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Food Health Inspector Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Lexington Medical Center

Food Service Cook

West Columbia, SC · On-site

$13 - $17/hr

Lexington Health also includes an accredited Cancer Center of Excellence, the state's first ... Responsible for area during inspections. * Performs all other duties as assigned. We are committed ...

Lexington Medical Center

Food Service Cook

West Columbia, SC · On-site

$13 - $17/hr

Lexington Health also includes an accredited Cancer Center of Excellence, the state's first ... Responsible for area during inspections. * Performs all other duties as assigned. We are committed ...

Lexington Medical Center

Food Service Cook

West Columbia, SC · On-site

$13 - $17/hr

Lexington Health also includes an accredited Cancer Center of Excellence, the state's first ... Responsible for area during inspections. * Performs all other duties as assigned. We are committed ...

Lexington Medical Center

Food Service Cook

West Columbia, SC · On-site

$13 - $17/hr

Lexington Health also includes an accredited Cancer Center of Excellence, the state's first ... Responsible for area during inspections. * Performs all other duties as assigned. We are committed ...

Lexington Medical Center

Food Service Cook

West Columbia, SC · On-site

$13 - $17/hr

Lexington Health also includes an accredited Cancer Center of Excellence, the state's first ... Responsible for area during inspections. * Performs all other duties as assigned. We are committed ...

Lexington Medical Center

Food Service Cook

West Columbia, SC · On-site

$13 - $17/hr

Lexington Health also includes an accredited Cancer Center of Excellence, the state's first ... Responsible for area during inspections. * Performs all other duties as assigned. We are committed ...

Lexington Medical Center

Food Service Cook

West Columbia, SC · On-site

$13 - $17/hr

Lexington Health also includes an accredited Cancer Center of Excellence, the state's first ... Responsible for area during inspections. * Performs all other duties as assigned. We are committed ...

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All JobsFood Health Inspector JobsFood Health Inspector Jobs in Columbia, SC

Food Health Inspector information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$22.7K

$50.9K

$91.6K

How much do food health inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for food health inspector in Columbia, SC is $50,856.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,600.00 and $58,800.00 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.

How do you become a food health inspector?

To become a food health inspector, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by postsecondary education in food safety, public health, or a related field. Many states require passing a certification exam and gaining experience through training or on-the-job learning; some inspectors also hold certifications from organizations like the International Food Safety Council.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.
What are popular job titles related to Food Health Inspector jobs in Columbia, SC? For Food Health Inspector jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Health Inspector jobs in Columbia, SC look for? The top searched job categories for Food Health Inspector jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Food Health Inspector jobs? Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Food Health Inspector job openings:
Food Health Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Health Inspector job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,856 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Food Service Cook

Lexington Medical Center (SC)

West Columbia, SC

$13 - $17/hr

Full-time, Per diem, Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago

Lexington Medical Center rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 104 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

551st of 1,055 rated hospitals

Job description

Nutrition Services  
PRN
Night Shift 
7-5pm

Lexington Health is a comprehensive network of care that includes six community medical and urgent care centers, nearly 80 physician practices, more than 9,000 health care professionals and Lexington Medical Center, a 607-bed teaching hospital in West Columbia, South Carolina. It was selected by Modern Healthcare as one of the Best Places to Work in Healthcare and was first in the state to achieve Magnet with Distinction status for excellence in nursing care. Consistently ranked as best in the Columbia Metro area by U.S. News & World Report, Lexington Health delivers more than 4,000 babies each year, performs more than 34,000 surgeries annually and is the region's third largest employer.

Lexington Health also includes an accredited Cancer Center of Excellence, the state's first HeartCARE Center, the largest skilled nursing facility in the Carolinas, and an Alzheimer's care center. Its postgraduate medical education programs include family medicine and transitional year residencies, as well as an informatics fellowship.

Job Summary

The Food Service Cook is a fast paced, hands on position. They perform the general cooking duties needed for preparing food items throughout the hospital. Follows recipes to prepare all food items necessary for patients, cafeteria, retail operations, catered functions, or the Child Development Center in a timely fashion.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Education: None.
Minimum Years of Experience: 1 Years of experience in cooking
Substitutable Education & Experience (Optional): In lieu of 1 year of cooking experience, consideration will be given to internal candidates with 1 year of experience within LMC as a Nutrition Associate upon review of applicable skills/training
Required Certifications/Licensure: None.
Required Training: Demonstrate basic mathematical skills; Able to work in a fast paced environment with good time management skills; Ability to follow a recipe consistently as list and provided; Possess great customer service skills; Requires knowledge of basic kitchen equipment; Understanding of basic food service safety guidelines such as temperature danger zone, haccp, proper storage of product, sanitation, etc.

Essential Functions
  • Prepares food based upon specific direction which includes modified diet restrictions.
  • Follows recipes accurately to prepare foods in the correct quantity and quality (taste, temperature, etc.).
  • Plans and organizes work schedule to ensure that food is ready, garnished, and on the line as scheduled.
  • Cleans and sanitizes food service equipment according to schedule using proper cleaning agents.
  • Completes prep work for the following day.
Duties & Responsibilities
  • Maintains an optimistic and professional image and exhibits excellent customer relations to patients, visitors, physicians, and coworkers.
  • Shows courtesy, compassion and respect. Conforms to Service Excellence Policy and Service Expectations.
  • Demonstrates appropriate communication of information to all ages and responds to all customer/patient requests and needs, i.e., hard of hearing, etc.
  • Any and all other duties as assigned. May be asked to work interdepartmentally.
  • Must keep work area neat and clean at all times. Responsible for area during inspections.
  • Performs all other duties as assigned.

We are committed to offering quality, cost-effective benefits choices for our employees and their families:

  • Day ONE medical, dental and life insurance benefits 
  • Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
  • Employees are eligible for enrollment into the 403(b) match plan day one.  LHI matches dollar for dollar up to 6%.
  • Employer paid life insurance - equal to 1x salary
  • Employee may elect supplemental life insurance with low cost premiums up to 3x salary 
  • Adoption assistance
  • LHI provides its full-time employees employer paid short-term disability and long-term disability coverage after 90 days of eligible employment
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Student loan forgiveness

Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of Lexington Health to provide equal opportunity of employment for all individuals, and to remain compliant with applicable state and federal laws and regulations. Lexington Health strives to provide a discrimination-free environment, and to recruit, select, on-board, and employ all employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including but not limited to, lactation. Lexington Health endeavors to upgrade and promote employees from within the hospital where possible and consistent with the employee's desires and abilities and the hospital's needs.

What Lexington Medical Center employees say

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