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Health Department Restaurant Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of New York

Public Health Inspector

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's Division of Environmental Health works ... DOHMH is mandated to inspect 26,000 restaurants annually, school cafeterias, and mobile food ...

City of New York

Public Health Inspector

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Company Description The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's Division of ... DOHMH is mandated to inspect 26,000 restaurants annually, school cafeterias, and mobile food ...

City of New York

Public Health Inspector

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's Division of Environmental Health works ... DOHMH is mandated to inspect 26,000 restaurants annually, school cafeterias, and mobile food ...

Seacliff Inn

Sous Chef

Aptos, CA

$71K - $76K/yr

Maintain sanitation standards through knowledge of health department standards and regulations. • ... restaurant and hotel. • Perform other duties as assigned, requested or deemed necessary by ...

Pacifica Hotel Company

Sous Chef

Aptos, CA

$71K - $76K/yr

Maintain sanitation standards through knowledge of health department standards and regulations. • ... restaurant and hotel. • Perform other duties as assigned, requested or deemed necessary by ...

Pacifica Hotel Company

Executive Chef

Templeton, CA · On-site

$72K - $82K/yr

Inspect the kitchen and walk-ins for satisfactory cleaning and equipment in need of repair ... Maintain sanitation standards through knowledge of health department standards and regulations. • ...

Seacliff Inn

Sous Chef

Aptos, CA · On-site

$71K - $76K/yr

Maintain sanitation standards through knowledge of health department standards and regulations. • ... restaurant and hotel. • Perform other duties as assigned, requested or deemed necessary by ...

DKN HOTEL GROUP

Chef

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Inspect the kitchen and walk-ins for satisfactory cleaning and equipment in need of repair ... Maintain sanitation standards through knowledge of health department standards and regulations.

DKN HOTEL GROUP

Chef

San Bernardino, CA

Inspect the kitchen and walk-ins for satisfactory cleaning and equipment in need of repair ... Maintain sanitation standards through knowledge of health department standards and regulations.

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All JobsHealth Department Restaurant Inspector Jobs

Health Department Restaurant Inspector information

See salary details

$24.5K

$54.9K

$99K

How much do health department restaurant inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for health department restaurant inspector in the United States is $54,939.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $63,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I become a food health inspector?

To become a health department restaurant inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring postsecondary education in food safety, public health, or a related field. Relevant certifications, such as ServSafe or other food safety certifications, are often required, and inspectors usually gain experience in food service or environmental health before qualifying for inspection roles. The job involves understanding health codes, conducting inspections, and documenting findings regularly.

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

AspectHealth Department Restaurant InspectorFood Safety Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a state or local health inspector certificationOften holds certifications like ServSafe or HACCP
Work EnvironmentInspects restaurants and food establishments for complianceDevelops and implements food safety protocols, may work in labs or corporate settings
Employer & IndustryGovernment health departments, local agenciesFood production companies, consulting firms, regulatory agencies

While both roles focus on food safety, the Health Department Restaurant Inspector primarily conducts on-site inspections to enforce health codes, whereas the Food Safety Specialist develops safety protocols and educates food businesses. The inspector role is more regulatory and inspection-focused, while the specialist often works in advisory and training capacities.

What are some common challenges faced by Health Department Restaurant Inspectors during their inspections?

Health Department Restaurant Inspectors often encounter challenges such as balancing strict adherence to health codes with educating restaurant staff, dealing with language barriers, and managing tense situations if violations are found. Inspectors must remain objective and professional while clearly communicating issues and recommendations to ensure public safety. Additionally, they may need to adapt quickly to a variety of restaurant environments and schedules, sometimes working evenings or weekends to accommodate business hours.

What does a Health Department Restaurant Inspector do?

A Health Department Restaurant Inspector is responsible for ensuring that restaurants and other food establishments comply with health and safety regulations. They conduct regular inspections to check for proper food handling, cleanliness, pest control, and overall sanitary conditions. Inspectors educate staff on safe food practices and issue warnings or citations if violations are found. Their work helps prevent foodborne illnesses and protects public health.

What type of inspector gets paid the most?

In the health department, senior or supervisory restaurant inspectors typically earn higher salaries than entry-level inspectors due to increased responsibilities and experience. Factors such as certifications, years of experience, and geographic location can also influence pay rates for restaurant inspectors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Health Department Restaurant Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Health Department Restaurant Inspector, you need a background in public health, food safety, and sanitation, often supported by a relevant degree or certification such as Certified Professional–Food Safety (CP-FS). Familiarity with inspection management software, regulatory codes, and documentation systems is crucial for accurate reporting and compliance. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and diplomacy are essential soft skills for addressing violations and educating restaurant staff. These abilities ensure public health is protected through consistent enforcement of food safety standards and constructive interactions with food service establishments.

What is the highest salary of a food inspector?

The highest salary for a health department restaurant inspector typically exceeds $70,000 annually, especially for experienced inspectors or those in supervisory roles. Salaries vary based on location, experience, and certifications, with some top earners reaching over $80,000 per year.

How hard is it to be a health inspector?

Being a health department restaurant inspector requires attention to detail, knowledge of health codes, and the ability to conduct thorough inspections. The job can be physically demanding and involves working in various environments, often requiring certification and ongoing training to stay current with regulations.
More about Health Department Restaurant Inspector jobs
What cities are hiring for Health Department Restaurant Inspector jobs? Cities with the most Health Department Restaurant Inspector job openings:
What states have the most Health Department Restaurant Inspector jobs? States with the most job openings for Health Department Restaurant Inspector jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Health Department Restaurant Inspector jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Health Department Restaurant Inspector jobs are:
Health Department Restaurant Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Health Department Restaurant Inspector job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,939 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Food Safety Inspector

Strikeforce Staffing

New York, NY

$50/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Food Safety Inspector
Employer: Strike Force Staffing (SFS)
Compensation: $50 per hour
Location: Multiple Locations / Regional
Employment Type: Full-Time / Part-Time / Contract (as applicable)
Job Summary
The Food Safety Inspector is responsible for conducting health and safety inspections of food service establishments to ensure compliance with applicable state and local health department regulations. This role focuses on identifying food safety risks, documenting violations, and supporting restaurant operators in achieving and maintaining compliance with food safety standards and inspection requirements.
Key Responsibilities
  • Conduct on-site health and sanitation inspections of restaurants, cafés, and food service establishments in accordance with state and local food safety regulations
  • Evaluate food handling, storage, preparation, and temperature control practices
  • Inspect facilities for cleanliness, pest control, waste management, and equipment maintenance
  • Assess employee hygiene practices and food safety procedures
  • Identify violations, document findings, and prepare detailed inspection and compliance reports
  • Provide corrective action recommendations and guidance to management
  • Educate restaurant staff on food safety best practices and regulatory expectations
  • Conduct follow-up inspections to verify corrective actions and ongoing compliance
  • Stay current on state and local health codes, food safety regulations, and inspection criteria
  • Maintain accurate inspection records and documentation
Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree in public health, environmental health, food safety, or a related field preferred
  • Prior experience in restaurant inspections, food safety audits, regulatory compliance, or quality assurance preferred
  • Knowledge of state and local food codes and inspection processes
  • Food safety certification (e.g., ServSafe, Food Protection Certificate, or equivalent) required or ability to obtain
  • Strong attention to detail and observational skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work professionally with restaurant owners, managers, and staff
  • Ability to travel to multiple locations as required
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, and climb stairs for extended periods
  • Ability to work in kitchen environments with varying temperatures
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs as needed
Preferred Skills
  • Experience using inspection reporting software or mobile audit tools
  • Multilingual abilities a plus
  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Objective, professional, and solution-oriented approach
Work Environment
  • On-site inspections in restaurants and commercial kitchens
  • Exposure to food preparation areas, cleaning chemicals, and variable environmental conditions
Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive compensation based on experience
  • Travel or mileage reimbursement (if applicable)
  • Training and continuing education opportunities