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Food Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Culinary Science Intern

Waltham, MA · On-site

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

Screen frozen food products to identify best candidates for Folia's microwave packaging * Conduct culinary work and temperature testing related to microwave food performance * Perform sensory ...

Culinary Science Intern

Waltham, MA · On-site

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

Screen frozen food products to identify best candidates for Folia's microwave packaging * Conduct culinary work and temperature testing related to microwave food performance * Perform sensory ...

In the position of QC Tester, you will be responsible for conducting daily line audits, pulling in ... Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification Food Safety Modernization Act ...

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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 Jul 21, 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.

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 related fields. Many positions require passing taste tests and may involve working in controlled environments or food laboratories. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level food industry roles can also improve chances of becoming a food tester.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Food testers typically do not earn $4,000 a week without specialized experience or high-profile contracts. High-paying roles that can reach this level without a degree are rare and often involve entrepreneurship, sales, or skilled trades such as real estate, sales management, or certain tech-related freelance work. Most jobs paying this amount require significant experience, skills, or certifications beyond a standard high school diploma.

What qualifications do you need to be a food tester?

Food testers typically need a good sense of taste and smell, attention to detail, and the ability to follow instructions precisely. A background in food science, nutrition, or related fields can be beneficial, and some positions may require food safety certifications. Strong communication skills and the ability to work in a sensory evaluation environment are also important.

Is ice cream testing a real job?

Ice cream testing is a legitimate job that involves evaluating the flavor, texture, and quality of ice cream products. Professionals in this role often work for food companies or quality assurance teams and may need sensory evaluation skills and food safety certifications.
More about Food Tester jobs
What cities are hiring for Food Tester jobs? Cities with the most Food Tester job openings:
What states have the most Food Tester jobs? States with the most job openings for Food Tester jobs include:
Infographic showing various Food Tester job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $79,791 per year, or $38.4 per hour.
Tester - 2nd Shift

Tester - 2nd Shift

Dover Corporation

South Chesterfield, VA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Dover Corporation rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Dover Food Retail (DFR) is a leading manufacturer of Display Cases, Specialty Products, Refrigeration Systems, Power Systems and Comprehensive Services; and leading our industry by Innovating What’s Next in glass doors and intelligent merchandising technologies that keep food safe under brands such as HillPhoenix and Anthony.

DFR is part of the Refrigeration and Food Equipment segment of the Dover Corporation® (NYSE: DOV). Dover is a diversified global manufacturer with annual revenues in excess of $7 billion.

DFR is built on creativity and customer-centric innovation delivered by people invigorated by a strong sense of responsibility to help our customers win in their marketplaces. The relationships we build with our customers are as important to our success as the products we manufacture. This collaborative environment delivers FRESH THINKING, reassuring our customers that they choose the best when they choose to work with the people of Dover Food Retail.

Job Title:        Tester - 2nd Shift

Location:        South Chesterfield, VA            

 

What we’re looking for:

 

We are looking for a Tester who will be responsible for effectively conducting testing, labeling of finished goods and final inspection of product in an assigned production line. This position reports to the Production Supervisor. the hours for this position will be from 3p-11:30p or as the business requires.   

 

What you’ll be responsible for in this role:

 

  • Perform assembly work in assigned production line
  • Perform any required tests on finished product
  • Register finished product and apply finished goods labels
  • Document electrical reading on UR labels
  • Perform final quality inspection and cleaning of product to ensure compliance with quality standards
  • Properly stage finished product for appropriate hand off to next department
  • Document hour-by-hour charts in assigned line
  • Perform other duties as assigned

 

What are the basic qualifications?

 

  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
  • 1 - 2 years of manufacturing experience

What are the preferred qualifications?

  • 1 to 2 years of fabrication/machining preferred

To be a great fit for the role:

 

  • Working knowledge of assembly operations
  • Reading and writing skills in English
  • Basic math skills to perform arithmetic calculations
  • Basic to intermediate computer skills. Able to use a computer and scanning devices to register finished products
  • Attention to detail while successfully multitasking and maintaining high levels of accuracy, quality and productivity
  • Analytical reasoning/problem solving skills
  • Ability to read a tape measure and understand fractions and decimals
  • Good communication skills
  • Understanding of 6S
  • Ability to read and understand all job specifications
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to stand, walk and/or sit for long periods of time
  • Ability to reach with arms and hands; bend, kneel, crouch and/or crawl as well as the ability to see and hear.
  • Ability to handle multiple assignments simultaneously in a fast-paced and complex environment.
  • Team oriented individual who is flexible and adaptable to an ever-changing environment.

How We Define Our Values and Why You Should Join Our Team:

 

The backbone behind our collection of outstanding businesses is a team of dedicated employees who protect and enhance our valued reputation for quality and delivering what we promise. It’s our values that define Dover to all of our key audiences: our shareholders, customers, prospective employees and especially to ourselves.

These values must be expressed in our work and embody our actions, as they form the basis by which we do our jobs, make decisions and measure our performance. It’s our unwavering commitment to maintaining our values that defines who we are as a Company.

  • Collaborative Entrepreneurial Spirit
  • Winning Through Customers
  • Respects and Values People
  • Expectations for Results
  • High Ethical Standards, Openness, and Trust

What’s in it for you?

 

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Flexible Spending
  • Paid Holidays

We consider several job-related, non-discriminatory factors when determining the pay rate for a position, including, but not limited to, the position’s responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, a candidate’s education/training, the position’s location, and the key skills needed for the position.  Pay is one of the Total Rewards that we provide to compensate and recognize employees for their work.

Benefits: Benefits for this position include:  a 401(k) savings plan with employer contributions; medical, dental and vision insurance; wellness programs; health savings account, health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts; company paid short-term disability and long-term disability; company paid employee basic life and AD&D insurance; supplemental employee and dependent life insurance; optional accident, hospital indemnity and critical illness insurance; adoption, surrogacy, and fertility benefits and assistance; commuter benefits; parental, military, jury duty, and bereavement leaves of absence; paid time off, including business travel services; employee discounts; and an employee assistance program that includes company paid counseling sessions and legal services. Eligibility for benefits is governed by applicable plan documents and policies.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.  Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the Company.                                             

Dover Food Retail is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or any other factors prohibited by law.

Attention Applicants: If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, please let us know. Likewise, if you are limited in the ability to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, we will determine an alternate way for you to apply. Please contact BOT@doverfoodretail.com for assistance with an accommodation. Kindly specify Job Requisition Number / Job Title and Location in response.

Job Function : Manufacturing & Operations


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