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Food Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SGS

Scientist, Food

North Sioux City, SD · On-site

Company Description We are SGS - the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company ... Responsible for providing technical and regulatory support to the US commercial food microbiology ...

Express Employment Professionals

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Food Lab Technician

Union, NJ · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Starting at $23.00 per hour A growing food manufacturing company in Union, NJ is seeking a Food Science Lab Technician to support product development, testing, and quality initiatives within its ...

Express Employment Professionals

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Food Lab Technician

Union, NJ · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Starting at $23.00 per hour A growing food manufacturing company in Union, NJ is seeking a Food Science Lab Technician to support product development, testing, and quality initiatives within its ...

Michelson Laboratories, Inc

Food Chemist

Alhambra, CA · On-site

Michelson Laboratories is a leading food testing laboratory based in Southern California. Since 1970, Michelson Laboratories has provided efficient testing and analyses to an extensive spectrum of ...

Food Safety Net Services

Lab Analyst 1

Melville, NY · On-site

Certified Group provides analytical testing and regulatory guidance services in the food & beverage, dietary supplements & NHP, cosmetics, OTC, personal care, tobacco, nicotine, cannabis, and hemp ...

Food Safety Net Services

Lab Analyst 1

Logan, UT · On-site

Certified Group provides analytical testing and regulatory guidance services in the food & beverage, dietary supplements & NHP, cosmetics, OTC, personal care, tobacco, nicotine, cannabis, and hemp ...

Food Safety Net Services

Lab Analyst 1

Plainwell, MI · On-site

Certified Group provides analytical testing and regulatory guidance services in the food & beverage, dietary supplements & NHP, cosmetics, OTC, personal care, tobacco, nicotine, cannabis, and hemp ...

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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 Jun 6, 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 are food testers and what do they do?

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 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.

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Food Tester jobs near you
Scientist, Food

Scientist, Food

SGS

North Sioux City, SD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Company Description
We are SGS - the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.
Job Description
Responsible for providing technical and regulatory support to the US commercial food microbiology and chemistry testing laboratory network. Performs research studies, validates methods, evaluates and implements new technologies, provides technical guidance regarding assay fit, and researches established information systems to make technical information available to internal and external clients.
  • Develops, validates, implements, and documents new capabilities for routine testing laboratories or clients.
  • Plans, executes and writes reports for projects.
  • Identifies, prepares, and presents technical training for all levels of the internal organization.
  • Interfaces with clients as required to present and explain results of research studies or validations.
  • Identifies and evaluates emerging technologies and food testing trends to ensure the company offers the most current testing to its customer base.
  • Assists in determination of appropriate testing method for laboratory clients.
  • Interfaces with vendors, equipment suppliers, outside agencies and professional organizations as necessary.
  • Ensures compliance to ISO 17025 standards is maintained.

Qualifications
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
  • 4-year degree in Microbiology/Chemistry, related field, or equivalent work experience Required
  • 4+ year experience in a commercial food testing laboratory or equivalent environment Required
  • Effective problem prevention and problem-solving skills. Required
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills necessary to cross multiple disciplines Required

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES
  • Language Skills: English/Intermediate
  • Mathematical Skills: Intermediate
  • Reasoning Skills/Abilities: Intermediate
  • Computer Skills: Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 Suite, familiarity with databases and LIMS- Preferred
  • Ability to manage and coordinate multiple projects in a fast-paced highly professional environment.

Job Title: Scientist, Food
Location: North Sioux City, SD
Our Benefits
We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role.
  • Health: Medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, employee assistance programs.
  • Wealth: In addition to base pay, we offer 401(k) with company match (immediate vesting upon enrollment).
  • Happiness:
    • Professional Growth: Online training courses, virtual and classroom development experiences, tuition reimbursement program
    • Work-Life Balance: Paid-time off and family leave

Additional Information
SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts the company's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
If you are applying for a position within the United States and you have difficulty completing the on-line employment application because of a disability, please call 201-508-3149 for assistance and leave a message. You will receive a call back. Please note, this phone number is not for general employment information, but is only for individuals who are experiencing difficulty applying for a position due to a disability.

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