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Food Panelist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Back of House - Kalispel Casino Chef

Cusick, WA · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

Review food and labor costs of the entire food operation with Casino Operations Manager ... May be required to be a panelist for the Internal Review Hearings. * This does not list all of the ...

Masselow's - Cook I

Airway Heights, WA · On-site

$14 - $19/hr

... Food & Beverage Manager or Regional Business Manager. * Available to work any changes in hours deemed necessary for business levels. * May be required to be a panelist for the Internal Review ...

Banquet Cook I

Airway Heights, WA · On-site

$18.25 - $22.75/hr

... Food & Beverage Manager or Regional Business Manager. * Available to work any changes in hours deemed necessary for business levels * May be required to be a panelist for the Internal Review Hearings.

1898 Public House - Line Cook

Spokane, WA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Prepares or displays food to specifications. * Assists Chef in preparing specialty dishes ... Required to be a panelist for the Internal Review Hearings. This does not list all of the duties of ...

East Cook I

Airway Heights, WA · On-site

$14 - $19/hr

... Food & Beverage Manager or Regional Business Manager. * Available to work any changes in hours deemed necessary for business levels * May be required to be a panelist for the Internal Review Hearings.

Kalispel Casino - Sous Chef

Cusick, WA · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

Assists the Chef in monitoring food and labor cost controls. * Continually reviews kitchen ... May be required to be a panelist for the Internal Review Hearings. * This does not list all of the ...

Review food and labor costs of the all food operations with the Executive Banquet Chef. * Attend ... May be required to be a panelist for the Internal Review Hearings. * Ensures that highest possible ...

Summer Concert Banquet Cook I

Airway Heights, WA · On-site

$18.25 - $22.75/hr

... Food & Beverage Manager or Regional Business Manager. * Available to work any changes in hours deemed necessary for business levels * May be required to be a panelist for the Internal Review Hearings.

Kalispel Casino - Cook

Cusick, WA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Prepares and display food to specifications set by the Chef * Follows all food safety and ... May be required to be a panelist for the Internal Review Hearings. * This does not list all of the ...

Qdoba - Fast Casual Team Member

Airway Heights, WA · On-site

$12 - $15.75/hr

Team Members will prepare food, measure and mix ingredients, cook raw meats, and assemble food ... May be required to be a panelist for the Internal Review Board Hearings. * Responsible for ...

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Food Panelist information

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$5

$13

$14

How much do food panelist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for food panelist in the United States is $13.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $13.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying job in food?

In the food industry, executive chef and food service managers tend to be among the highest paying roles, especially in upscale restaurants or large food corporations. These positions often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and sometimes specialized certifications, with salaries varying based on location and establishment size.

What qualifications do I need to be a food taster?

Food panelists typically need good taste and smell senses, attention to detail, and the ability to follow instructions precisely. A high school diploma or equivalent is usually sufficient, and some roles may require basic knowledge of food safety and hygiene. Prior experience in tasting or sensory evaluation can be beneficial but is not always required.

What is a food panelist?

A food panelist is a person who participates in taste tests and sensory evaluations to provide feedback on food products. They typically assess flavor, texture, and overall quality, often working in controlled environments and following specific instructions. This role may require good sensory perception and attention to detail.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

High-paying jobs such as specialized food panelist roles, which involve tasting and evaluating food products, can sometimes pay around $2,000 per day for experienced professionals or those with unique expertise. These positions often require specific skills, certifications, or a reputation in the industry and are typically project-based or part of exclusive testing panels.

What are food panelists?

Food panelists are individuals who participate in taste tests and sensory evaluations to provide feedback on the flavor, texture, appearance, and overall quality of food products. They may be trained experts or regular consumers, depending on the type of test being conducted. Food manufacturers and researchers use the opinions of food panelists to improve recipes, develop new products, and ensure consistency in quality. Panelists' input helps companies understand consumer preferences before launching products to the wider market.

What is the difference between Food Panelist vs Sensory Analyst?

AspectFood PanelistSensory Analyst
CredentialsOften no formal certification, but may require trainingTypically requires specialized training or certification in sensory evaluation
Work EnvironmentFood testing labs, focus groups, product development settingsResearch labs, product testing facilities, sensory evaluation centers
Employer & Industry UsageFood companies, market research firms, product development teamsFood industry, research institutions, sensory science companies
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in food testing and product feedbackUnderstanding scientific evaluation and sensory analysis careers

Food Panelists primarily provide feedback on food products through taste tests and focus groups, often without formal certifications. Sensory Analysts perform detailed scientific evaluations of food sensory properties, usually with specialized training. Both roles are essential in food development but differ in complexity and scope.

What does a typical tasting session look like for a Food Panelist, and how do they ensure unbiased results?

A typical tasting session for a Food Panelist involves sampling a series of food products in a controlled environment, often following strict protocols to minimize bias. Panelists may evaluate attributes like flavor, texture, aroma, and appearance, sometimes using blind tasting methods to ensure impartiality. Sessions are usually overseen by a sensory scientist or panel leader, and feedback is recorded on standardized forms or digital systems. Maintaining a neutral palate and avoiding external influences are key challenges, but regular palate training and clear guidelines help ensure accurate, unbiased results.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Panelist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Panelist, you need a keen sense of taste and smell, attention to detail, and a foundational understanding of food science or sensory evaluation, often supported by relevant training or coursework. Familiarity with sensory analysis tools, standardized tasting protocols, and data recording systems is typically required. Strong communication, objectivity, and consistency are essential soft skills to accurately describe and assess flavors while collaborating with other panelists. These abilities ensure reliable, unbiased feedback that helps companies improve product quality and meet consumer expectations.
What cities are hiring for Food Panelist jobs? Cities with the most Food Panelist job openings:
What states have the most Food Panelist jobs? States with the most job openings for Food Panelist jobs include:
Associate Sensory & Product Experience

Associate Sensory & Product Experience

Nestle

Marysville, OH

Other

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Nestle's Research & Development Center is our regional powerhouse driving innovation in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical science. Backed by our global Nestle R&D organization, we lead breakthrough discoveries that are both good for consumers and the planet. Our team of experts range from product developers to engineers, working across our portfolio of food, beverage, infant nutrition, and health science to create leading-edge products and services. As part of our organization, you will use your entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence to unlock the power of food and provide premium value.   

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

Position Summary:

The Sensory & Product Experience Panel Leader Associate Specialist is responsible for supporting all sensory external and internal panel related activities with support from sensory lab technicians. This role assists the SPX (Sensory & Product Experience) Specialists by providing data analysis and reports with conclusions and recommendations linked to projects' objectives. The Sensory & Product Experience Panel Leader Associate Specialist provides guidance about preferred methodology recommendations and follows SPX best practices and is proficient at performing Sensory Evaluation. The Associate Specialist understands the impact of sensory activities into Consumer Research in innovation and renovation processes. This role demonstrates and executes Sensory research with excellence.

Primary Responsibilities:

The R&D Associate Sensory Panel Leader is responsible for:

Developing and managing a group of trained sensory panelists daily

Supports quantitative descriptive sensory studies with guidance from Sensory & Product Experience Specialists. This includes panel recruitment, panel training and planning, panelist performance tracking, development of sensory glossaries, overseeing data collection, and completing quality checks on quantitative sensory data.

Assist with some preliminary statistical analysis, report building, and results presentation when relevant to the project team or to business partners.

Work closely with Sensory Panelists, Sensory Technicians, Product Experience Specialists, and other R&D and market associates to provide all sensory panel-related support to the business in a timely manner. They also support the maintenance of sensory lab equipment and supplies.

Qualifications:

Academic Experience: BS or BA in Food Science or related field, Communications or Market Research.

Technical training in scientific or food-related fields is a plus.

Operational Experience: more than 2 years of experience in panel moderation and in a wide range of sensory evaluation & analysis is mandatory.

Strong organizational skills, takes ownership and analytical mindset

Able to work well in a team environment

Flexible work hours, as required by the business

Technical skills:

  • MS-Office (Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
  • Eye Question (Sensory data collection software), Statistical analysis, Descriptive sensory test & analysis
  • Written and oral communication skills - storytelling, scientific/technical writing skills

It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.
To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestle. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestle seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you'll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestle home.
 

The Nestle Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at accommodations@nestle.com or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship. 

Review our applicant privacy notice before applying at https://www.nestlejobs.com/privacy.

Job Requisition: 400977