

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Inspect each dish for accuracy, temperature, and presentation before it leaves the kitchen. This ... Maintain cleanliness and organization at the expediting station, ensuring compliance with health ...

Showing results 41-60

Food Health Inspector information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$25.2K

$56.6K

$102K

How much do food health inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for food health inspector in Chicago, IL is $56,595.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,700.00 and $65,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food health inspector?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food health inspector?

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.

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 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.

How do I become a food health inspector?

To become a food health inspector, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by postsecondary education such as an associate's or bachelor's degree in food science, microbiology, or a related field. Many states require passing a certification exam and gaining on-the-job training, with some jurisdictions requiring specific licensing or certification to conduct inspections and enforce health regulations.

How hard is it to be a food health inspector?

Becoming a food health inspector requires completing relevant training, obtaining certifications such as food safety licenses, and passing a state or local exam. The job involves inspecting food establishments, enforcing health regulations, and often working irregular hours, which can be physically demanding and detail-oriented.

How much do food health inspectors make in the US?

Food health inspectors in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $45,000 to $55,000, with higher earnings possible with experience, certifications, and in certain regions. Salaries can vary based on location, level of experience, and the specific agency or organization they work for.

Is there a demand for food health inspectors?

Food health inspectors are in steady demand due to ongoing public health regulations and the need to ensure food safety in restaurants, processing plants, and other food establishments. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as food safety standards become more stringent and inspections increase, often requiring certification and knowledge of health codes.

What are popular job titles related to Food Health Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Food Health Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Health Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Health Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Food Health Inspector jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Food Health Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Health Inspector job openings in Chicago, IL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,595 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Health Sanitation for City of Elgin

Carol Stream, IL • On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

This is medium work requiring the exertion of 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and up to 5 pounds of force constantly to move objects; work requires climbing, stooping, kneeling, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, and grasping; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perce ive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for reading and preparing written or computer reports, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, operation of machines, and operation of motor vehicles or equipment; the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, noise, hazards, atmospheric conditions, and oils.T

The Sanitarian will practice environmental and public health in support of and under the general supervision of the Neighborhood Services Manager in Public Health to enforce State of Illinois and City of Elgin codes that promote maintain a healthy and safe environment for the citizens of Elgin. The Sanitarian will make on-site inspections of licensed establishments including food handling establishments, temporary and seasonal food handling establishments, public swimming facilities, and daycare centers to ascertain their degree of compliance with sanitary codes, and make efforts to obtain compliance if deficiencies are observed. The Sanitarian may prepare orders of compliance, reports of visits, and reports of formal complaints, and testify in court as required if compliance efforts fail.

The Sanitarian will investigate complaints of violations at licensed facilities and at residential properties, and will investigate nuisance complaints including but not limited to insect and rodent infestation, air pollution, water pollution, well and septic pollution, noise pollution, and light pollution to determine compliance with city and state health codes.

The Sanitarian will also investigate complaints of mosquito control, and will work with the contracted mosquito control company to provide safe and effective mosquito control for the citizens of Elgin. They will inspect and treat private property when necessary to reduce mosquito breeding sites in accordance with state law, and will provide education to the community about mosquito control.

The Sanitarian will periodically assist in the planning, development, maintenance and evaluation of environmental and community health programs to ensure they are in accordance with local and state laws, and that the programs adhere to sound environmental and public health principles.Requires extensive knowledge of federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations governing the health and safety of residents of the community; extensive knowledge of environmental sanitation principles, methods and techniques; working knowledge of laboratory practices as related to the analysis of water, and food products; ability to enforce regulations with firmness and tact in working with operators of establishments inspected; ability to ascertain facts through investigations and inspections, reporting on findings; ability to develop the interest and cooperation of those in the food industry and the general public in the importance of better sanitation; ability to maintain records, write concise reports and present evidence in court; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, fellow workers and the general public. Demonstrative knowledge of the use and application of MS Office Suite and electronic mail systems.

Must have two years professional experience in public health, environmental health or related field, and must hold one of the following degrees:

  • A Bachelor’s degree in environmental health science from a college or university approved by the National Environmental Health Association Accreditation Council for environmental health
  • A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university which included a minimum of 30 semester hours or equivalent of basic sciences
  • A Master’s Degree in environmental health science from a college or university approved by the National Environmental Health Association Accreditation Council for environmental health
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be a Licensed Environmental Health Practitioner with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation within 6 months of hiring

Requires possession of a valid Illinois Class Driver’s License.

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