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Food Tester Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Assists in prototype development and testing in collaboration with the Engineering team. * Provides ... S. or M.S. in Meat Science, Food Science, Food Technology, Food or Chemical Engineering, or a ...

Food Technologist

Lodi, WI · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Assists in prototype development and testing in collaboration with the Engineering team. * Provides ... S. or M.S. in Meat Science, Food Science, Food Technology, Food or Chemical Engineering, or a ...

Food Technologist

Lodi, WI · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Assists in prototype development and testing in collaboration with the Engineering team. * Provides ... S. or M.S. in Meat Science, Food Science, Food Technology, Food or Chemical Engineering, or a ...

Job Summary The Food Technologist will support the Product Development team by executing key ... testing · Champion daily sensory evaluation of materials and finished goods for quality and ...

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Food Tester information

See Madison, WI salary details

$10

$38

$63

How much do food tester jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for food tester in Madison, WI is $38.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.54 and $51.11 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.

What are popular job titles related to Food Tester jobs in Madison, WI?

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

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Food Tester jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Food Tester job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Tester job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,400 per year, or $38.7 per hour.

Food Laboratory Quality Manager

Deibel Laboratories Inc

Madison, WI • On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago


Deibel Laboratories rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

81st of 121 rated laboratories


Job description

Quality Manager - Food & Microbiology Laboratory

Location: Madison, WI
Schedule: Full-Time | Sunday - Thursday | 9:00 AM–5:30 PM
Compensation: $65,000 - $70,000 based on experience

About the Role

At Deibel Laboratories, quality is part of everything we do. Our work helps food manufacturers make confident decisions about the safety and quality of their products, and our Quality team plays an important role in making sure the science behind those decisions is reliable.

We're looking for a Quality Manager to support our Madison laboratory and take ownership of the site's day-to-day Quality Management System.

This is a hands-on role for someone who understands good laboratory practices, pays attention to the details and can work closely with both laboratory associates and leadership to make sure quality expectations are understood and followed.

You don't necessarily need to have already held the title of Quality Manager. If you have built a strong foundation in microbiology, food science, laboratory quality, quality assurance, food safety, pharmaceutical or another regulated environment and are ready for more ownership, we'd like to hear from you.

What You'll Do

As the Quality Manager, you'll be the primary day-to-day resource for Quality within the laboratory and work closely with the Lab Manager and Deibel's Quality leadership.

You will:

  • Own and maintain the laboratory's Quality Management System (QMS) 
  • Help ensure laboratory practices consistently meet Deibel SOPs, quality standards and accreditation requirements 
  • Review Quality documentation and verify compliance with established procedures 
  • Train and support laboratory associates on Quality SOPs, procedures and expectations 
  • Support the implementation and ongoing maintenance of new procedures, methods and accreditations 
  • Identify, document and escalate nonconformances 
  • Participate in investigations, root-cause review and corrective actions 
  • Support internal and external audits and help ensure appropriate follow-through 
  • Partner with laboratory leadership to identify quality risks and practical solutions 
  • Support laboratory activities when needed to help maintain the quality and reliability of client results 
  • Help reinforce a culture where Quality is part of how the work gets done every day 

What We're Looking For

A strong candidate will have:

  • 2+ years of relevant experience in laboratory quality, microbiology, food science, food safety, quality assurance, quality control, pharmaceutical, environmental testing or another regulated scientific environment 
  • Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Biology, Chemistry or a related scientific discipline preferred 
  • Experience working with SOPs, controlled documentation and/or quality systems 
  • Strong attention to detail and an ability to recognize when something doesn't meet an established standard 
  • Good problem-solving and follow-through 
  • Ability to communicate clearly with laboratory associates and leadership 
  • Comfort training, coaching and helping others understand not just the requirement, but why it matters 
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office or related systems 

Even Better If You Have

Experience with one or more of the following would be especially helpful:

  • Food microbiology or food testing 
  • ISO/IEC 17025 or another laboratory accreditation standard 
  • Quality Management Systems 
  • Internal or external audits 
  • CAPA, root-cause analysis or nonconformance investigations 
  • GMPs or other regulated laboratory practices 
  • Quality or compliance experience within the food, pharmaceutical or life-sciences industries 

We don't expect every candidate to check every box. Relevant laboratory experience and the ability to grow into greater Quality ownership are important to us.

Why Deibel?

Since 1967, Deibel Laboratories has provided independent food testing services in microbiology and chemistry, supporting both industry-leading food producers and family-run businesses. The current posting appropriately emphasizes Deibel's role in food and product safety, and I would keep that connection because it gives the job more purpose than simply describing QMS administration. 

In this role, you'll have an opportunity to:

  • Make a direct impact on food safety and the reliability of laboratory results 
  • Take real ownership of Quality at the laboratory level 
  • Work closely with both Quality and Operations leadership 
  • Build broader experience in quality systems, accreditation and laboratory compliance 
  • Help associates understand and apply Quality expectations in their everyday work 
  • Continue developing your career within a growing laboratory organization 

Benefits

Deibel offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

  • Medical coverage with significant employer contribution 
  • Dental coverage 
  • Vision coverage 
  • 401(k) 
  • Profit sharing 
  • Additional company benefits 

Specific plan eligibility and benefit details are provided during the hiring process.

Physical Requirements

This position works in and around an active laboratory environment. Requirements include:

  • Occasional exposure to laboratory fumes, chemicals and materials 
  • Use of appropriate personal protective equipment based on laboratory activities 
  • Periods of standing and working within the laboratory 
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally and 10-15 pounds repeatedly 

Interested?

If you're someone who takes pride in doing things the right way, enjoys solving problems and is ready to take greater ownership of Quality within a laboratory environment, we'd like to hear from you.

Apply today and help us continue delivering science our clients can trust.

 

SERVICE • QUALITY • TRANSPARENCY • PARTNERSHIP • EDUCATION • PROFESSIONALISM




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