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Food Health Inspector Jobs in Laurel, MD (NOW HIRING)

Cook II

Arlington, VA · On-site

$16 - $21.50/hr

... the food code and state and local laws/regulations resulting in a satisfactory or higher rating in Health inspections. * Maintain high standards of cleanliness and sanitation in the interior and ...

Cook II

Arlington, VA · On-site

$16 - $21.50/hr

... the food code and state and local laws/regulations resulting in a satisfactory or higher rating in Health inspections. * Maintain high standards of cleanliness and sanitation in the interior and ...

Cook II

Arlington, VA · On-site

$16 - $21.50/hr

... the food code and state and local laws/regulations resulting in a satisfactory or higher rating in Health inspections. * Maintain high standards of cleanliness and sanitation in the interior and ...

Cook II

Arlington, VA · On-site

$16 - $21.50/hr

... the food code and state and local laws/regulations resulting in a satisfactory or higher rating in Health inspections. * Maintain high standards of cleanliness and sanitation in the interior and ...

Steward

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$15 - $17.75/hr

... health inspections, operational cleanups, and other cleaning initiatives. Maintain assigned cleaning areas in a condition that meets company, health department, food safety, and property standards.

Showing results 41-60

Food Health Inspector information

See Laurel, MD salary details

$24.3K

$54.5K

$98.2K

How much do food health inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for food health inspector in Laurel, MD is $54,470.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,200.00 and $63,000.00 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 job categories do people searching Food Health Inspector jobs in Laurel, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Health Inspector jobs in Laurel, MD are:

What cities near Laurel, MD are hiring for Food Health Inspector jobs?

Cities near Laurel, MD with the most Food Health Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Health Inspector job openings in Laurel, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,470 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Corporate Food Safety Manager

NORTHEAST FOODS INC.

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Duties

  • Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive food safety programs aligned with HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points), GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), and ISO 9001 standards.
  • Conduct regular quality audits and inspections to verify adherence to quality standards in production, identifying areas for improvement and ensuring corrective actions are effectively executed.
  • Lead the development and review of quality management systems, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements such as FDA regulations and local ISO standards.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish quality control procedures, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
  • Oversee internal and external quality inspections, monitor key performance indicators related to food safety, and report findings to senior management.
  • Facilitate training sessions on food safety protocols, regulatory updates, and best practices to ensure all staff are knowledgeable and compliant.
  • Manage projects related to process improvements using Lean management principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and GDT (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) techniques for precision in manufacturing processes.

Requirements

  • Proven experience practicing in an industrial or manufacturing engineering role within the food or beverage industry.
  • Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMP, CGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practices), ISO 9001 standards, and FDA regulations related to food safety.
  • Demonstrated ability in conducting quality audits, inspections, and assessments aligned with industry standards.
  • Expertise in quality systems management including QA/QC processes, regulatory/legal compliance standards, and quality assurance methodologies.
  • Proficiency in analysis skills for troubleshooting issues related to product safety or quality deviations.
  • Project management skills with the ability to lead initiatives that improve manufacturing efficiency while maintaining strict quality control.
  • Familiarity with Six Sigma manufacturing principles, Lean management practices, GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing), and GxP (Good Practice) guidelines.
  • Excellent communication skills for training teams, preparing reports, and collaborating across departments.

Join us as we uphold the highest standards of food safety excellence! This role is essential for safeguarding our consumers’ health while advancing our commitment to quality in every product we produce. If you are passionate about creating safe food environments through innovative practices and rigorous compliance, we want to hear from you