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Food Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Eurofins USA Food Testing

Grain Inspector

Hammond, IN · On-site

$18/hr

Join Eurofins Grain Inspection and turn your passion for agriculture into a career that directly supports farmers, strengthens rural communities, and keeps America's food supply moving. Why This Role ...

MARS Solutions Group

Produce Inspector

Aurora, IL · On-site

Inspect and bring issues to the attention of management relative to food safety. Checking inbound Produce Loads and Produce in the pick slots utilizing the tablet and an app called "Fresh Check"

Eurofins Scientific

Grain Inspector

Hammond, IN

$16/hr

From the food you eat, to the water you drink, to the medicines you rely on, Eurofins works with ... Grain Inspector Join Eurofins Grain Inspection and turn your passion for agriculture into a career ...

Eurofins

Grain Inspector

Hammond, IN · On-site

$16/hr

From the food you eat, to the water you drink, to the medicines you rely on, Eurofins works with ... Grain Inspector Join Eurofins Grain Inspection and turn your passion for agriculture into a career ...

Eurofins

Grain Inspector

Hammond, IN · On-site

$16/hr

From the food you eat, to the water you drink, to the medicines you rely on, Eurofins works with ... Grain Inspector Join Eurofins Grain Inspection and turn your passion for agriculture into a career ...

Eurofins US Network

Grain Inspector

Hammond, IN · On-site

$16/hr

From the food you eat, to the water you drink, to the medicines you rely on, Eurofins works with ... Grain Inspector Join Eurofins Grain Inspection and turn your passion for agriculture into a career ...

Cotecna Inspections

Inspector Industrial

Chicago, IL · Remote

As a Freelance Inspector, you will be responsible for conducting thorough inspections of various products and services to ensure they meet our quality standards. You will work closely with our team ...

Carvana

Vehicle Inspector

Hoffman Estates, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

Inspect vehicles for signs of wear, tear, neglect, damage, previous repair, mechanical or ... food and petroleum dispensing operations. * * Note: Refer to the Handbook and Policy Manuals for ...

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All JobsFood Inspector JobsFood Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL

Food Inspector information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11.3K

$42K

$64.9K

How much do food inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for food inspector in Chicago, IL is $42,014.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,600.00 and $44,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

More about Food Inspector jobs

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The top searched job categories for Food Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Food Inspector jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Food Inspector job openings:

Food Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Inspector job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,014 per year, or $20.2 per hour.