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Health Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Health Inspector information

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$29K

$51.7K

$72K

How much do health inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for health inspector in the United States is $51,666.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $64,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become 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 may be required, which involves passing an exam and gaining relevant work experience in health and safety inspections. Strong knowledge of health codes, attention to detail, and communication skills are essential for the role.

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.

What are health inspectors?

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

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 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 cities are hiring for Health Inspector jobs? Cities with the most Health Inspector job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Health Inspector jobs? The most popular types of Health Inspector jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Health Inspector jobs? The top employers for Health Inspector jobs are:
What states have the most Health Inspector jobs? States with the most job openings for Health Inspector jobs include:
Infographic showing various Health Inspector job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,666 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

$40K/yr

Other

PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

$5,000 Sign on Bonus, Creditable Service for Annual Leave Accrual, Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, and Referral Bonus Awards are available.
Shifts and species will vary based on assignment.
For additional information contact Laura Hutchison at (919) 214-1984 or laura.hutchison@usda.gov.
Employee may be detailed to any shift at any plant in the Raleigh District.Qualifications:You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
Specialized experience:
Specialized experience is experience that provided you with knowledge of the properties and characteristics of regulated food commodities or other products for human consumption. Your experience should be acquired working in positions such as consumer safety inspector or inspection aid, food inspector, public health inspector, quality inspection specialist, or other related positions.
GS-5: You must have at least 52 weeks of qualifying experience that provided knowledge of the properties and characteristics of regulated food commodities and substances, such as: meat, poultry, fish, eggs, or other food or beverages for human consumption, or other ingestible substances, such as pharmaceuticals.
Your resume must show examples such as applying proper techniques for collecting samples and/or performing field tests and examinations (e.g. identifying abnormalities in the product or production environment and recommending corrective actions), developing written reports and/or reporting findings of results orally (e.g. documenting abnormalities in the product or production environment and communicating those findings to others), and/or skill in maintaining effective personal contacts with a variety of individuals (e.g. discussing findings with internal or external contacts regarding the food safety standards established in the production environment), or other similar work making determinations on products for human consumption or the production environment (e.g. ensuring conformance with established standards).
Your experience should have been acquired working positions such as consumer safety inspector or inspection aid, food inspector, public health inspector, quality inspection specialist, or other related position.
GS-7: In addition to the qualifications above, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 level, and you must have performed standard and recurrent duties on an independent basis. Your resume should demonstrate at least 52 weeks of experience in independently carrying out routine, standard assignments on a regular and recurring basis that provided you with knowledge of the properties and characteristics of regulated food commodities and substances, such as: meat, poultry, fish, eggs, or other food for human consumption, and other ingestible substances, such as pharmaceuticals.
GS-8: You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 level. In addition to the qualifications above, your experience must include working with the Federal Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products Inspection Acts in order to inspect meat, poultry and egg products; working with basic SSOP and HACCP principles and practices in order to verify plant HACCP and SSOP responsibilities; performing basic mathematics and elementary statistical concepts and methods to perform testing and sampling procedures; and experience in reaching and interpreting conclusions.
GS-9: You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-8 level. In addition to the qualifications above, you must have experience working at a more independent level than lower graded CSIs, which may include duties such as recommending
refusal of exports and providing temporary coverage at locations outside of the official duty station.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through national service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Follow this link for more information on OPM's qualifications standards for the CSI position: Consumer Safety Inspector Series, GS-1862Education:Education may be used to qualify in lieu of specialized experience
GS-5 level:
  • Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours/credits in any combination of coursework in the areas of: agricultural, biological, or physical sciences, food technology, epidemiology, home economics, pharmacy, engineering, or nutrition. Specialized government or military training may be creditable if it is related directly to this position, or
  • A combination of education and specialized experience. In this instance, only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours of a course of study leading to a bachelor's degree (with some related coursework, as described in number 2 above) is creditable towards meeting the requirements, along with specialized work experience. The combination must equal 100% of the requirement. For example, if you have 33% of the education requirement, then you will need 67% of the specialized experience requirement.
GS-7 Level:
  • One full year of directly related graduate education is qualifying, or
  • A combination of education and specialized experience. In this instance, only graduate education directly related to the work of the position is creditable towards meeting the requirements, along with specialized work experience. The combination must equal 100% of the requirement. For example, if you have 33% of the education requirement, then you will need 67% of the specialized experience requirement.
  • The course of study must directly reflect the job-related competencies necessary to satisfy the minimum qualifications and perform the duties of the position
GS-9 Level:
  • Two full years of graduate education, or a directly related master's degree, or
  • A combination of education and specialized experience. In this instance, only graduate education in excess of the first 18 semester hours directly related to the work of the position is creditable towards meeting the requirements, along with specialized work experience. The combination must equal 100% of the requirement. For example, if you have 33% of the education requirement, then you will need 67% of the specialized experience requirement.
  • The course of study must directly reflect the job-related competencies necessary to satisfy the minimum qualifications and perform the duties of the position
Employment Type: OTHER