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Food Quality Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Food Quality Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

... testing, pH, sodium, etc. are consistent with plant process needs Education and Experience: · ... QA Manager in the food industry with minimum 5 years in a USDA environment · Must be SQF ...

Food Quality Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

... testing, pH, sodium, etc. are consistent with plant process needs Education and Experience: · ... QA Manager in the food industry with minimum 5 years in a USDA environment · Must be SQF ...

WI · On-site

The Food Quality Control Supervisor manages daily quality control at a food manufacturing facility ... Oversee product sampling and testing (microbiological, chemical, and physical as required)

$25 - $30/hr

Food Quality Assurance Coordinator Job Location: Minneapolis-USA-55450 Work Location Type: On-Site ... testing equipment, mechanical food portioning and processing equipment. * Ability to work with ...

In a Quality Control Technician job youll be responsible for: * Conducting titratable salinity ... Performing rapid microbiological testing after training * Spending part of your day on the ...

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How much do food quality tester jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for food quality tester in the United States is $25.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $34.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food quality tester?

Food Quality Testers are professionals responsible for inspecting and evaluating food products to ensure they meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards. They conduct various tests, such as taste, texture, appearance, and microbiological analysis, to identify any defects or contamination. Their work helps maintain consumer safety and supports companies in meeting government and industry requirements for food products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food quality tester?

To thrive as a Food Quality Tester, you need strong knowledge of food safety standards, analytical testing procedures, and a background in food science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, sensory evaluation tools, and certifications like HACCP or SQF are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate product assessments, regulatory compliance, and the delivery of safe, high-quality food products to consumers.

What are some common challenges faced by food quality testers and how can they be addressed?

Food Quality Testers often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistency in sensory evaluations, staying up-to-date with evolving food safety regulations, and managing tight deadlines during product launches. To address these, testers rely on standardized testing protocols, ongoing training, and effective communication with cross-functional teams like production and R&D. Adopting a detail-oriented approach and collaborating closely with colleagues helps ensure that quality standards are consistently met, even under pressure.

What is the difference between Food Quality Tester vs Food Safety Inspector?

AspectFood Quality TesterFood Safety Inspector
CertificationsFood safety and quality certifications, such as HACCPFood safety certifications, often HACCP or ServSafe
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, food production facilities, quality control labsInspection sites, manufacturing plants, regulatory agencies
Employer & IndustryFood manufacturers, quality assurance labsGovernment agencies, regulatory bodies, food industry

Food Quality Testers focus on evaluating the quality and sensory attributes of food products, ensuring they meet standards. Food Safety Inspectors primarily enforce safety regulations, inspecting facilities for compliance. While both roles require knowledge of food safety, their focus areas and work environments differ, making each essential for maintaining food standards and safety.

How do you become a food quality tester?

To become a food quality tester, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles requiring a degree in food science, microbiology, or a related field. Relevant skills include attention to detail, sensory evaluation, and knowledge of food safety standards; certifications like HACCP can also be beneficial. Experience in food production or quality control is often preferred for entry-level positions.
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Infographic showing various Food Quality Tester job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 83% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,616 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Food Quality Manager

San Diego, CA • On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Growing San Diego Food Company is looking for a FSQA Manager will have a solid vision and strong will to manage the QA department, its programs and activities that will ensure compliance with company policies. Will manage food safety standards, USDA, FDA, regulations and will integrate food safety, quality assurance and quality control into all functions and people across the plant.

Essential Job Duties:

· Manage and sustain all SQF required programs

· Lead efforts to achieve >90% SQF scores

· Review, update and create HACCP plans to keep up with business needs

· Organize, maintain library, and file all QA documents/programs to easily present or compile information as needed

· Monitor product manufacturing in a way that result in company compliance with regulatory SSOP, GMP, HACCP, and SQF standards for third party audits and customer requirements.

· Establish manufacturing specifications, standards, protocols and procedures for quality control and new product development.

· Develop and execute training programs that support the Company's objectives with regards to quality and food safety plantwide.

· Support sales with compliance in label submittal for new products

· Create, update, manage product specifications, and maintain files organized

· Keep up with plant certifications, Kosher, Halal, Organic, GMO, GF, USDA, FDA, and specific customer audits.

· Manage 3rd shift sanitation crew to ensure compliance with equipment and building sanitation

· Coach and develop subordinates, provide training, certifications, and other growth opportunities

· Apply timely discipline, hire and terminate employees as needed

· Make sure all swab testing, pH, sodium, etc. are consistent with plant process needs

Education and Experience:

· Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science, Microbiology, food process engineering, or similar discipline

· Solid track record of successful implementation, and compliance of food manufacturing policies and procedures, (GMP's, SSOP's, HACCP, SQF, all prerequisites)

· Strong Microsoft Office and other systems knowledge

· 10-15 years as QA Manager in the food industry with minimum 5 years in a USDA environment

· Must be SQF Practitioner, and have HACCP certification

Other Capabilities / Physical requirements:

· Self-starter and takes initiative.

· Professional, dependable, flexible and takes ownership

· Demonstrate integrity with honest ethical actions

· Ability to work in a cold environment / meat processing

· Multitask, well organized, and results oriented

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

· Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science, Microbiology, food process engineering, or similar discipline

· Solid track record of successful implementation, and compliance of food manufacturing policies and procedures, (GMP's, SSOP's, HACCP, SQF, all prerequisites)

· Strong Microsoft Office and other systems knowledge

· 7-20 years as QA Manager in the food industry

· Must be SQF Practitioner, and have HACCP certification

Other Capabilities / Physical requirements:

· Self-starter and takes initiative.

· Professional, dependable, flexible and takes ownership

· Demonstrate integrity with honest ethical actions

· Ability to work in a cold environment / meat processing

· Multitask, well organized, and results oriented