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

MARS Solutions Group

Produce Inspector

Aurora, IL · On-site

Inspect and bring issues to the attention of management relative to food safety. Checking inbound Produce Loads and Produce in the pick slots utilizing the tablet and an app called "Fresh Check"

Midwest-Foods

Safety Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Midwest Foods is a wholesale food distributor providing top quality food products to numerous food ... Conducts safety inspections and audits to assess employee compliance with safety regulations.

Thorntons LLC

Food Service Manager

Plainfield, IL · On-site

$19.60 - $21.10/hr

Follow approved product sampling procedures to sample products as directed Ensure food safety and ... Inspect and maintain equipment to cleanliness and operations standards. Implement and train program ...

Thorntons LLC

Food Service Manager

Bensenville, IL · On-site

$21.50 - $23/hr

Follow approved product sampling procedures to sample products as directed Ensure food safety and ... Inspect and maintain equipment to cleanliness and operations standards. Implement and train program ...

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

Food Safety Inspector information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$35.6K

$50.9K

$76.1K

How much do food safety inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for food safety inspector in Elgin, IL is $50,864.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,600.00 and $59,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Food Safety Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Safety Inspector job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,864 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Food Safety & Quality Assurance Supervisor - 2nd Shift

Smithfield Foods, Inc.

Saint Charles, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.
Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special - a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!
THE VALUE YOU'LL BRING:
The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.
As part of our Food Safety & Quality Assurance team, you will ensure our products meet the highest safety and quality standards. You will conduct sanitation checks, enforce HAACP and USDA regulations, and track products from start to finish, implementing corrective actions as needed.
Overseeing FSQA programs in specific production areas, you will ensure compliance, train employees, and drive continuous improvement. With opportunities to step into FSQA Manager duties, you will play a vital role in delivering safe, high-quality products under brands like Smithfield, Eckrich, and Nathan's Famous.
If you are passionate about food safety, quality and leadership, join us and make an impact!
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.
  • Food Safety & Quality Assurance Leadership - You'll ensure that all Food Safety, Quality Assurance, SQF, and Regulatory programs are executed and documented accurately, maintaining compliance and product integrity. Your role will involve investigating and resolving product/process failures quickly, minimizing downtime, and ensuring safety and quality standards are consistently met. You will collaborate closely with plant management, production teams, and the USDA to drive continuous improvement in food safety, quality, and sanitation.
  • Continuous Improvement & Compliance- You'll prevent failures by actively managing HACCP, SSOP, and product specifications. Leading efforts to improve product quality and processes in partnership with FSQA staff and Operations will be a key responsibility. Additionally, you will oversee and participate in plant committees and task forces, such as the Health and Safety Committee, to enhance safety and quality standards.
  • Sanitation & SQF System Ownership - You will conduct operational and pre-operational sanitation inspections and micro sampling to ensure the effectiveness of sanitation practices. As the owner of the SQF system, you'll maintain and reassess the SQF Plan regularly, ensuring it remains compliant and up to date. You will also communicate key updates and ensure team-wide awareness for the effective implementation of the SQF system.
  • Team Development - You'll manage the work assignments, training, and development of food safety and quality assurance staff, fostering a high-performance team that upholds the highest standards of food safety and quality.

WHAT WE'RE SEEKING:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university and 2+ years' relevant experience in food safety or quality assurance; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience acting as a lead by providing training, coaching or mentoring to less experienced staff or through managing a process or project.
  • Familiarity with meat processing, USDA, HACCP, SSOP, and SQF
  • Ability to uphold regulatory, company, and customer standards and address inquiries or complaints.

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:
  • HACCP and SQF certifications preferred.
  • Ability to uphold regulatory, company, and customer standards and address inquiries or complaints.
  • Proficiency in database, inventory, manufacturing software, QMS systems, SAP, and MS Office.
  • Strong written and oral communication, with excellent decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
  • Strong planning, multitasking, and project management skills.
  • Must complete forms in English; ability to travel up to 20% and work extended hours or weekends as needed.
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, fostering positive relationships and a team-oriented atmosphere.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Office and plant setting. The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.
  • Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
  • Specific vision includes close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus. Additionally ability to differentiate colors.
  • Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.
  • Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area.

The expected pay range for this position is $55,000 - $82,500 annually.
Smithfield Foods provides pay ranges that reflect its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the company reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of hire. Individual compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the role, location of the position, the candidate's qualifications and experience, internal equity, external market pay for comparable positions and budget considerations. At Smithfield Foods, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive total rewards package. Learn more about our benefits package here.
Relocation Package AvailableYes
EEO Information
Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.

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