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Food Inspector Jobs in Columbia, MD (NOW HIRING)

Home Inspector Recruitment Pillar To Post ยฎ is the leading home inspection company in North America. Our goal is to make the home inspection experience educational and easy for our customers. Our ...

Netzer Metalworks is currently hiring Quality Control Inspectors Medical and Dental Benefits, 401k, Paid Holidays Climate controlled facility. 5 years + experience recommended. Quality Control ...

M&J is a leader in construction management and inspection, ITS, mechanical, electrical, wastewater, water supply, tunnel airport, port, marine/coastal, environmental engineering, and design-build ...

Home Inspector Recruitment Pillar To Post ยฎ is the leading home inspection company in North America. Our goal is to make the home inspection experience educational and easy for our customers. Our ...

Quality Inspector

Annapolis, MD ยท On-site

$25.52 - $33.68/hr

The Quality Inspector will also conduct final inspection and quality release of assemblies to ensure they meet requirements, adhere to industry standards and regulatory requirements. Our production ...

The Quality Inspector will also conduct final inspection and quality release of assemblies to ensure they meet requirements, adhere to industry standards and regulatory requirements. Our production ...

The Inspector will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy of physical processing and cataloging of Monographs, Serials, and other item types. This position requires a keen eye for detail, strong ...

Laboratory Inspector

Frederick, MD ยท On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Inspections will include a review of equipment, test procedures, and quality systems through mechanical measurements and observations. This is an ideal opportunity for new graduates seeking to begin ...

The Inspector will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy of physical processing and cataloging of Monographs, Serials, and other item types. This position requires a keen eye for detail, strong ...

Inspect to detailed engineering requirements and precise tolerances, applying measurement best practices and logging critical data points for measurements and traceability. Utilize CMM equipment ...

From architecture, food/beverage processing, and federal to transportation, water infrastructure ... An Experienced Construction Inspector will be responsible for providing inspection services for ...

Senior Construction Inspector

Columbia, MD ยท On-site

$39.90 - $45/hr

From architecture, food/beverage processing, and federal to transportation, water infrastructure ... An Experienced Construction Inspector will be responsible for providing inspection services for ...

Inspect to detailed engineering requirements and precise tolerances, applying measurement best practices and logging critical data points for measurements and traceability. Utilize CMM equipment ...

Quality Inspector

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$18 - $20/hr

The Quality Inspector ensures that products and materials meet company and customer standards throughout the manufacturing process. This role involves inspecting products, conducting measurements ...

Showing results 41-60

Food Inspector information

See Columbia, MD salary details

$10.9K

$40.5K

$62.5K

How much do food inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for food inspector in Columbia, MD is $40,475.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,200.00 and $43,200.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Food Inspector jobs in Columbia, MD?

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

What cities near Columbia, MD are hiring for Food Inspector jobs?

Cities near Columbia, MD with the most Food Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Inspector job openings in Columbia, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,939 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Quality Inspector

Annapolis Micro Systems, Inc.

Annapolis, MD โ€ข On-site

$25.52 - $33.68/hr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Annapolis, MD (On-site)
Is attention to detail among your key strengths? Do you have a strong knowledge of electronic components and basic electrical principles? Can you see yourself playing an important role on a team dedicated to producing world-class quality electronic products?
We are seeking a diligent and enthusiastic Quality Inspector to join our team. You'll be responsible for performing incoming and quality inspection of electronic components, custom mechanical parts, bare PCBs, cables, and chassis. The Quality Inspector will also conduct final inspection and quality release of assemblies to ensure they meet requirements, adhere to industry standards and regulatory requirements.
Our production team is a close-knit group of professionals who are upbeat, talented, and extremely proud of their work and the cutting-edge products they produce. Envision yourself playing an important role on a growing team that supplies cutting-edge electronic products to all the major defense contractors, many Fortune 500 companies, and multiple government agencies.
Join us and become part of the future of computing technology!
Responsibilities
  • Visual inspection of electronic components and assemblies for defects such as scratches, misalignment, or physical damage using magnifying tools and other visual aids.
  • Conducting dimension checks using calipers, micrometers, 3D automated optical measurement, and other measuring instruments to ensure that components meet specified dimensions and tolerances.
  • Maintaining detailed inspection records, documenting identified defects, findings, and actions taken (e.g., rework, rejection) for future reference and quality tracking.
  • Identifying and classifying defects in components and assemblies, and dispositioning them appropriately.
  • Ensuring that all components and assemblies comply with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and company-specific quality specifications (e.g., IPC standards, AS9100 requirements).
  • Providing suggestions to enhance manufacturing processes and product quality.
  • Communication with the production, quality, and engineering teams to resolve quality issues, provide feedback, and support corrective actions to prevent future defects.
  • Inspect assemblies that were conformally coated or have been returned to the facility from external vendors post-testing.
  • Inspect cables.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements
  • Minimum High School diploma or equivalent.
  • U.S. Citizenship.
  • Manual Dexterity.
  • Able to lift 50 lbs.

Desired Technical Background
  • Previous experience in quality control or inspection in electronics manufacturing, specifically with PCBs or electronic assemblies.
  • IPC-A-610, IPC-600, IPC WHMA 620, IPC 7711, and IPC 7721 certifications, or other relevant certifications in electronic assembly and quality control.
  • Experience with quality control software or ERP systems for tracking defects, inspections, and production progress.
  • Experience with a Quality Management System, which conforms to ISO 9001 or AS9100.
  • Experience following manufacturing documentation and procedures.
  • Experience handling devices and boards using ESD handling procedures.
  • Able to verify correct part numbers being used for the specific job being run.
  • Experience in handling SMT components, boards, and tools for assembly.

In compliance with local laws regarding pay transparency, the hourly rate for this role is $25.52/hr to $33.68/hr; however, Annapolis Micro Systems considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.