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Food Testing Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Food Testing information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$22

$47

How much do food testing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for food testing in Virginia is $22.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.43 and $23.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a food tester?

To become a food tester, candidates typically need a background in food science, nutrition, or a related field, along with good sensory skills and attention to detail. Some positions require completing training or certifications in food safety and quality assurance, and experience in tasting panels or culinary environments can be beneficial.

What qualifications do you need to be a food tester?

Food testers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, good sensory skills, and knowledge of food safety standards. Some positions may require a background in food science, nutrition, or related fields, and the ability to follow detailed testing protocols and document findings accurately.

What is a Food Testing job?

A Food Testing job involves analyzing food products for safety, quality, and compliance with regulatory standards. Professionals in this field conduct laboratory tests to detect contaminants, verify ingredient composition, and ensure products meet labeling requirements. They may work in food manufacturing, government agencies, or independent laboratories. This role helps ensure that food is safe for consumption and meets industry regulations.

How much do food tasters earn?

Food testers typically earn between $25,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Some may receive additional benefits or bonuses, especially in larger food companies or quality assurance roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Food Testing position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Food Testing, you need a solid background in food science, chemistry, microbiology, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree or laboratory experience. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, analytical testing methods (such as HPLC, GC-MS), and certifications like HACCP or ISO 17025 are highly valued. Attention to detail, effective communication, and strong problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure accurate analysis, compliance with safety standards, and clear reporting of results for safe food production.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In food testing, high-paying roles that can reach $4,000 a week without a degree are rare; most positions require specialized training or certifications. Generally, jobs in food quality assurance, laboratory analysis, or food safety management may offer higher wages with experience and relevant skills, but they often require technical knowledge or on-the-job training rather than a formal degree. Alternative high-paying jobs outside food testing include sales, real estate, or skilled trades, which may offer substantial income without a degree.

What are the typical daily responsibilities for someone in a Food Testing role?

A Food Testing professional's daily responsibilities usually include preparing and analyzing food samples, conducting chemical, microbiological, or sensory tests, and accurately documenting results. They frequently use specialized laboratory instruments and follow strict protocols to ensure consistency and quality. Collaboration with quality assurance teams and reporting findings to supervisors or regulatory authorities are also common tasks. This role is crucial for helping companies maintain product safety and comply with food industry regulations.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Food Testing jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Food Testing job openings:
Infographic showing various Food Testing job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, and 34% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,426 per year, or $22.3 per hour.
Tester - 2nd Shift

Tester - 2nd Shift

Dover Corporation

South Chesterfield, VA

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 hours 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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