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Food Quality Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Snelling Talent Partners

Quality Lab Tech

Bridgeton, MO · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

In this role, you will perform laboratory testing on food ingredients and finished products to ensure they meet quality, safety, and customer specifications. This is not an entry-level position

Established Manufacturing Employer

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Quality Lab Tech

Bridgeton, MO · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

In this role, you will perform laboratory testing on food ingredients and finished products to ensure they meet quality, safety, and customer specifications. This is not an entry-level position

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Food Quality Tester information

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How much do food quality tester jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 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 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 are Food Quality Testers?

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.

How do I become a food tester?

To become a food quality tester, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some roles may require knowledge of food safety standards or sensory evaluation techniques. Relevant skills include attention to detail, good palate sensitivity, and the ability to follow strict testing procedures. Gaining experience through internships or certifications in food science can improve job prospects.

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 much do food tasters earn?

Food quality testers typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Some may receive additional benefits or bonuses, especially in larger companies or specialized roles.

Can you get paid for reviewing food?

Food quality testers are paid professionals who evaluate food products for taste, texture, and safety. They typically work for food companies or testing agencies and receive compensation for their evaluations, which may involve sensory analysis and detailed reporting. Payment depends on the employer and the specific role, and some positions may require training or certification in food safety or quality standards.

What qualifications do you need to be a food tester?

To become a food quality tester, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles preferring a background in food science, nutrition, or related fields. Attention to detail, good sensory skills, and the ability to follow safety and hygiene protocols are essential; some positions may require certifications in food safety. Experience in food production or quality control can be advantageous.

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

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.
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Food Quality Tester jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Quality Tester job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, and 34% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,616 per year, or $25.8 per hour.
Food Quality Technician in the St. Louis MO area

Food Quality Technician in the St. Louis MO area

Kelly Services

Bridgeton, MO • On-site

$21.55/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Food Quality Technician – St. Louis, MO area
Local Fresh AS/BS Science Graduates Considered
2nd shift: 2:00pm – 10:30pm
Kelly® Science & Clinical is seeking candidates for a Quality Technician position at a food manufacturing company in the St. Louis area. Overall responsibilities include evaluating incoming ingredients and finished products through sensory, analytical, chemical, microbiological, and physical testing. This is an excellent opportunity for recent graduates or early-career scientists looking to gain hands-on experience with quality specifications, testing methods, and production processes, as well as identifying, investigating, and resolving non-conformance issues. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, trust The Experts at Hiring Experts.
Pay Rate:  
2nd shift: $21.55/hour
Job Responsibilities:
  • Participate in daily plant inspections, process monitoring, and internal audits
  • Maintain the Environmental Monitoring Program, including swab testing and reporting results
  • Identify and investigate non-conforming materials and products and recommend solutions
  • Assist with customer complaint investigations
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives related to quality testing and programs
  • Perform equipment calibration and routine maintenance per established procedures
  • Prepare and deliver reports to the Quality Supervisor
Qualifications
  • AS/BS  degree in a science-related field preferred
  • OR minimum of 1–2 years of experience in a food manufacturing environment or laboratory
  • Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to quality and food safety
  • Ability to work independently and make sound, data-driven decisions
  • Strong problem-solving skills, particularly in identifying and resolving non-conformances
If you are looking to grow your career in a food manufacturing environment apply today!
 
As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly® Science & Clinical?

Kelly Science & Clinical is your connection to premier scientific and clinical companies looking to hire industry experts just like you. Our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. Every day, we match science professionals with dream jobs that fit their skills, interests, and career goals-it’s the way we think job searching should be. Nearly 100 percent of our science recruiters have a professional background and education in science, so we know a thing or two about the science market and how to get your expertise noticed.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life-just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.
Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice.

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