ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Food Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hanover Foods

1st Shift Food Inspector

Centre Hall, PA · On-site

$17/hr

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

Hanover Foods

3rd Shift Food Inspector

Centre Hall, PA · On-site

$17/hr

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

Hanover Foods

2nd Shift Food Inspector

Centre Hall, PA · On-site

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsManufacturing JobsFood Manufacturing JobsFood Safety Manager JobsFood Inspector Jobs

Food Inspector information

See salary details

$11K

$40.8K

$63K

How much do food inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 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 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.

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

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 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.

How hard is it to be a food inspector?

Becoming a food inspector requires completing relevant education, such as a degree in food science, microbiology, or a related field, and passing a certification exam. The job involves inspecting food production facilities, enforcing safety standards, and often working in various environments, which can be physically demanding and require attention to detail. Experience and knowledge of food safety regulations are essential for success in this role.

How much do food inspectors make in the US?

Food inspectors in the United States earn a median annual salary of around $45,000 to $55,000, with experienced inspectors and those working in certain states earning higher wages. Salaries can vary based on location, level of experience, and certifications such as the ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification.
More about Food Inspector jobs

What cities are hiring for Food Inspector jobs?

Cities with the most Food Inspector job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Food Inspector jobs?

The top employers for Food Inspector jobs are:

What states have the most Food Inspector jobs?

States with the most job openings for Food Inspector jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Food Inspector jobs?

For Food Inspector jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Food Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Inspector job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,785 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

1st Shift Food Inspector

Centre Hall, PA • On-site

Hanover Foods
1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Hanover Foodsexternal

$17/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago

Hanover Foods rating

4.7

Company rating: 4.7 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Hanover Foods Corporation is currently seeking 1st Shift Food Inspectors for our CENTRE HALL, PENNSYVANIA LOCATION. Food Inspectors are responsible for learning and performing all aspects of Production/Entrée inspecting and packaging operations and removing all defects and foreign materials from products, achieving minimal waste. The wage for this entry level position is $17 per hour. Hanover Foods Corporation also offers a comprehensive benefits package such as medical, dental, prescription drug, and 401(k).
We encourage all to apply!
The duties listed below are representative of the types of responsibilities required for the role. Additional tasks may be assigned as needed to meet the needs of the organization:
  • Constructing boxes and/or cartons and placing appropriate liner inside, if required.
  • Placing product into boxes and/or cartons.
  • Weighing product prior to closing and stacking.
  • Inspecting cartons/boxes to ensure they are properly sealed and have the correct day code affixed.
  • Placing boxes/cartons on pallets.
  • Moving boxes and pallets to designated areas when required.
  • Inspecting and removing all defects and foreign materials from product as well as reporting specific findings to the Supervisor and/or Lead on duty.
  • Keeping work areas clean in accordance with good housekeeping practices.
  • Responsible for following food safety, legality, quality policies and procedures within the scope of the job responsibilities such as: GMP's, HACCP, food safety, product quality, food security, plant security, etc.
  • Adhering to common safety practices and procedures, including the wearing of protective clothing and equipment as required.
  • Adhering to plant hygiene standards to ensure high product integrity.
  • Performing other duties as assigned by the Supervisor and/or Lead.

  • Ability to read, write and understand the English language.
  • General skills to complete the job requirements in a satisfactory manner.
  • Ability to communicate clearly.
  • Ability to work well with all people (other employees as well as management).
  • Ability to pay attention to detail and be accurate in recordkeeping.
  • Must be able to physically lift 50 pounds, if necessary.

Hanover Foods Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, and/or any other characteristic protected by law.

What Hanover Foods employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply