ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Food Safety Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

CookUnity

Food Safety Associate - Part Time

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

The Food Safety Associate ensures a sustainable, safe, clean, and functional environment in the ... Ensure the facility is always ready for inspection by local regulator or third party auditor

Grupo Bimbo

Quality Food Safety Supervisor

Cicero, IL · On-site

$71K - $92K/yr

... inspections related to quality, food safety and food defense • Ensure active participation in the Product Quality and Food Safety Programs, and Sanitary Conditions in the bakery and supports ...

Bimbo Bakeries

Quality Food Safety Supervisor

Cicero, IL · On-site

$71K - $92K/yr

... inspections related to quality, food safety and food defense Ensure active participation in the Product Quality and Food Safety Programs, and Sanitary Conditions in the bakery and supports without ...

SSP

Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager

Aurora, IL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Review and analyze specialized audits, food safety assessments, sanitation inspections, and quality control reports to proactively identify risks and recommend improvements. * Partner with senior ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsFood Safety Inspector JobsFood Safety Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL

Food Safety Inspector information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$37.1K

$53K

$79.4K

How much do food safety inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for food safety inspector in Chicago, IL is $53,048.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,200.00 and $62,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food safety inspector?

Food Safety Inspectors are professionals responsible for ensuring that food products are safe, properly labeled, and comply with local, state, and federal regulations. They inspect food processing facilities, restaurants, and other food establishments to check for cleanliness, proper food handling, and storage practices. These inspectors also investigate complaints, collect samples for laboratory analysis, and educate food workers about safety standards. Their work helps protect public health by reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.

What are some common challenges food safety inspectors face during inspections, and how are they addressed?

Food Safety Inspectors often encounter challenges such as non-compliance with regulations, resistance from facility staff, and time constraints when covering multiple locations. To address these issues, inspectors rely on strong communication skills to educate and collaborate with facility personnel, thorough documentation practices, and staying up-to-date with evolving food safety standards. Building rapport with businesses and maintaining professionalism helps foster cooperation and ensures that public health remains the top priority.

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 background in food science, microbiology, or a related field, often supported by relevant certifications and regulatory knowledge. Familiarity with inspection tools, laboratory equipment, and reporting systems like HACCP is crucial. Attention to detail, strong communication, and integrity are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure thorough inspections, regulatory compliance, and the protection of public health.

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

AspectFood Safety InspectorFood Quality Auditor
CertificationsFood Safety Certifications (e.g., ServSafe, HACCP)Quality Management Certifications (e.g., ISO 9001, HACCP)
Work EnvironmentInspecting food production facilities, restaurants, and processing plantsAuditing food manufacturing processes, quality systems, and compliance
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, food production companiesFood manufacturing, certification bodies, consulting firms
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in food safety enforcementAssessing food quality standards and compliance

The Food Safety Inspector primarily focuses on ensuring food safety compliance through inspections, while the Food Quality Auditor emphasizes evaluating and maintaining food quality standards. Both roles require similar certifications and often work within the food industry, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

How do you become a food safety inspector?

To become a food safety inspector, candidates 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 certifications, can improve job prospects. Inspectors often need to pass a state or federal exam and may be required to complete on-the-job training or specialized courses.

How hard is it to be a food safety inspector?

Becoming a food safety inspector requires completing relevant education, such as a high school diploma or higher, and obtaining certifications like the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification. The job involves inspecting food establishments, enforcing safety regulations, and often requires attention to detail, good communication skills, and the ability to handle sometimes challenging environments. The difficulty varies based on experience, training, and the complexity of inspections, but it generally involves a combination of education, certification, and on-the-job training.

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 experienced inspectors and those in certain regions earning higher wages. Salaries can vary based on location, level of experience, certifications, and the employing agency, and inspectors often work in government agencies or private companies ensuring compliance with safety standards.

What are popular job titles related to Food Safety Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Food Safety Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Safety Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Safety Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Food Safety Inspector jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Food Safety Inspector job openings:

Food Safety Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Safety Inspector job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,048 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Food Safety Associate - Part Time

CookUnity

Chicago, IL • On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

About CookUnity:

Food has lost its soul to modern convenience. And with it, it has lost the power to nourish, inspire, and connect us. So in 2018, CookUnity was founded as the first-of-its-kind platform that connects the world with the source of truly great food: chefs. Today, CookUnity delivers 50 million meals a year from the industry's best chefs to homes all over the country. Fresh. Ready-to-eat. And crafted with the passion that nourishes body and soul.

Unwilling to stop there, CookUnity is expanding beyond delivery to become an ever-innovating marketplace focused on our singular mission: empower Chefs to nourish the world.

If that mission has you hungry in more ways than one, you've found the right job posting.

The role:

The Food Safety Associate ensures a sustainable, safe, clean, and functional environment in the CookUnity Commissary.

Responsibilities:
  • Monitor food production and ensure all Chefs are adhering to food safety regulations
  • Perform critical checks including refrigeration, chemical concentration and and temperature checks
  • Communicate kitchen rules to Chefs as needed- gloves, hairnets, proper hand washing, cleaning of equipment, sanitizing of prep stations, etc.
  • Ensures all items in coolers and freezers are appropriately labeled. (Labels must include Chef Name, Product Name and Date)
  • Daily facility compliance walks including corrective actions
  • Work closely with other departments such as Kitchen Operations, Supply Chain and Maintenance to correct issues affecting food safety and quality.
  • Ensure the facility is always ready for inspection by local regulator or third party auditor
  • Ensure all walk-in coolers and stand alone fridges remain closed and temperature is at 41 degrees or lower
  • Perform weekly thermometer calibrations for Chefs and Food Safety team
  • Collaborate with other members of Food Safety team in Chef and employee training on food safety and sanitation topics
  • Perform facility and department audits
  • Collect and provide data on cooler function and sanitary transport to operations and facilities teams
Minimum Requirements:
  • Experience working in a high compliance food processing facility (USDA, FDA)
  • Positive and committed to doing the right thing
  • Experience working with a team in a fast paced environment
  • Good communication skills and ability to speak in a professional manner to a wide range of partners and stakeholders
  • Ability to build relationships and explain food safety concepts in plain language
  • Ability to work independently and complete assigned duties without direct supervision
  • Proficiency G Suite/Google Workspace.
  • Team player with a positive, collaborative mindset
  • Ability to work 30-40 hours per week.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish required
Benefits
  • Competitive hourly rates
  • Medical, Dental and Vision
  • 401K
  • Opportunities for advancement
Compensation
  • All final pay rates will be determined by the candidate's experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.
  • Pay Range for this position: $18-$20 per hour.

If you're interested in this role, please submit your application and if we think you might be a fit, we'll get in touch with you. Thank you for your time!

CookUnity is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are dedicated to creating a community of inclusion and an environment free from discrimination or harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or physical or mental disability.

CompensationAll final pay rates will be determined by candidates experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.
Pay Range for this position
$18—$20 USD

If you're interested in this role, please submit your application, and if we think you might be a fit, we'll get in touch with you. Thank you for your time!

CookUnity is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are dedicated to creating a community of inclusion and an environment free from discrimination or harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or physical or mental disability.

A quick note for all candidates
We've recently seen an increase in recruitment scams across the industry, and we want to make sure you (and your data) stay safe while applying to CookUnity. We also want you to know that we take this seriously — sometimes, as part of our process, we may ask for a brief "proof of humanity" to confirm that we're connecting with a real person, not an impersonator. Here are a few tips to help you protect yourself and know what to expect from us:

  • Apply only through our official channels. All open roles are listed on our official careers page: careers.cookunity.com
  • Our recruiters are real people — and easy to verify. You can always find them on LinkedIn with verified profiles. If you're unsure, feel free to reach out to us on our official LinkedIn Company Page.
  • We only communicate through official CookUnity channels. That means emails ending in @cookunity.com and interviews held through official company platforms (Google Meet or Zoom) — never WhatsApp, Telegram, or SMS.
  • We'll never ask for payment or personal financial details. If anyone does, please don't share any information and let us know right away.

If something ever feels off or you're unsure about a message, we'd much rather you double-check with us. You can always contact us directly through any of our social media channels. We appreciate your interest in joining CookUnity — and we care about keeping your experience (and safety) as genuine as possible.