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Food Health Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$40.74K - $81.05K/yr

Such experience may have been acquired in work such as consumer safety inspector or inspection aide, food inspector, public health inspector, quality inspection specialist, or similar position with ...

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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 May 30, 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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:
Infographic showing various Food Health Inspector job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 86% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $54,939 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Public Health Inspector - 6531, 6532, 6533, 6534

StateJobsNY

Saranac Lake, NY โ€ข On-site

$23.21/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Duties Description Do you enjoy the outdoors and traveling to scenic locations in New York State? Do you have an interest in environmental health? Do you enjoy field work and working with a variety of different organizations? Make your summer count by working as a seasonal Public Health Inspector for the New York State Department of Health's Center for Environmental Health (CEH)!
Seasonal Public Health Inspectors support the mission of CEH by performing environmental health inspection functions during New York State's summer season. Positions conduct field inspections of temporary residences such as campgrounds, hotels, motels, and lodging. The Public Health Inspector will ensuring compliance with the New York State Sanitary Code and environmental health regulations through the inspection of pools, beaches, water supplies, and food service establishments.
A Public Health Inspector role provides interested individuals with the ability to gain real world experience in the field of public health through on-the-job training, with the potential to be rehired every summer. Flexible opportunities begin in early May and extend through September 2026.
Minimum Qualifications One year of experience in environmental health protection, public health, or laboratory technology (medical, microbiological or environmental), AND (1) either 12 credit hours in biology, chemistry, geology, hydrology, and/or physics, OR (2) 6 credit hours in courses listed above AND 6 credits hours in applied sciences (environmental technology, sanitation technology, medical technology, public health, infection control or food science).
Substitution: Additional college credit hours beyond those required to meet the minimum qualifications may be substituted for the required experience at the rate of 30 credit hours equaling one year.
Candidates, a copy of your transcript indicating the courses you completed that meet the 12 qualifying credit hours listed above must be included. The transcript should include course names, credit hours, and the name of the institution where your college credits were obtained. Failure to include this information may result in delay or disapproval of your application.
Preferred Qualifications: The preferred candidate will be interested in exploring a career in public/environmental health; ability to work independently and as part of a team; ability to problem solve effectively; excellent organizational skills and attention to detail; strong interpersonal skills; excellent oral and written communication skills; experience with Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel) and other computer programs as needed.
Additional Comments Four temporary, seasonal, full-time, non-competitive, appointment opportunities. Hours worked and schedule are flexible and dependent upon assignment.
This position may require travel throughout New York State including overnights to areas not served by public transportation.
The NYS Department of Health is committed to making New York a safer, healthier, and more equitable place to live. Understanding health equity, social determinants of health and health disparities is critical to accomplish our goal of eliminating health disparities. For more information on the NYS Department of Health's Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Plan, please visit: https://health.ny.gov/commissioner/index.htm
If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact by phone 518-486-1812 or email doh.sm.reasonable.accommodation@health.ny.gov to make a request.
NYS Department of Health does not participate in E-Verify and does not sponsor visa applications.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Name Human Resources Management
Telephone 518-486-1812
Fax 518-473-3395
Email Address resume@health.ny.gov
Address
Street Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza, Room 2217
City Albany
State NY
Zip Code 12237
Notes on Applying Please submit your resume and cover letter as one (1) document, preferably in PDF format, by email to resume@health.ny.gov, with Reference MRF/Summer2026/PHI/SL/6531-6534 included in the subject line or by mail to Human Resources Management Group, MRF/Summer2026/PHI/SL/6531-6534, Rm 2217, Corning Tower Building, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12237-0012, or by fax to (518) 473-3395. Failure to include the required information may result in your resume not being considered for this position.