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Health Department Restaurant Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Wayfarer DTLA

Kitchen Manager

Los Angeles, 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.

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Health Department Restaurant Inspector information

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$24.5K

$54.9K

$99K

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

As of Jul 13, 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, 78% Full Time, 18% 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.

Restaurant Department Manager - Base to $70K

Gecko Hospitality

Arlington, WA • On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Restaurant Department Manager


Location: Smokey Point, WA (Arlington)

Department: Restaurant Operations

Reports To: General Manager


Join a High-Performing Restaurant Leadership Team in Smokey Point, WA

Are you an experienced restaurant department manager looking for a rewarding leadership opportunity in the Smokey Point / Arlington, Washington area? We are seeking a motivated and hands-on Restaurant Department Manager to join our dynamic restaurant operations team. This is an excellent career move for leaders passionate about team development, operational excellence, and delivering exceptional guest experiences in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Whether you specialize in People Management, Kitchen Operations, or Guest Services, this restaurant leadership position offers the chance to make a significant impact while advancing your career in restaurant management.


Position Summary

As a Restaurant Department Manager in Smokey Point, WA, you will lead a critical department within our restaurant to achieve consistent results in daily operations, team performance, training, and guest satisfaction. You will play a key role supporting the General Manager, developing shift leaders and team members, and driving operational standards that contribute to overall business success.

This restaurant department manager job is ideal for professionals who thrive in a supportive yet results-driven environment and want to grow within a company that values leadership development and internal promotion.


Key Responsibilities – Restaurant Department Manager

The Department Manager will focus on one or more key areas based on business needs and your strengths:

People-Focused Leadership

  • Partner with restaurant leadership to recruit, interview, hire, and onboard top talent
  • Oversee training program completion and team member development
  • Foster an inclusive, positive workplace culture
  • Provide ongoing coaching, performance feedback, and recognition

Kitchen Operations Management

  • Maintain strict food safety, quality standards, and preparation procedures
  • Ensure operational consistency during peak and non-peak hours
  • Support inventory control, food cost management, and productivity
  • Train kitchen teams on best practices and efficiency standards

Guest Services & Hospitality Leadership

  • Lead with a hospitality-first mindset to deliver outstanding service
  • Drive order accuracy, speed of service, and guest satisfaction
  • Coach team members on exceptional guest interactions
  • Professionally resolve guest concerns and implement feedback-driven improvements

Digital Operations & Modern Restaurant Execution

  • Oversee mobile ordering, kiosk service, curbside pickup, and delivery standards
  • Ensure seamless adoption of digital tools across the team

Shift Leadership & Daily Operations

  • Run high-performing shifts with effective labor management and team deployment
  • Set clear expectations and hold teams accountable for performance
  • Maintain exceptional cleanliness, safety, and operational efficiency throughout the restaurant

Qualifications for Restaurant Department Manager – Smokey Point, WA

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Prior restaurant experience required; previous leadership experience strongly preferred
  • Proven ability to lead and develop teams in a fast-paced restaurant environment
  • Strong communication, coaching, and interpersonal skills
  • Comfortable using technology, operational systems, and digital platforms
  • Passion for guest service, food quality, and operational excellence


Compensation & Benefits

We offer a highly competitive hourly rate for this Restaurant Department Manager position, along with:

  • Performance-based bonus potential
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) and sick leave
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance options
  • Professional development and leadership training programs
  • Employee discounts
  • Tuition assistance opportunities
  • Clear advancement path into senior restaurant leadership roles (General Manager, Multi-Unit, etc.)


Apply Today for Restaurant Department Manager Jobs in Smokey Point / Arlington, WA


If you’re ready to take the next step in your restaurant management career and join a team committed to excellence, we want to hear from you. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced restaurant leader who wants to grow professionally while contributing to a thriving operation in the Smokey Point, Washington area.