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Food Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Basic understanding of food safety and quality standards (preferred). Ability to work in a cold/raw production environment. Physical Requirements Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Must be able to ...

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"

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 ...

Novolex is a leading manufacturer of food, beverage, and specialty packaging that supports multiple ... Evaluate test results and inspection reports, perform follow-ups with QC Inspectors and Operators

Novolex is a leading manufacturer of food, beverage, and specialty packaging that supports multiple ... Evaluate test results and inspection reports, perform follow-ups with QC Inspectors and Operators

Novolex is a leading manufacturer of food, beverage, and specialty packaging that supports multiple ... Evaluate test results and inspection reports, perform follow-ups with QC Inspectors and Operators

Novolex is a leading manufacturer of food, beverage, and specialty packaging that supports multiple ... Evaluate test results and inspection reports, perform follow-ups with QC Inspectors and Operators

Inspector

Cary, IL · On-site

Inspector The Inspector ensures products meet defined quality and workmanship standards by performing detailed inspections and tests using precision measurement and electrical test equipment. This ...

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Quality Control Inspector 3rd Shift HQC Inc - Oswego, IL Starting Pay: $18- $20 Hourly 3rd Shift ... We operate a clean modern air-conditioned facility making parts for food packaging, medical devices ...

Inspector

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$23.50 - $28.75/hr

The Inspector supports the Quality Control Supervisor and/or Quality Assurance Manager with all aspects related to control and inspection, involving but not limited to: Measuring parts with the ...

Performs inspection and testing of purchased materials, components and products in accordance with policy and procedures. Essential Functions: Must be able to read and comprehend drawings and basic ...

Performs inspection and testing of purchased materials, components and products in accordance with policy and procedures. Essential Functions: Must be able to read and comprehend drawings and basic ...

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Food Inspector information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11.3K

$42K

$64.9K

How much do food inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 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 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.
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Food Inspector jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Food Inspector job openings:
Quality Inspector

$18/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 11 hours ago


Job description

Quality Inspector Bone Inspector The Bone Inspector is responsible for evaluating incoming raw poultry product from suppliers to ensure it meets company quality and food safety standards. This role focuses on identifying quality defects, foreign material, and bone-related issues prior to production use. The Bone Inspector works closely with the QC team to document findings and support proper product disposition decisions.

Key Responsibilities Inspect incoming raw product (combos, cases, etc.) for bone defects, foreign material, and quality defects. Pull representative samples according to QC procedures. Accurately document inspection findings on required QC records/forms.

Immediately report any out-of-specification findings to QC leadership. Work with QC to determine proper product disposition (release, hold, rework, or reject). Tag and identify product as needed per company procedures.

Maintain compliance with USDA, GMP, HACCP, and company food safety standards. Support additional tasks as assigned by the QC leadership group. Qualifications Must be able to read and write in English.

Strong attention to detail. Ability to accurately complete written documentation. Basic understanding of food safety and quality standards (preferred).

Ability to work in a cold/raw production environment. Physical Requirements Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Must be able to stand for extended periods.

Must be able to work in refrigerated/raw processing environments. Shift hours between: 2:00 PM and 1:00 AM. $18.00/hr Bolingbrook, IL 60440 Please send resumes to eblanco@elitestaffinginc.com and realgoodfoods@elitestaffinginc.com All employees of Elite Staffing must be 18 years or older and authorized to work in the United States.

Elite Staffing, Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our policy of equal employment opportunity is to recruit, hire, train and promote persons without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, handicap or any other protected status.

Elite Staffing offers the following benefit programs for your participation: Medical, Dental, Vision, Voluntary Benefits, 401k Retirement Plan, and Commuter benefits. Our hiring process may include the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to assist in recruiting candidates. AI may be used to collect information and grade, rank, or score your answers.

All employment decisions are made by human reviewers. By submitting your application, you authorize Elite Staffing, Inc. to contact you using the contact information you have provided for employment-related activities via any method, including SMS, email, and phone calls, including through the use of automated technology, AI generative voice, and pre-recorded and/or artificial voice messages.

For accommodations or to opt out of AI-assisted communication, you may unsubscribe from any SMS message and/or inform the AI technology of your request to opt out of AI-assisted communications. All personal information provided will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy found on our website. All employees of Elite Staffing must be 18 years or older and authorized to work in the United States.

Elite Staffing, Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our policy of equal employment opportunity is to recruit, hire, train and promote persons without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, handicap or any other protected status.CB3