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Food Safety Inspector Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Food Authority

Food Safety Coordinator

Jessup, MD · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

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

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All JobsFood Safety Inspector JobsFood Safety Inspector Jobs in Washington, DC

Food Safety Inspector information

See Washington, DC salary details

$40.8K

$58.3K

$87.2K

How much do food safety inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for food safety inspector in Washington, DC is $58,256.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,200.00 and $68,500.00 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 Washington, DC?

For Food Safety Inspector jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Safety Inspector jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Safety Inspector jobs in Washington, DC are:

Food Safety Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Safety Inspector job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,256 per year, or $28 per hour.

Food Safety Coordinator

Food Authority

Jessup, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Food Safety Coordinator Position Summary:

The Food Safety Coordinator is responsible for supporting and maintaining food safety, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and sanitation programs within a food storage and distribution, warehouse environment. This role works closely with operations and management teams to ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, HACCP, FSMA, GMP, SQF and customer requirements. This role serves as the sites SQF practitioner. The position reports directly to the Food Safety Manager.

Salary: 50K-55K DOE

Shift: 8AM-4:30PM

Days: Monday-Friday

Key Responsibilities, including but not limited to the following:
  • Maintain and monitor food safety and quality programs. Serves as the sites SQF practitioner.
  • Assist with HACCP, FSMA, GMP, sanitation, allergen control, and CAPA programs.
  • Conduct internal audits, inspections, and corrective action follow-up activities.
  • Monitor regulatory compliance and prepare documentation for customer and regulatory audits.
  • Maintain food safety records, logs, and training documentation.
  • Work with teams to Investigate food safety, quality, and customer complaints and implement corrective actions.
  • Support employee food safety and GMP training programs.
  • Work with operations teams to improve food safety performance and reduce risks.
  • Assist during third-party, customer, FDA, USDA, or local regulatory inspections.
  • Assist in verifying third-party receiving team practices to ensure compliance with food safety program and customer requirements.
  • Assist with holds, releases and disposal of product. Maintains accurate documentation.
  • Assist in quality inspection checks, gather information & reports findings to food safety manager.
Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • 2+ years in food manufacturing or food storage, distribution, quality assurance, or regulatory compliance experience preferred.
  • Knowledge of HACCP, FSMA, GMPs, sanitation, and food industry regulations.
  • Familiarity with food distribution and or manufacturing is a plus.
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Preferred Certifications:
  • HACCP Certification
  • PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual)
  • SQF or other GFSI-related training
Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to walk warehouse areas regularly.
  • Ability to lift to 40 pounds occasionally.
  • Ability to work in refrigerated & freezer environments.
  • Occasional after-hours availability or schedule adjustments for audits, incidents, or regulatory deadlines.
Why join us?
  • Competitive compensation and benefits package.
  • Opportunity to play a role in safety, compliance and operational.
  • Collaborative and supportive work environment.

Apply