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Food Safety Inspection Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Food Safety and Inspection Service

$54K - $86K/yr

... or inspection aide, food inspector, public health inspector, quality inspection specialist, or ... The duties of a Consumer Safety Inspector are performed in a hazardous working environment. For ...

Valleyfair LLC

Supervisor Food Safety

Shakopee, MN · On-site

$18.50/hr

Conduct regular inspections of food preparation areas and equipment. Train and supervise staff on food safety practices and procedures. Monitor inventory levels and ensure proper storage of food ...

SeaWorld

Food Safety Specialist

Orlando, FL · On-site

Inspections & Audits: Conduct routine inspections and audits of food safety practices. Identify and report non-conformities, and assist in implementing corrective actions. * Training Support: Assist ...

Chedraui USA

Food Safety Manager

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$90K/yr

Audits,Inspections & Risk Management * Conduct routine internal audits, facility inspections, and walkthroughs. * Identify and mitigate risks related to pest control, chemical storage, cross ...

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Food Safety Inspection information

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$36K

$51.5K

$77K

How much do food safety inspection jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for food safety inspection in the United States is $51,455.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,000.00 and $60,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I become a food safety inspector?

To become a food safety inspector, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring postsecondary education in food science, microbiology, or a related field. Relevant experience in food production or safety, along with certifications such as ServSafe or other food safety credentials, can improve job prospects; some roles also require passing a state or federal exam. Inspectors often work in government agencies and must adhere to safety regulations and standards while conducting inspections in food processing facilities, restaurants, or retail outlets.

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

To thrive as a Food Safety Inspector, you need a solid understanding of food science, regulatory compliance, and inspection procedures, usually supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with inspection checklists, laboratory testing equipment, and food safety management systems like HACCP is essential. Attention to detail, strong communication, and analytical thinking are important soft skills for this role. These skills ensure effective identification and mitigation of food safety risks, protecting public health and supporting regulatory compliance.

What is the difference between Food Safety Inspection vs Food Quality Assurance Specialist?

AspectFood Safety InspectionFood Quality Assurance Specialist
CertificationsServSafe, FDA certificationsISO 9001, HACCP, SQF certifications
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, regulatory bodies, food processing plantsFood manufacturing facilities, quality control labs
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily government and regulatory agenciesPrivate food companies, manufacturers

Food Safety Inspection focuses on ensuring compliance with government regulations and safety standards, often working for agencies like the USDA or FDA. Food Quality Assurance Specialists concentrate on maintaining product quality, implementing quality systems, and ensuring customer satisfaction within food companies. While both roles require knowledge of food safety, their focus areas and work environments differ significantly.

What kind of inspectors make the most money?

In food safety inspection, federal inspectors, such as those working for the USDA or FDA, tend to earn higher salaries than state or local inspectors due to their specialized roles and broader responsibilities. Additionally, inspectors with advanced certifications, extensive experience, or supervisory positions generally have higher earning potential.

What is food safety inspection?

Food safety inspection is the process of examining food products, facilities, and handling practices to ensure they comply with established safety standards and regulations. Inspectors check for potential hazards such as contamination, improper storage, and cleanliness to protect public health. They may work in environments like restaurants, food processing plants, and grocery stores, issuing reports and recommending corrective actions when violations are found. The goal is to prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure that food is safe for consumption.

Is food inspection a stressful job?

Food safety inspection can be stressful due to the responsibility of ensuring public health and compliance with regulations, often involving detailed inspections and strict deadlines. Inspectors must pay close attention to safety standards and may face pressure from regulatory agencies or food industry stakeholders. However, the level of stress varies depending on the work environment and individual preparedness, with certifications and experience helping to manage workload and expectations.

How much do food safety inspectors make in the US?

Food safety inspectors in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $45,000 to $55,000, with some earning over $70,000 depending on experience, location, and certifications. They often work in government agencies, inspecting food processing facilities, restaurants, and retail outlets to ensure compliance with safety standards.

How does a Food Safety Inspector typically collaborate with other departments during an inspection?

Food Safety Inspectors often work closely with quality assurance teams, production managers, and facility maintenance staff during inspections. They coordinate to review sanitation procedures, assess compliance with regulations, and communicate findings or areas for improvement. Effective collaboration ensures that any identified issues are addressed promptly, and corrective actions are implemented efficiently. This teamwork is essential for maintaining high food safety standards and ensuring ongoing regulatory compliance.
More about Food Safety Inspection jobs
What cities are hiring for Food Safety Inspection jobs? Cities with the most Food Safety Inspection job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Safety Inspection jobs? The most popular types of Food Safety Inspection jobs are:
What states have the most Food Safety Inspection jobs? States with the most job openings for Food Safety Inspection jobs include:
Food Safety Inspection jobs near you
Consumer Safety Inspector

Consumer Safety Inspector

Food Safety and Inspection Service

Huntingburg, IN • On-site, Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Summary
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program is available.
Shifts and species will vary based on assignment. For additinal information call Harris, Walter @ 630-317-1113
Employee may be detailed to any shift at any plant in the Chicago District.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
  • YOU WILL/MAY:
  • Ensure that regulated establishments produce a safe product by executing appropriate inspection methods, determining non-compliance with regulatory requirements, documenting noncompliance and initiating enforcement actions, where warranted.
  • Verify that meat and poultry slaughter and/or processing establishment's Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Plans meet regulatory requirements.
  • Verify execution of Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Plans effectively to prevent unsanitary conditions and adulteration of product.
  • Review records, observe plant operations and conduct hands-on verification to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and prepare detailed documentation (Non-Compliance Records) of non-compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Determine when regulatory control action is necessary. You will assess whether the plant's corrective or preventative actions are acceptable and effective, if there are trends in noncompliance, or if an enforcement action is warranted.
  • Conduct regulatory oversight activities inside plants in matters relating to other consumer protections (e.g., economic adulteration and misbranding).
  • Have contact with plant managers, owners and others to explain legal and regulatory requirements, discuss operation of the plant's SSOP, HACCP plan and other food safety programs.
  • Communicate and defend determinations on non-compliance issues and discuss plans for addressing non-compliance.
  • Work with a variety of individuals to resolve problems, clarify differences of interpretation concerning HACCP and other food safety or consumer protection requirements.
  • Advise other Agency inspectors, supervisors and officers on inspection and enforcement matters for which you are involved.
  • Conduct various samplings, surveys and tests to obtain pertinent data on potential problem areas, industry trends, or other issues of current interest to the Agency.
  • Be involved in performing health and safety verification sampling and tests for detection of specific microbes (e.g., salmonella, listeria, etc.), residues or contaminants.
  • Assure that products approved for import are in full compliance with all applicable Federal regulations governing the importation of meat and poultry products.
  • Authorize entry of all meat or poultry products considered to comply with Federal regulations or refuse entry of any products which violate any of the requirements for admission into this country.
  • Coordinate with other Federal agencies (e.g., the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service or U.S. Customs and Border Protection) on such matters as animal health restrictions and refused entry lots.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • You must be a US Citizen or US National.
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
  • Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
  • Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served. Refer to Next Steps section for more information.
  • Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Should be able to read, speak, write, and effectively communicate in the English language.
  • False statements or responses on a resume or application can jeopardize employment and may be grounds for disciplinary action, including removal from Federal service.
  • If you are selected, you may need to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) prior to being appointed to determine suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation.
  • Successful completion of a pre-employment medical examination.
  • Training as a condition of employment (TCOE) is required. You must begin the training within 90 days of the effective date of your selection, and you must successfully complete it within 12 months of the effective date of your selection.

Qualifications
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
Time-In-Grade:
Applicants must meet requirements for one year at the next lower grade to be considered for the next higher grade. (e.g. one year at the GS-05 grade level for consideration for the GS-07 grade level.)
Specialized experience:
Specialized experience is experience that provided you with knowledge of the properties and characteristics of regulated food commodities or other products for human consumption. Such experience may have been acquired in work such as consumer safety inspector or inspection aide, food inspector, public health inspector, quality inspection specialist, or similar position with responsibility for sampling, quality control and sanitation in a food manufacturing or production environment, or similar environment for other ingestible items.
See specific grade level specialized experience definitions below.
For the GS-05 Level: Applicants must have at least 52 weeks of qualifying experience that provided knowledge of the properties and characteristics of regulated food commodities and substances; such as: meat, poultry, fish, eggs, or other food or beverages for human consumption, or other ingestible substances, such as pharmaceuticals. You are to show in your resume examples such as applying proper techniques for collecting samples and/or performing field tests and examinations (e.g. identifying abnormalities in the product or production environment and recommending corrective actions), developing written reports and/or reporting findings of results orally (e.g. documenting abnormalities in the product or production environment and communicating those findings to others), and/or skill in maintaining effective personal contacts with a variety of individuals (e.g. discussing findings with internal or external contacts regarding the food safety standards established in the production environment), or other similar work making determinations on products for human consumption or the production environment (e.g. ensuring conformance with established standards). Such experience may have been acquired working positions such as consumer safety inspector or inspection aid, food inspector, public health inspector, quality inspection specialist, or other related position.
For the GS-07 Level: In addition to the qualifications above, applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 level), and incumbents are expected to have performed standard and recurrent duties on an independent basis. Your resume should demonstrate at least 52 weeks of experience in independently carrying out routine, standard assignments on a regular and recurring basis that provided you with knowledge of the properties and characteristics of regulated food commodities and substances; such as: meat, poultry, fish, eggs, or other food for human consumption, and other ingestible substances, such as pharmaceuticals.
For the GS-08 Level: Applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-07 level). In addition to the qualifications above, experience must include working with the Federal Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products Inspection Acts in order to inspect meat, poultry and egg products; working with basic SSOP and HACCP principles and practices in order to verify plant HACCP and SSOP responsibilities; performing basic mathematics and elementary statistical concepts and methods to perform testing and sampling procedures; and experience in reaching and interpreting conclusions.
For the GS-09 Level: Applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-08 level). In addition to the qualifications above, incumbents are expected to have experience working at a more independent level than lower graded CSIs, which may include duties such as recommending refusal of exports and providing temporary coverage at locations outside of the official duty station.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Please view OPM's Qualifications Standards, Consumer Safety Inspector Series, GS-1862.
The duties of a Consumer Safety Inspector are performed in a hazardous working environment. For additional information, please click here. The below requirements are not an all-inclusive list. Failure to fully meet a functional requirement is not automatically disqualifying.
Education
Education may be used to qualify in lieu of specialized experience as described below.
For the GS-05 level: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours/credits in any combination of coursework in the areas of: agricultural, biological, or physical sciences, food technology, epidemiology, home economics, pharmacy, engineering, or nutrition. Specialized government or military training may be creditable if it is related directly to this position.
OR
A combination of education and specialized experience. In this instance, only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours of a course of study leading to a bachelor's degree (with some related coursework, as described in number 2 above) is creditable towards meeting the requirements, along with specialized work experience. The combination must equal 100% of the requirement. For example, if you have 33% of the education requirement, then you will need 67% of the specialized experience requirement.
For the GS-07 Level: One full year of directly related graduate education is qualifying for GS-07.
OR
A combination of education and specialized experience. In this instance, only graduate education directly related to the work of the position is creditable towards meeting the requirements, along with specialized work experience. The combination must equal 100% of the requirement. For example, if you have 33% of the education requirement, then you will need 67% of the specialized experience requirement.
For the GS-09 Level: Two full years of directly related graduate education or a directly related master's degree is qualifying for GS-09.
OR
A combination of education and specialized experience. In this instance, only graduate education in excess of the first 18 semester hours directly related to the work of the position is creditable towards meeting the requirements, along with specialized work experience. The combination must equal 100% of the requirement. For example, if you have 33% of the education requirement, then you will need 67% of the specialized experience requirement.
Additional information
THIS POSITION REQUIRES A PRE-EMPLOYMENT PHYSICAL. Position Requirements.
Applicants must:
  • Be physically and medically able to efficiently perform the essential job functions, without being a direct threat to themselves and others.
  • Have full range of motion to perform rapid repetitive twisting and working with arms above shoulder level.
  • Be able to stand and walk on slippery and uneven floors and catwalks, and climbing stairs and ladders.
  • Be able to lift, carry, push and pull up to 30 pounds, with occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.
  • Have manual dexterity of the upper body, including arms, hands, and fingers with a normal sense of touch in both hands.
  • Have good near and distance vision, be free of chronic eye disease and have correctable vision of at least 20/40 in one eye.
  • Have the ability to distinguish shades of color. Any significant degree of color blindness (more than 25 percent error rate on approved color plate test) may be disqualifying.
  • Individuals with some hearing loss and/or requiring hearing amplification will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

If you are a current FSIS employee and a non-competitive applicant (reassignment, change to lower grade, or non-competitive re-promotion) wanting consideration for this position, you must complete the online application process and/or apply using the new online self-service Reassignment System at: https://ohrportal.fsis.usda.gov/systems.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100.
Promotion Potential: If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-com

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