1

Food Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$147K - $295K/yr

This customer-facing role serves as Agilent's sales business development lead for the Environmental and Food Testing markets in the United States. The successful candidate will leverage deep market ...

... preferably food distribution systems experience), good communicator * Test lead with hands-on testing expertise * Also, development background will also be required in this account Additional ...

Food Product Tester / Sensory Panelist (Part-Time ) Adecco is assisting a local client recruiting for Part-Time Food Product Tester / Sensory Panelist opportunities in Glendale, CA. This is an ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Food Tester information

See salary details

$10

$38

$62

How much do food tester jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for food tester in the United States is $38.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $50.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food tester, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Tester, you need a keen sense of taste and smell, knowledge of food safety standards, and often a background in food science or culinary arts. Familiarity with sensory evaluation tools, laboratory equipment, and HACCP or SQF certifications is typically required. Attention to detail, objectivity, and strong communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These abilities ensure accurate product assessments, maintain food quality, and support regulatory compliance in the food industry.

What is a food tester?

Food testers, also known as food tasters or sensory analysts, are professionals who evaluate the taste, texture, appearance, and aroma of food and beverages. They work to ensure that products meet quality standards and are safe and enjoyable for consumers. Food testers may assess new recipes, monitor consistency in mass production, and provide feedback to help improve food products. Their work is essential in the food industry for maintaining product quality and meeting regulatory requirements.

Can you get paid for taste testing as a food tester?

Food testers can be paid for their work, especially when testing new products or quality control samples in food companies. Compensation varies depending on the employer, the complexity of the testing, and whether the role is part-time or full-time, often involving sensory evaluation skills and adherence to safety standards.

What are some common challenges faced by food testers in their daily work?

Food testers often encounter challenges such as palate fatigue from tasting multiple samples, maintaining objectivity despite personal preferences, and adhering to strict hygiene and safety protocols. They must also accurately document their findings and collaborate closely with product developers, chefs, and quality assurance teams to provide constructive feedback. Balancing the need for detailed sensory analysis with efficient time management is key to success in this role.

How much do food testers make?

Food testers typically earn between $25,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Entry-level positions may pay lower, while experienced testers or those working for large companies can earn higher salaries. Some roles may also offer benefits such as health insurance and flexible schedules.

What is the difference between Food Tester vs Food Quality Inspector?

AspectFood TesterFood Quality Inspector
CredentialsBasic food safety and sensory evaluation trainingFood safety certifications, quality assurance training
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, food production facilitiesManufacturing plants, inspection sites
Industry UsageFood testing labs, research, product developmentFood manufacturing, quality control departments
Job FocusSensory testing, taste evaluationInspecting for defects, ensuring compliance

Food testers primarily focus on sensory evaluation and taste testing to assess food quality, while food quality inspectors perform detailed inspections to ensure products meet safety and quality standards. Both roles are essential in the food industry but differ in scope and responsibilities.

How do you become a food tester?

To become a food tester, candidates typically need a good sense of taste and smell, attention to detail, and sometimes a background in food science or nutrition. Many positions require passing taste tests and may involve working in controlled environments or laboratories. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level food industry roles can also improve chances of becoming a food tester.

Can you get paid to review food?

Food testers are paid to evaluate the taste, texture, and quality of food products, often working for food companies or research firms. This role typically requires good sensory skills, attention to detail, and sometimes specific training or certifications. Payment varies depending on the employer and the scope of the testing, but it is a legitimate way to earn money by reviewing food.
More about Food Tester jobs
What cities are hiring for Food Tester jobs? Cities with the most Food Tester job openings:
What states have the most Food Tester jobs? States with the most job openings for Food Tester jobs include:
Infographic showing various Food Tester job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,791 per year, or $38.4 per hour.

Sales Business Development - Environmental and Food Testing

Agilent

On-site, Remote

$147K - $295K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Agilent Technologies rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

Job Description

This customer-facing role serves as Agilent's sales business development lead for the Environmental and Food Testing markets in the United States. The successful candidate will leverage deep market expertise to identify growth opportunities, interpret industry and regulatory trends, build strategic relationships, and enable the field sales organization with actionable insights that accelerate revenue growth.
Working across Agilent's portfolio of analytical instrumentation, consumables, software, informatics, services, and workflow solutions, this individual will partner with sales, marketing, technical, and business teams to shape strategy, advance opportunities, capture voice-of-customer insights, and strengthen Agilent's position in key end markets.
Success in this role requires strong end-market knowledge, influential industry relationships, and the ability to translate complex market dynamics into practical guidance that helps customers solve critical analytical challenges and helps sales teams win business.
Key Responsibilities:

  • Serve as Agilent's subject matter expert for Environmental and Food testing markets, maintaining deep knowledge of customer workflows, market trends, regulatory drivers, funding sources, purchasing behaviors, and competitive dynamics.

  • Coach and enable the field sales organization on market-specific opportunities, customer priorities, workflow discussions, and effective market engagement strategies.

  • Cultivate relationships with key opinion leaders, industry influencers, commercial laboratories, government agencies, regulatory organizations, and industry associations to strengthen Agilent's market presence and identify emerging opportunities.

  • Monitor and communicate market trends, emerging applications, and regulatory developments-including areas such as PFAS, emerging contaminants, microplastics, and food authenticity-to help sales teams prioritize and shape opportunities.

  • Partner with divisions, segment marketing, product specialists, and field application scientists to ensure the field organization has the market intelligence, tools, and resources needed to effectively engage customers.

  • Support strategic customer engagements where deep market knowledge, workflow expertise, or industry relationships can accelerate opportunity development.

  • Provide voice-of-customer insights to divisions, marketing, and business leadership regarding customer needs, workflow challenges, competitive activity, and emerging market opportunities.

  • Identify and help shape multi-portfolio opportunities by aligning customer challenges with Agilent's enterprise solutions spanning instrumentation, consumables, software, informatics, and services.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related scientific discipline; advanced degree preferred.

  • 4+ years of experience in direct sales and a proven ability to build and maintain relationships with customers, key opinion leaders, industry organizations, regulatory bodies, and other external stakeholders.

  • Demonstrated expertise in Environmental or food testing markets, with the ability to coach commercial teams on customer workflows, market trends, competitive dynamics, and effective go-to-market approaches.

  • Experience influencing and driving outcomes within a matrix organization without direct authority.

  • Strong understanding of analytical laboratory workflows and the ability to connect customer challenges with enterprise solutions spanning instrumentation, consumables, software, informatics, and services.

  • Exceptional communication, presentation, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage both commercial teams and senior customer stakeholders.

  • Ability to synthesize complex market, customer, and competitive information into clear, actionable insights and recommendations.

  • Demonstrated ability to identify emerging market trends, customer needs, and growth opportunities and translate them into opportunity-shaping guidance for commercial teams.

  • Approximately 15-25% overnight travel, primarily for customer engagement, strategic account support, field collaboration, industry conferences, and internal business meetings.

  • Remote-eligible position. Preference for NC, DC/VA, Chicago near regional testing centers.

Additional Details

This job has a full time weekly schedule. It includes the option to work remotely. Applications for this job will be accepted until at least August 4, 2026 or until the job is no longer posted. It is sales incentive eligible. In the US, this position is eligible for choice of company car or reimbursement for personal vehicle usage.The full-time equivalent pay range for this position is $147,675.00 - $295,350.00/yr plus eligibility for bonus, stock and benefits. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. During the hiring process, a recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for a preferred location. Pay and benefit information by country are available at: https://careers.agilent.com/locationsAgilent Technologies, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity and merit-based employer that values individuals of all backgrounds at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, religion or religious creed, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, local law, ordinance, or regulation and will not be discriminated against on these bases. Agilent Technologies, Inc., is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive in the workplace where everyone is welcome, and strives to support candidates with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance with any part of the application or interview process or have questions about workplace accessibility, please email job_posting@agilent.com or contact +1-262-754-5030. For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please visit www.agilent.com/en/accessibility.Travel Required: 25% of the TimeShift: DayDuration: No End DateJob Function: Sales

What Agilent Technologies employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom