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Health Inspector Jobs in Des Moines, IA (NOW HIRING)

Health & Safety Intern, Summer 2026

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $21.25/hr

Dee Zee, Inc. is seeking a detail-oriented Health & Safety Intern to support workplace safety ... safety inspections and hazard identification activities on the plant floor. * Help develop and ...

Dee Zee, Inc. is seeking a detail-oriented Health & Safety Intern to support workplace safety ... safety inspections and hazard identification activities on the plant floor. * Help develop and ...

Showing results 21-40

Health Inspector information

See Des Moines, IA salary details

$28.3K

$50.4K

$70.3K

How much do health inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for health inspector in Des Moines, IA is $50,422.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,000.00 and $62,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a health inspector?

Health inspectors are public health professionals responsible for ensuring that businesses, especially those that handle food and sanitation, comply with local, state, and federal health regulations. They conduct routine inspections of restaurants, food processing plants, public pools, and other establishments to identify potential health hazards. Health inspectors educate business owners on health codes, issue citations for violations, and may shut down facilities that pose significant risks to public health. Their work helps prevent the spread of diseases and promotes safe, healthy environments for the community.

What does a health inspector do?

A health inspector assesses various businesses, homes, and industrial facilities regarding their compliance with internal and external health and safety regulations. For this career, your responsibilities include assisting multiple industrial facilities, residences, and food service establishments to ensure they are complying with environmental standards and health codes. You must also help them provide safe, clean, and healthy work areas for their employees through routine checkups and effective policies.

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

To thrive as a Health Inspector, you need a solid understanding of public health regulations, safety standards, and inspection procedures, usually supported by a degree in environmental health, biology, or a related field. Familiarity with inspection software, data entry systems, and sometimes state certification or licensure is typically required. Strong attention to detail, integrity, and effective communication help you accurately identify violations and interact with business owners. These skills ensure the enforcement of health codes, protect public safety, and foster compliance in various establishments.

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

Health Inspectors often encounter challenges such as uncooperative business owners, incomplete records, or language barriers during inspections. To address these issues, inspectors rely on strong communication skills, professionalism, and a thorough understanding of health codes. Building rapport with staff, clearly explaining regulations, and being prepared with translated materials or interpreters can help ensure compliance. Staying updated on changing regulations and maintaining a calm, objective approach also support effective inspections.

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

AspectHealth InspectorFood Safety Specialist
Required CredentialsEnvironmental health degree, certifications like REHS/RSFood safety certifications, environmental health background
Work EnvironmentInspecting restaurants, public health facilities, and food establishmentsDeveloping food safety protocols, conducting training, inspecting food production
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment health departments, local agenciesFood industry companies, regulatory agencies, consulting firms
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for roles in food safety and public healthRelated but more focused on food safety management

While both roles focus on food safety and public health, a Health Inspector primarily conducts inspections of public facilities, including restaurants, to ensure compliance with health regulations. A Food Safety Specialist often works within the food industry or regulatory agencies to develop safety protocols and train staff. Both require similar credentials and work environments, but their specific responsibilities and employer types differ.

How much do health inspectors get paid?

Health inspectors typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, location, and certification level. Salaries can vary based on government or private sector employment, with some inspectors earning higher with specialized skills or advanced certifications.

How much do health inspectors make?

Health inspectors in Michigan earn an average annual salary of around $50,000 to $60,000, depending on experience and location. They typically require certification and inspect food establishments, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.

How to become a health inspector?

To become a health inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with many positions requiring a bachelor's degree in environmental health, public health, or a related field. Certification, such as the Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) or Certified Food Safety Professional (CFSP), is often required or preferred, and relevant experience in food safety, sanitation, or public health is beneficial. State-specific licensing or certification requirements may apply, and inspectors usually need to pass an exam and complete ongoing training.

What do I need to do to be a health inspector?

To become a health inspector, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by postsecondary education such as an associate's or bachelor's degree in environmental health, public health, or a related field. Certification or licensing is often required, which may involve passing an exam and gaining relevant work experience in health or food safety inspections. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and knowledge of health regulations are essential for the role.

What are popular job titles related to Health Inspector jobs in Des Moines, IA?

For Health Inspector jobs in Des Moines, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Health Inspector jobs in Des Moines, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Health Inspector jobs in Des Moines, IA are:

What cities near Des Moines, IA are hiring for Health Inspector jobs?

Cities near Des Moines, IA with the most Health Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various Health Inspector job openings in Des Moines, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,422 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Quality Inspector - 3 Day work week | Mon - Wed, 7am - 7pm | $14.00 per hour | Paid Weekly

Katecho

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$14/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

JOIN OUR OUTSTANDING TEAM!

We have positions available over 3 different shifts. Our shifts are 3-day work weeks to assist with a better work-life balance!

Available shifts are, Monday-Wednesday (Days)

Climate Controlled Facility!

Paid Weekly, $14.00 per hour

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for functional testing, inspecting work in process, final inspection on the line, and end of line inspection for 100% of product. Must make sure the part is to customer specifications and engineering drawing. Requires strong attention to detail and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision. Must evaluate defects based on inspection criteria and alert Quality Leads to disposition suspect product.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. In a timely manner: perform functional test, inspect the quality of work in process material, and inspect the quality of final product prior to packaging and boxing. All tests and inspections should be performed according to established written Quality Department procedures, engineering drawings, customer specifications and documentation. This includes critical inspection items that may affect the function of the product such as seal verification, lot codes, pouch distribution, and boxing verifications.
  2. Assist in Kit Verifications, Sampling, and Line Clearance Verifications at the beginning and ending of every order.
  3. Assist in the collection of parts to verify accuracy of returns at the end of an order and the distribution of parts to the correct workstation at the beginning of an order.
  4. Fill in as required for any position in all areas of the Quality Department.
  5. Alert supervision or management of problems with materials, assemblies, tools, etc.
  6. Work as a team with the other employees in the Quality Department to complete testing and inspection functions.
  7. Prioritize and complete work in a timely manner as outlined by supervision and management.
  8. Test and inspect multiple product types in any given shift. May require switching between different products during the shift.
  9. Maintain cycle time set by manufacturing when performing inspections and functional tests.
  10. Evaluate product defects and make decisions regarding the status of the product based on the inspection criteria. Notify supervision to perform any necessary rework or reject classification of defective parts.
  11. Maintain working knowledge of processes and instrumentation used in the Quality Department.
  12. Lead in the areas of attitude, work quality, work ethic, dependability, and company loyalty.

Quality FLI's overrule job descriptions, as FLI's get reviewed and changed constantly.


QUALIFICATIONS

  1. Attention for detail, and the ability to accurately record testing results and inspection criteria on quality records. Must be able to complete a position assessment test.
  2. Able to perform routine tasks on a continuing basis.
  3. Able to correctly inspect and test product according to instructions, engineering drawings, customer specifications and training.
  4. Able to correctly use required tools, fixtures, rulers, testing equipment, etc. involved in the testing and inspection processes.
  5. Able to communicate and work with others as a team.
  6. Able to read and write English.
  7. Able to read and understand the product criteria on engineering drawings.
  8. Able to recognize quality problems with materials, work in process, and the final product.
  9. Good work attendance and dependability.
  10. If working nights or shifts with minimal supervision, must be able to pass a criminal background check.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, or sit. The employee is regularly required to use hands to grasp, finger or handle objects and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision. This employee must occasionally lift and /or exert force from 25 pounds up to 75 pounds. Push and/or pull up to 300 pounds.


Benefits:

PPO/HMO Health, Dental, Vision, FSA, STD, LTD/Life options, 401(k)