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Food Tester Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Talnt

Food Scientist

Akron, OH

$70K - $95K/hr

About the Role The Food Scientist plays a key role within Research & Development by developing, formulating, testing, and optimizing innovative food, beverage, nutraceutical, and dietary supplement ...

AVI Foodsystems

Food Packer

Dayton, OH · On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Food Packer AVI Foodsystems is looking for an energetic and optimistic team member to fill the role ... testing. EOE

AVI Foodsystems

Food Packer

Akron, OH · On-site

$13.50 - $16.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Food Packer AVI Foodsystems is looking for an energetic and optimistic team member to fill the role ... testing. EOE

AVI Foodsystems

Food Packer

Dayton, OH

$13.50 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

AVI Foodsystems, Inc

Food Packer

Huber Heights, OH · On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

AVI Foodsystems, Inc

Food Packer

Mentor, OH

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

AVI Foodsystems, Inc

Food Packer

Mentor, OH · On-site

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

AVI Foodsystems

Food Packer

Mentor, OH · On-site

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

AVI Foodsystems

Food Packer

Mentor, OH

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Certified Group

Micro Tech

Columbus, OH

$17.50 - $24/hr

JOB SUMMARY Prepare samples for analytical and microbiological testing of food products, ingredients, and environmentals. The role is responsible for the application of approved microbiological ...

AVI Foodsystems

Food Packer

Dayton, OH

$13.50 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

AVI Foodsystems, Inc

Food Packer

Akron, OH

$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

AVI Foodsystems

Food Packer

Akron, OH

$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

AVI Foodsystems, Inc

Food Packer

Huber Heights, OH · On-site

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

AVI Foodsystems, Inc

Food Packer

Akron, OH · 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

Certified Group

Micro Tech

Columbus, OH

Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) - A leading network of ISO-accredited laboratories across North America, focused on food safety testing, operational support, and technical services for the food ...

Certified Group

Sample Login Technician

Columbus, OH

$18.25 - $24.50/hr

One or more years of experience in a commercial food-testing laboratory preferred * Training in general laboratory practices * Or equivalent combination of education and experience PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Certified Group

Micro Tech

Columbus, OH · On-site

Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) - A leading network of ISO-accredited laboratories across North America, focused on food safety testing, operational support, and technical services for the food ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsFood Tester JobsFood Tester Jobs in Ohio

Food Tester information

See Ohio salary details

$10

$36

$59

How much do food tester jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for food tester in Ohio is $36.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.34 and $48.22 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 are popular job titles related to Food Tester jobs in Ohio?

For Food Tester jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in Ohio are hiring for Food Tester jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Food Tester job openings:

Food Tester jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Tester job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $75,857 per year, or $36.5 per hour.

Food Scientist

Talnt

Akron, OH

$70K - $95K/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

About the RoleThe Food Scientist plays a key role within Research & Development by developing, formulating, testing, and optimizing innovative food, beverage, nutraceutical, and dietary supplement products. This position is heavily focused on formulation development, taking products from concept through commercialization while improving taste, texture, functionality, stability, manufacturability, and overall product performance.The ideal candidate has extensive experience creating new formulations, troubleshooting formulation challenges, conducting bench-scale development, and scaling products into manufacturing. Success in this role requires creativity, strong scientific fundamentals, and the ability to translate customer concepts into commercially viable products within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.Responsibilities
  • Develop and formulate innovative food, beverage, nutraceutical, and dietary supplement products from concept through commercialization.
  • Create and optimize formulations by balancing functionality, flavor, texture, stability, nutrition, processing requirements, and cost.
  • Conduct bench-scale laboratory experiments to evaluate formulation performance, manufacturability, shelf life, and overall product quality.
  • Improve existing formulations by troubleshooting stability, processing, ingredient interactions, texture, flavor, viscosity, separation, and other product performance issues.
  • Formulate liquid, powder, suspension, emulsion, concentrate, and other food and beverage systems depending on customer and manufacturing requirements.
  • Perform analytical and physical testing including pH, Brix, viscosity, density, water activity, appearance, flavor, aroma, texture, color, and other organoleptic evaluations.
  • Develop manufacturing procedures, batch sheets, processing instructions, and scale-up documentation for commercial production.
  • Design and manage accelerated and real-time shelf-life and stability studies.
  • Research and evaluate new ingredients, functional additives, sweeteners, proteins, flavors, stabilizers, hydrocolloids, preservatives, and processing technologies.
  • Work closely with Quality, Operations, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Regulatory, and Supply Chain teams throughout product development.
  • Support pilot production, process validation, commercialization, and continuous product improvement initiatives.
  • Maintain detailed formulation records, laboratory notebooks, specifications, and technical documentation.
  • Ensure all R&D activities comply with FDA regulations, cGMPs, HACCP principles, food safety requirements, and internal quality systems.
  • Stay current on ingredient innovations, consumer trends, formulation technologies, and emerging food science research.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Nutrition, or another related scientific discipline.
  • Minimum of 5 years of Research & Development experience within food, beverage, nutraceutical, dietary supplement, ingredient, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
  • Extensive experience developing and optimizing commercial food or beverage formulations.
  • Strong understanding of formulation science, ingredient functionality, food chemistry, preservation systems, emulsions, hydrocolloids, proteins, sweeteners, flavors, stabilizers, and shelf-life science.
  • Experience taking products from bench-top development through pilot production and commercial manufacturing.
  • Experience troubleshooting formulation, processing, and manufacturing challenges.
  • Knowledge of FDA regulations, cGMPs, HACCP, SQF, FSMA, and food safety requirements.
  • Experience conducting analytical and physical product testing and interpreting laboratory data.
  • Ability to evaluate ingredient specifications, Certificates of Analysis (COAs), and technical documentation.
  • Strong analytical thinking, project management, documentation, and cross-functional communication skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, ERP systems, formulation databases, and laboratory documentation systems.
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience in contract manufacturing (co-manufacturing) or private label food manufacturing.
  • Experience developing beverages, functional foods, protein products, nutritional products, sauces, dressings, emulsions, or other shelf-stable food products.
  • Familiarity with pilot plant operations, process optimization, and manufacturing scale-up.
  • Knowledge of food labeling, ingredient regulations, nutritional compliance, and commercialization requirements.
  • Experience using formulation software, AI tools, scientific databases, or statistical analysis software to support product development.
  • Lean Six Sigma, HACCP, Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI), or other food industry certifications are a plus.