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Health Department Inspector Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

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Health Department Inspector information

See Georgia salary details

$20.7K

$46.4K

$83.6K

How much do health department inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for health department inspector in Georgia is $46,390.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,500.00 and $53,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a health department inspector?

Health Department Inspectors are professionals responsible for ensuring that public facilities, such as restaurants, schools, and other establishments, comply with health and safety regulations. They conduct inspections, investigate complaints, and enforce local, state, and federal health codes to protect public health. Inspectors may collect samples, review safety protocols, and educate facility staff on proper hygiene and sanitation practices. Their work helps prevent the spread of disease and ensures that environments are safe for the public.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a health department inspector?

To thrive as a Health Department Inspector, you need a background in public health, environmental science, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor's degree and relevant certifications. Familiarity with inspection tools, food safety protocols, and digital reporting systems is typically required. Strong attention to detail, impartial judgment, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this position. These competencies ensure thorough inspections, regulatory compliance, and the protection of public health in various environments.

What are some common challenges health department inspectors face during inspections, and how can they effectively address them?

Health Department Inspectors often encounter challenges such as uncooperative business owners, incomplete documentation, or discovering violations that require immediate corrective action. To effectively address these issues, inspectors rely on clear communication, thorough knowledge of health regulations, and problem-solving skills. Building rapport with facility staff and maintaining professionalism helps facilitate compliance and ensures public health standards are met. Additionally, inspectors often collaborate with colleagues and supervisors to resolve complex cases and provide education to establishments.

What is the difference between Health Department Inspector vs Food Safety Inspector?

AspectHealth Department InspectorFood Safety Inspector
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles require certifications in health or safetyHigh school diploma; certifications in food safety or sanitation often preferred
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, inspection sites, community settingsFood processing plants, restaurants, retail food establishments
Employer & IndustryLocal/state health departments, government agenciesFood industry, regulatory agencies, health departments
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for inspection roles in public healthCompared for food safety and sanitation roles

The Health Department Inspector and Food Safety Inspector roles share similarities in certifications and work environments, often overlapping in public health and safety inspections. However, Health Department Inspectors typically have broader responsibilities, including inspecting various health hazards, while Food Safety Inspectors focus specifically on food safety and sanitation standards within food establishments.

How hard is it to become a health department inspector?

Becoming a health department inspector typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with many positions preferring or requiring a bachelor's degree in health, environmental science, or a related field. Candidates often need to pass written exams, complete on-the-job training, and obtain relevant certifications such as the Certified Food Safety Professional (CFSP) or similar credentials. The process involves gaining experience in health or food safety roles and meeting state or local licensing requirements, which can vary in difficulty depending on the region and specific job standards.

How much do health department inspectors get paid?

Health department inspectors typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced inspectors or those in high-cost areas can earn higher wages. Many inspectors also receive benefits such as health insurance and paid leave.

How to become a health department inspector?

To become a health department inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring postsecondary education or a background in health sciences. Relevant experience in food safety, environmental health, or public health is often required, along with passing a written exam and obtaining state or local certification. Strong communication skills and knowledge of health regulations are essential for success in this role.

Is there a demand for health department inspectors?

The demand for health department inspectors is generally strong due to ongoing public health needs and regulatory requirements. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as health standards and safety regulations become more stringent, requiring inspectors to ensure compliance in various settings such as restaurants, hospitals, and food processing facilities.
Infographic showing various Health Department Inspector job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,390 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Health & Safety Inspector 1

Atlanta, GA • On-site

Georgia Department of Public Health
Health Care and Social Assistance • 1 - 5K employees

$32K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Salary : $32,170.90 Annually
Location : Columbus, GA
Job Type: Full Time Salaried
Job Number: 2026-01010
Division/Section: District 7 County Position
Opening Date: 08/28/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
Who we are. We protect lives. The Georgia Department of Public Health is the lead agency entrusted by the people of Georgia to proudly protect lives and promote healthy lifestyles in diverse communities statewide. We are committed to preventing disease, injury, and disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing the State of Georgia for responding to disasters.
What we offer. As a member of the Georgia Department of Public Health team, you will join a passionate group of individuals who are dedicated to making an impact. No matter your role, you will individually contribute to protecting the lives of all Georgians while receiving a wide range of benefits, so you can:
  • Make a Professional Impact - Build your career where it matters and protect lives in the community where you live, work, and play
  • Enjoy Workplace Flexibility - Experience flexibility in how you work so you can be your best self for you and Georgia Residents
  • Work with a Dynamic and Diverse Team- Collaborative and inclusive way of working where employees share ideas and leverage collective strengths
  • Achieve Career Longevity - Countless opportunities for continuous learning/development that support a long-term career
  • Take Part in a Hands-on Working Culture - Unique culture of active engagement and problem-solving, no matter your role
  • Feel Pride in Where you Work - Be part of making an impact in public health alongside dedicated people just like you

As a Health & Safety Inspector within the Columbus Health Department at the Georgia Department of Public Health, you will join a dedicated group of public health professionals that help support the overall mission and vision of protecting lives of Georgian residents in a variety of ways.
Job Responsibilities
This position will be based in Columbus, GA and will perform a variety of duties in support of the vector control team. You will support the Department by utilizing your expertise to fulfill the following responsibilities:
  • Inspect breeding areas and apply insecticides/rodenticides to infected areas
  • Measure, mix, and store insecticides and rodenticides properly
  • safely operate government vehicles and pest control equipment.
  • Assist in emergency preparedness including pandemic efforts and response.

* Work hours for this position will be 5:30AM - 2:00PM, Monday - Friday
* Must be approved by West Central Health District's vehicle insurance carrier prior to hire.
Minimum Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: HS Diploma or GED. Must have a valid driver's license, clean MVR and be insurance eligible.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Moderate to heavy physical activity and consistent exposure to working conditions that may interact with an employee's medical or fitness condition. May involve heavy lifting (above 45 lbs.), pushing, pulling, extended climbing, crawling, bending, and/or operation of potentially dangerous equipment including motor vehicles.
Additional Information
All West Central Health District 7 employees are deemed essential workers in the event of an emergency. As such, you may be called on to participate in an event including but not limited to: staffing a shelter, working at a Specimen Point of Collection Site (SPOC) and/or working at a Point of Dispensing site (POD). If you are called on to participate, you are required to report to the designated site as a condition of employment, whether the emergency occurs during or outside regular work hours.
Georgia Department of Public Health Commissioner and leaders encourages all employees to engage in regular physical activities and to make lifestyle choices that promote health and well-being. The use of physical breaks during the workday is authorized to support this philosophy and assist employees in meeting their physical goals. A maximum of 30 minutes in a given workday may be used to engage in physical activities, generally in the form of two 15-minute breaks or one 30-minute break.
Employment Information
Current State employees are subject to State Personnel Board rules regarding salary.
DPH accepts educational credential recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the US Department of Education (DOE) will be considered. DPH will contact educational institutions to verify degree, diploma, licensure, etc.
The candidate selected for this position may be subject to pre-employment drug screening and a criminal background check.
As an employee of DPH, in the event of an identified emergency you may be required, as a term and condition of employment, to assist in meeting the emergency responsibilities of the department.
If you require accommodations under the American Disability Act (ADA), email request by the closing date of this announcement to: DPH-HR@dph.ga.gov.
DPH is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered, but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification.
This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.
Standard Benefits for Full-Time Salaried Employees
In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a generous benefits package that includes a flexible schedule, training opportunities, health insurance, employee retirement plan (ERS GSEPS), deferred compensation, 13 paid holidays, vacation & sick leave, paid parental leave, dental, vision, long term care, and life insurance.
Standard Benefits for Part-Time Employees
Part-time employees receive the Georgia Defined Contribution Plan and paid parental leave.
01
The answers you provide to the supplemental questions will be used to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. Your responses pertaining to specific work experience and education must be clearly shown in the areas for work history and education on your application. Your application must be completed in full before it is submitted. We do not accept additional information after your application has been received by the Personnel Department. Do you accept these conditions?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Serving our community during an emergency event is a condition of employment for Public Health workers. In the event of an emergency, you may be required to work extended hours, to include nights and weekends. Do you accept these conditions?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Have you previously worked for the State of Georgia and/or Georgia Department of Public Health? If yes, please list agency and the county of employment.
04
Are you a current employee of the Georgia Department of Public Health or the County Board of Health?
  • No
  • Full Time Employee
  • Part Time Employee
  • Temp or Contractor
  • Intern
  • Volunteer

05
What is your highest level of education completed?
  • Doctorate's Degree
  • Master's Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Associate's Degree
  • Vocational/Technical Degree
  • High School Diploma/GED
  • Did Not Complete High School/GED

06
This position requires the safe operation of government vehicles and pest control equipment. Are you able to meet the travel requirements by providing a valid driver's license and successfully passing a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) check prior to hire?
  • Yes
  • No

07
Do you have any relatives working for West Central Health District's 16-County Health Departments (Chattahoochee, Clay, Crisp, Dooly, Harris, Macon, Marion, Muscogee, Quitman, Randolph, Schley, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor or Webster counties)?
  • Yes
  • No

08
If yes to question above, please list name, relationship, and the county of employment.
09
Have you ever been dismissed or terminated from any State of Georgia government position? If yes, please explain. *Failure to disclose such information may result in disqualification from employment with the Department of Public Health - West Central Health District 7.
Required Question