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Food Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Agilent

$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 ...

BCForward

Food laboratory

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in food testing, wet chemistry, and analytical instrumentation, with a proven ability to deliver accurate, timely test results that support customer ...

Atria Group LLC

SAP Tester

Richmond, VA

... 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 ...

NSP

Food Science Technician - 1st shift

Owasso, OK · On-site

$18.25 - $27.16/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Food Science Technician in the Research & Development (R&D) department supports the development, testing, and improvement of food products and processing methods. This role ...

PTM Food

Food Scientist

Wall, NJ · On-site

PTM Food is a full-service product development firm in Wall Township, New Jersey. Since 2008, we've ... Day-to-day tasks include formulating prototypes, performing sensory and stability testing ...

Michelson Laboratories, Inc

Food Chemist

Commerce, CA · On-site

Dental insurance Full Michelson Laboratories is a leading food testing laboratory based in Southern California. Since 1970, Michelson Laboratories has provided efficient testing and analyses to an ...

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Food Tester information

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$10

$38

$62

How much do food tester jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 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 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.

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 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.

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.

Can you get paid for taste testing?

Food testers can get paid for taste testing, especially when working for food companies, market research firms, or product development teams. Compensation varies and may include hourly wages, per-test payments, or incentives, often requiring good palate skills and attention to detail.

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 certifications or training. Payment varies depending on the employer and the scope of the testing tasks.

How do you become a food tester?

To become a food tester, candidates typically need a keen sense of taste and smell, attention to detail, and sometimes a background in food science or related fields. Many positions require passing taste tests and may involve training on specific products or quality standards. Relevant skills include good communication and the ability to follow strict hygiene and safety protocols.

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.
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Food Tester jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Tester job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $79,791 per year, or $38.4 per hour.

Department Supervisor (Microbiology and Food Testing)

Fort Wayne, IN • On-site

Element Materials Technology
Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

74th of 120 rated laboratories

Good employer

Paid breaks

Respectful managers

Learn more about Element Materials Technologyexternal

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Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Overview
Element Materials Technology has an opportunity in Fort Wayne, Indiana for a Department Supervisor in its Food Testing Laboratory. This lab plays a leading role in food testing and environmental monitoring, ensuring a safe food supply in the Midwestern food market and beyond. The Department Supervisor is a key member of the department's quality and safety teams, ensuring quality data is produced on time and in a safe and reliable manner. You will be relied upon heavily by other colleagues such as technicians, peers, management and beyond. In this role you will be working alongside the technicians to support and guide staff in timely completion of daily work. You will also be interacting daily with other internal and external stakeholders.
Responsibilities
  • Act as primary subject matter expert for microbiological and chemical food testing
  • Under the direction of the Operations Manager, assist in the efficient operation and growth of the lab
  • Provide direct supervision of laboratory technical staff
  • Responsible for ensuring laboratory coverage 365 days a year by planning weekend and holiday rotations
  • Provide professional and timely customer service to both internal and external customers
  • Provide status updates, quote assistance and other customer service responsibilities as needed
  • Participate in supervisory responsibilities including hiring decisions, performance management input, decisions and execution, and approval of timecards and overtime
  • Understand the customer needs to translate and deliver desired customer results
  • Adhere to, support and follow all Element safety guidelines
  • Review and manage inventory to ensure critical supplies are maintained in stock
  • The position is a working supervisor that will be able to fill in at the bench level where required due to staffing shortages or sample volume surges

Skills / Qualifications
  • A bachelor's degree in food safety, microbiology, biochemistry, or another related technical field with at least one year of supervisory experience is required. A minimum of 3 years' experience in a supervisory role in an industry similar or related to food testing and/or food quality assurance with college courses in microbiology or food safety may substitute for a bachelor's degree
  • Applicants that possess food microbiology specific experience in a commercial lab that tests food for target pathogens using molecular and cultural techniques as well as quantitative analysis of typical indicator parameters are preferred
  • Familiarity with FDA BAM, USDA MLG, and AOAC methods is recommended
  • Working knowledge of laboratory quality and safety
  • Strong computer skills and basic mathematical skills with the ability to apply concepts of basic algebra
  • Experience with LIMS data entry and data review
  • Capacity to lift <50 lbs. often and > 50 lbs. on occasion and stand on feet for long periods of time
  • Ability to work primarily alone and make independent decisions during the course of the work day
  • Proven ability to read, understand and interpret program or test requirements and able to analyze and translate into finished testing or report data
  • Able to communicate and demonstrate the importance of meeting all applicable requirements of the food laboratory
  • Interpersonal skills essential to relate to and coach a diverse multicultural and multigenerational team
  • Excellent communication skills as well as email and telephone etiquette
  • Proven and recognized ability to provide accurate and timely status reports to internal and external customers
  • Capable of tracking multiple testing jobs / programs from start to finish and assist with contract review of job status daily, including follow-up emails and phone calls daily to and from internal and external customers

#LI-TK1
Diversity Statement
At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming "the world's most trusted testing partner".
All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.

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