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Food Protection Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$15 - $19.50/hr

Food Protection Manager - VA State - ANSI approved Food Protection Manager Certification - VA State (Required) To learn more about being a team member with Riverside Health System visit us at

$15 - $19.50/hr

Food Protection Manager - VA State - ANSI approved Food Protection Manager Certification - VA State (Required) To learn more about being a team member with Riverside Health System visit us at

Food Service Worker

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$21.98 - $25.71/hr

***Candidates must have a valid Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Qualifying Certificate in Food Protection*** Location: Wards Island, NY and East Harlem, NY Our Mission: Since 1967, Odyssey House ...

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Food Protection information

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$5

$16

$18

How much do food protection jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for food protection in the United States is $16.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is food protection?

Food protection refers to the methods and practices used to keep food safe from contamination, spoilage, and foodborne illnesses. This includes proper handling, storage, preparation, and sanitation techniques to prevent harmful bacteria, viruses, and other hazards from affecting food. Professionals in food protection often work to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and educate others about safe food practices. Their work is critical in restaurants, food manufacturing, and public health settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in food protection, and why are they important?

To thrive in Food Protection, you need a solid understanding of food safety regulations, hazard analysis, and sanitation practices, often supported by a degree in food science or a related field. Familiarity with HACCP, food safety management systems, and certifications such as ServSafe or Certified Professional–Food Safety (CP-FS) is typically required. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are vital soft skills for success in this role. These skills ensure food safety compliance, protect public health, and help prevent foodborne illnesses.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in food protection roles, and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in food protection often encounter challenges such as staying updated with constantly evolving food safety regulations, managing risks of contamination during processing, and ensuring consistent compliance across different departments. These challenges are typically addressed through ongoing training, collaboration with quality assurance and production teams, and implementing robust monitoring systems. Proactive communication and regular audits also help maintain high food safety standards and support a culture of continuous improvement.

What is the difference between Food Protection vs Food Safety Specialist?

AspectFood ProtectionFood Safety Specialist
CertificationsServSafe, HACCPServSafe, HACCP
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, food manufacturing, retailRegulatory agencies, consulting, food industry
Industry UsageFocuses on preventing food contamination and spoilageEnsures compliance with safety standards and regulations
Job FocusImplementing protection measures to prevent foodborne issuesMonitoring, auditing, and enforcing safety protocols

Food Protection and Food Safety Specialist roles overlap in certifications and work environments, but Food Protection emphasizes implementing measures to prevent contamination, while Food Safety Specialists focus on compliance and regulatory enforcement. Both are vital for maintaining food quality and safety standards.

Is food safety a good career?

Food protection professionals ensure the safety and quality of food products by inspecting facilities, enforcing regulations, and conducting training. The field offers stable employment with opportunities for advancement and requires knowledge of food safety standards, certifications, and attention to detail.

What degree do I need to be a food protection specialist?

A food protection specialist typically needs at least a high school diploma or equivalent; however, many roles require a bachelor's degree in food science, microbiology, public health, or a related field. Relevant certifications, such as ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification, are also often required or preferred for employment in food safety roles.

What cities are hiring for Food Protection jobs?

Cities with the most Food Protection job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Protection jobs?

The most popular types of Food Protection jobs are:

Infographic showing various Food Protection job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,566 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Assistant Manager of Food Safety

Colony Brands, Inc.

Monroe, WI • On-site

Other

Re-posted 5 days ago


Colony Brands rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

The Assistant Manager of Food Safety is responsible for leading and overseeing food safety and quality assurance activities across Bakery and Cheese Operations. This role ensures compliance with FDA/FSMA regulations, company policies, and customer requirements while owning key food safety programs and supervising QA staff. The position serves as a Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) and plays a critical role in maintaining inspection readiness, resolving non‑conformances, and driving continuous improvement in food safety systems. You’ll also be responsible for: • Owning and managing the Food Protection Program (MSP16), including maintaining procedures, records, investigations, and corrective/preventive actions • Serving as a PCQI, developing, maintaining, and reanalyzing the Food Safety Plan • Leading quality assurance support for Bakery and Cheese Operations, including collaboration with Sanitation, R&D, Purchasing, Warehouse, and Production

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