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Food Safety Inspector Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Food Authority

Food Safety Coordinator

Jessup, MD

Conduct internal audits, inspections, and corrective action follow-up activities. * Monitor regulatory compliance and prepare documentation for customer and regulatory audits. * Maintain food safety ...

Food Authority

Food Safety Coordinator

Jessup, MD · On-site

Conduct internal audits, inspections, and corrective action follow-up activities. * Monitor regulatory compliance and prepare documentation for customer and regulatory audits. * Maintain food safety ...

Maryland Packaging

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Food Safety Technician

Halethorpe, MD · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Food Safety Quality Control Technician Location: Halethorpe, Maryland Shift: 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM (50 ... Conduct pre-start checks and hourly inspections of production lines to ensure compliance with ...

Actalent

Quality Inspector

Jessup, MD

Quality Inspector The Quality Inspector supports daily operations by performing critical sampling ... Ensure adherence to GMPs, GLPs, and all applicable food safety standards throughout daily ...

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All JobsFood Safety Inspector JobsFood Safety Inspector Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Food Safety Inspector information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$37.2K

$53.2K

$79.6K

How much do food safety inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for food safety inspector in Silver Spring, MD is $53,193.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,300.00 and $62,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How long does it take to be a food safety inspector?

Becoming a food safety inspector typically requires completing a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training or certification programs that can last from a few weeks to several months. Many inspectors also gain experience through on-the-job training or prior work in food service or inspection roles before obtaining certification from relevant agencies.

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 Food Safety Inspectors?

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 kind of inspectors make the most money?

Food safety inspectors with higher levels of experience, advanced certifications, or supervisory roles tend to earn the highest salaries. Inspectors working in large organizations or in regions with a higher cost of living may also earn more. Specialized inspectors, such as those overseeing complex food processing facilities, often have higher earning potential.

How do I become a food inspector?

To become a food safety inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring a bachelor's degree in food science, microbiology, or a related field. Relevant experience in food production or safety, along with certifications such as ServSafe or food safety management programs, can improve job prospects. State or federal agencies may also require passing written exams and background checks.

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 Silver Spring, MD? For Food Safety Inspector jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Food Safety Inspector jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Food Safety Inspector job openings:
Food Safety Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Safety Inspector job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,193 per year, or $25.6 per hour.
Consumer Safety Inspector

Consumer Safety Inspector

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Landover, MD • On-site

$40K/yr

Other

PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

$5,000 Sign on Bonus, Creditable Service for Annual Leave Accrual, Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, and Referral Bonus Awards are available.
Shifts and species will vary based on assignment.
For additional information contact Laura Hutchison at (919) 214-1984 or laura.hutchison@usda.gov.
Employee may be detailed to any shift at any plant in the Raleigh District.Qualifications:You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
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. Your experience should be acquired working in positions such as consumer safety inspector or inspection aid, food inspector, public health inspector, quality inspection specialist, or other related positions.
GS-5: You 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.
Your resume must show 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).
Your experience should 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.
GS-7: In addition to the qualifications above, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 level, and you must 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.
GS-8: You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 level. In addition to the qualifications above, your 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.
GS-9: You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-8 level. In addition to the qualifications above, you must 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.
Follow this link for more information on OPM's qualifications standards for the CSI position: Consumer Safety Inspector Series, GS-1862Education:Education may be used to qualify in lieu of specialized experience
GS-5 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.
GS-7 Level:
  • One full year of directly related graduate education is qualifying, 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.
  • The course of study must directly reflect the job-related competencies necessary to satisfy the minimum qualifications and perform the duties of the position
GS-9 Level:
  • Two full years of graduate education, or a directly related master's degree, 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.
  • The course of study must directly reflect the job-related competencies necessary to satisfy the minimum qualifications and perform the duties of the position
Employment Type: OTHER

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