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Food Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Son

Food Inspector

North East, PA

$22.50/hr

JR2026-00027256 Food Inspector (Open) Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed): 06-29-2026 LOCATION: Garden, Deuel, Arthur, McPherson, Logan ...

New

New York State

NY · On-site

$53K - $85K/yr

The Food Inspector 1 or Trainee will prevent fraud, adulteration and misrepresentation in the processing, packaging, storage, distribution, and sale of food and food products by educating food ...

Hanover Foods

3rd Shift Food Inspector

Centre Hall, PA · On-site

$17/hr

Food Inspectors are responsible for performing and learning all aspects of Production/Entrée inspecting, packaging operations, and removing all defects and foreign materials from products to achieve ...

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Food Inspector information

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$11K

$40.8K

$63K

How much do food inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for food inspector in the United States is $40,785.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $43,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Food Inspectors?

Food Inspectors are professionals responsible for ensuring that food products meet safety and quality standards set by government agencies. They examine food processing facilities, storage areas, and products to detect contamination, improper handling, and violations of health regulations. Their work helps prevent foodborne illnesses and ensures that consumers receive safe, high-quality food. Food Inspectors may also collect samples for laboratory analysis and educate businesses about food safety practices.

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

To thrive as a Food Inspector, you need a solid understanding of food safety regulations, microbiology, and public health, usually supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with inspection tools, laboratory testing equipment, and reporting systems is essential for effective monitoring and documentation. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong communication skills help Food Inspectors identify risks and collaborate with various stakeholders. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure public safety, regulatory compliance, and the integrity of the food supply chain.

What are some common challenges Food Inspectors face during inspections, and how can they effectively address them?

Food Inspectors often encounter challenges such as non-compliance with safety regulations, language barriers with facility staff, and time constraints when inspecting multiple sites. To address these issues, inspectors rely on clear communication, detailed checklists, and ongoing training to stay current with evolving food safety standards. Building rapport with facility personnel and maintaining a thorough, objective approach helps ensure that all issues are identified and resolved efficiently, ultimately protecting public health.

What kind of inspectors make the most money?

Food inspectors with advanced certifications, supervisory roles, or specialized expertise tend to earn higher salaries. Inspectors working in large organizations or in regions with higher living costs generally make more, and those with experience and additional training can advance to higher-paying positions such as senior or lead inspector.

How do I become a food inspector?

To become a food inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring a bachelor's degree in food science, microbiology, or a related field. They must complete relevant training or certification programs, gain experience in food safety or inspection, and often pass a written exam or practical assessment. Food inspectors usually work for government agencies and may need to obtain specific state or federal certifications depending on the jurisdiction.

What is the difference between Food Inspector vs Food Safety Officer?

AspectFood InspectorFood Safety Officer
Required CredentialsDegree in Food Technology, Microbiology, or related field; certification may be requiredSimilar qualifications as Food Inspector; often requires additional training in food safety standards
Work EnvironmentInspecting food production units, markets, and restaurantsOverseeing food safety compliance, conducting audits, and public awareness
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, food manufacturing, and inspection departmentsGovernment health departments, regulatory agencies, and food industry

Both Food Inspectors and Food Safety Officers work to ensure food quality and safety, often with overlapping roles. Food Inspectors primarily focus on inspecting food establishments and products, while Food Safety Officers handle broader compliance and public health initiatives. The roles are complementary, with similar qualifications and work environments, but differ slightly in scope and responsibilities.

What Is a Food Inspector?

A food inspector makes sure that all food produced at a farm, processing plant, slaughterhouse, or other food production facility meets rigorous health and safety requirements before shipment. As a food inspector, your duties include performing physical inspections of the food, investigating health, sanitation, and safety practices at a facility, and writing reports based off of your investigations and interviews. You must be able to notice any potential for bacterial or other contamination and be willing to stop production to uphold public safety.

How long does it take to be a food safety inspector?

Becoming a food safety inspector typically requires completing a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training or certification programs that can last from several weeks to a few months. Many inspectors also gain experience through on-the-job training or related food safety or health inspection roles before qualifying for full certification or licensing, which can take additional months depending on the jurisdiction.

What qualifications do I need to be a quality inspector?

Food inspectors typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring postsecondary education or specialized training in food safety or microbiology. Certification from relevant agencies, such as the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification, is often preferred or required, along with knowledge of food safety standards and inspection procedures.
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Food Inspector jobs near you

Food Inspector

Son

North East, PA

$22.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

Agriculture - Agency 18


Location:

Statewide, NE


Hiring Rate:

$22.500


Job Posting:

JR2026-00027256 Food Inspector (Open)


Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

06-29-2026


Job Description:

LOCATION: Garden, Deuel, Arthur, McPherson, Logan, Keith, Perkins, and Lincoln Counties in Nebraska
Do you have a passion for promoting public health and helping businesses succeed? Are you interested in a flexible schedule and healthy work/life balance? If so, we have a great opportunity for you! The Nebraska Department of Agriculture is searching for a teammate that will conduct food inspections within Southwest Nebraska! As a Food Inspector, you will be responsible for inspections of food establishments and food processors in compliance with the Nebraska Pure Food Act.
Don't have direct experience? No problem, we'll teach you! All you need is a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and a passion for serving Nebraskans. This position provides an opportunity to serve throughout the following Nebraska counties: Garden, Deuel, Arthur, McPherson, Logan, Keith, Perkins, Lincoln. You can expect to have initial job training in Lincoln for 3-4 days, followed by field training to ensure you have what you need to succeed. A State vehicle is provided; you can look forward to eliminating that commute to work. Ongoing training and educational opportunities, as well as the State's tuition reimbursement program, will provide you the right environment for professional growth and development.
Food Inspectors are required to pass a certified professional food safety credential examination approved by the department within 36 months; time in role, training, and experience will prepare you to successfully become credentialed. You can start in this position as a Level 1 and we will provide you the necessary tools and certification opportunities propelling you to a Level 2 within as little as two years. If you begin as a Level 1, you can expect to receive $20.475/hour plus our excellent fringe benefits! If you begin as a Level 2, with the necessary food safety credential, you can expect to receive $22.008/hour.
Look at what we have to offer!
13 paid holidays
Vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately
Military leave
156% (that's not a typo!) state-matched retirement
Tuition reimbursement
Employee assistance program
79% employer paid health insurance plans
Dental and vision insurance plans
Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
Training and Development based on your career aspirations
Fun, inviting teammates
A safe and secure environment


Job Duties

  • Conduct inspections of food establishments for compliance with the Nebraska Pure Food Act.

  • License establishments according to the Nebraska Pure Food Act.

  • Take appropriate action (re-inspection, hearings, notices, and closure) if an eminent health threat to the public is identified.

  • Investigate consumer complaints, conduct plan reviews of food establishments, and complete inspection reports.

  • Participate in educational opportunities including training and conferences.

  • Other duties as assigned within the scope of the classification.

Requirements / Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Agriculture Food Sanitarian I: Any experience or education related to food industry or food safety and the ability to pass a certified professional food safety credential examination approved by the department within 36 months. Time in role, training, and experience will prepare individuals to successfully become credentialed.

Agriculture Food Sanitarian II: Some experience or education related to food industry or food related safety AND possess (and continue to maintain) a professional safety credential approved by the department.

Preferred Qualifications: The top candidate must live within service area.

Other: This position requires travel. As such, the incumbent must be able to present a valid driver's license or another form of reliable transportation. Regular and reliable attendance is required.


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of: food industry; the principles and techniques of inspections; Nebraska Pure Food Act and Nebraska Food Code

Skill in: effective communication, time management, planning and organization, problem-solving, critical thinking.

Ability to: establish rapport with stakeholders; communicate with the public and businesses; interpret and apply policies, procedures, and standards; make decisions and seek solutions; work independently with little supervision; prioritize work in an efficient manner; compile and interpret inspection data; work in inclement temperatures and environments exposed to infectious diseases and toxic/hazardous substances.


If you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't apply through this external career site. Instead, log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: https://link.nebraska.gov/


Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.
Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.

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