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Food Tester Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Inspector - Part-time

Decatur, IN

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Eurofins is the global leader in food, environment, pharmaceutical and cosmetic product testing and in agroscience Contract Research Organisation services. Eurofins is one of the market leaders in ...

Grain Inspector

Hammond, IN

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Eurofins is the global leader in food, environment, pharmaceutical and cosmetic product testing and in agroscience Contract Research Organisation services. Eurofins is one of the market leaders in ...

Food Packer

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$13.50 - $16.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Food Packer Founded in 1960, AVI Foodsystems has evolved into one of the most respected and trusted ... testing. EOE

Food Packer

Plainfield, IN · On-site

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Providing comprehensive food services with a focus on the highest quality and freshest ingredients ... testing. EOE

Food Packer

Indianapolis, IN

$13.50 - $16.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Providing comprehensive food services with a focus on the highest quality and freshest ingredients ... testing. EOE

Food Packer

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$13.50 - $16.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Providing comprehensive food services with a focus on the highest quality and freshest ingredients ... testing. EOE

Food Packer, Part Time

Warsaw, IN · On-site

$11.75 - $14.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Food Packer AVI Foodsystems has evolved into one of the most respected and trusted food service ... testing. EOE

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Showing results 1-20

Food Tester information

See Indiana salary details

$10

$36

$59

How much do food tester jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for food tester in Indiana is $36.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.34 and $48.27 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.

What job categories do people searching Food Tester jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Tester jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Food Tester jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Food Tester job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Tester job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,926 per year, or $36.5 per hour.

Department Supervisor (Microbiology and Food Testing)

Element Materials Technology

Fort Wayne, IN • On-site

Other

Re-posted 15 days ago


Element Materials Technology rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

76th of 120 rated laboratories


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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