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Food Inspector Jobs in Salem, OR (NOW HIRING)

Quality Inspector

Mcminnville, OR ยท On-site

$20 - $22.98/hr

Job Designation The Quality Inspector provides technical support to the quality team. Conducts examinations and quality control inspections on products, materials, components and parts at various ...

Job Designation The Quality Inspector provides technical support to the quality team. Conducts examinations and quality control inspections on products, materials, components and parts at various ...

Quality Inspector I

Dallas, OR ยท On-site

$16 - $21/hr

We are looking for Quality Inspectors to join our team! This critical position within the company presents a great opportunity for someone to provide final assurance to all our valued customers that ...

Quality Inspector I

Dallas, OR ยท On-site

$16 - $21/hr

We are looking for Quality Inspectors to join our team! This critical position within the company presents a great opportunity for someone to provide final assurance to all our valued customers that ...

Quality Inspector I

Dallas, OR ยท On-site

$16 - $21/hr

We are looking for Quality Inspectors to join our team! This critical position within the company presents a great opportunity for someone to provide final assurance to all our valued customers that ...

Livestock Brand Inspector

Salem, OR ยท On-site

$3.5K - $4.7K/wk

... food. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are embedded in the Department of Agriculture core values. Employees at all levels of the agency work together to foster fairness, equity, inclusion, and ...

Food Champion

Stayton, OR ยท On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Champions recognition and motivation efforts Requirements The ideal candidates must want to have fun serving great food to our customers! * Must be at least 16 years of age * Accessibility to ...

Food Champion

Keizer, OR ยท On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

Champions recognition and motivation efforts Requirements The ideal candidates must want to have fun serving great food to our customers! * Must be at least 16 years of age * Accessibility to ...

Food Champion

Salem, OR ยท On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

Champions recognition and motivation efforts Requirements The ideal candidates must want to have fun serving great food to our customers! * Must be at least 16 years of age * Accessibility to ...

Food Champion

Mcminnville, OR ยท On-site

$15.25 - $18.75/hr

Champions recognition and motivation efforts Requirements The ideal candidates must want to have fun serving great food to our customers! * Must be at least 16 years of age * Accessibility to ...

Food Champion

Salem, OR ยท On-site

$15 - $18.50/hr

Champions recognition and motivation efforts Requirements The ideal candidates must want to have fun serving great food to our customers! * Must be at least 16 years of age * Accessibility to ...

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Food Inspector information

See Salem, OR salary details

$11.1K

$41K

$63.4K

How much do food inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for food inspector in Salem, OR is $41,041.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,700.00 and $43,800.00 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 cities near Salem, OR are hiring for Food Inspector jobs?

Cities near Salem, OR with the most Food Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Inspector job openings in Salem, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,041 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Quality Inspector

Parker Meggitt - OR

Mcminnville, OR โ€ข On-site

$20 - $22.98/hr

Other

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Business Unit:

Energy & Equipment Oregon (3130)

Location:

McMinnville, OR, United States, 97128

Parker-Meggitt is a global engineering group specializing in extreme environment products and smart sub-systems for aerospace, defense and energy markets. We employ over 12,000 people across manufacturing facilities in Asia, Europe, North America, with regional bases in India and the Middle East..

Job Designation

The Quality Inspector provides technical support to the quality team. Conducts examinations and quality control inspections on products, materials, components and parts at various stages of the production process, to ensure compliance with established quality and reliability standards.

Job Core Responsibilities

-Conducts examinations and quality control inspections on products, materials, and components on all types of standard and special products, to insure alignment with product requirements and quality standards

- Provides detail analysis, troubleshooting and evaluation of components, assemblies and systems

- Maintains documentation records and data on tests performed

- Sets up or builds special test panels to facilitate testing and /or evaluation as needed

- Recommends quality control solutions to complex problems and implements corrective actions

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this role. It is not designed to

contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Job Specifications

A Secondary Certificate/High School Diploma or equivalent combination of relevant education and work experience that will allow successful performance of job expectations.

Vocational Training and/or apprenticeships in Quality Control Inspections or equivalent experience in related field

2-4 years of relevant experience

Skills:

Skilled at performing examinations and quality control inspections on products, materials, components and parts on all types of standard and special products

Experience with blueprints, drawings and parts lists

Proficient computer skills

This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.

Parker-Meggitt is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

You should be proficient in:

  • Mechanical Assembly Skills
  • Packaging Experience
  • Quality Control Data Analysis
  • Meets Physical Requirements
  • High School / GED
  • AS9100 Experience
  • Quality Inspection Experience
  • Blueprint Reading

Machines & technologies you'll use:

  • Calipers and Micrometers
  • Measurement Gauges