2

Part Time Sensory Panelist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Descriptive Sensory Panelist - Decatur, IL This is a part-time, on-site, hourly position. Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) is hiring part-time Sensory Panelists who will evaluate the appearance, aroma ...

Sensory Panelist * Taste, touch, smell and visually evaluate food, beverages, household and skin ... growing business * Part-time, long-term position, 1099 * Starting - $17/hour * Experienced ...

Sensory Panelist * Taste, touch, smell and visually evaluate food, beverages, household and skin ... growing business * Part-time, long-term position, 1099 * Starting - $17/hour * Experienced ...

Sensory Panelist * Taste, touch, smell and visually evaluate food, beverages, household and skin ... growing business * Part-time, long-term position, 1099 * Starting - $17/hour * Experienced ...

$17.50 - $23.50/hr

Quality Sensory Panelist - Decatur, IL This is a part-time, on-site, hourly position Schedule: * Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 9AM to Noon (3 hours) * Hours per week guaranteed, except cancelation ...

Food Product Tester / Sensory Panelist (Part-Time ) Adecco is assisting a local client recruiting for Part-Time Food Product Tester / Sensory Panelist opportunities in Glendale, CA. This is an ...

Quality Sensory Panelist - Decatur, ILThis is a part-time, on-site, hourly positionSchedule:Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 9AM to Noon (3 hours)Hours per week guaranteed, except cancelation of test ...

Part Time Sensory Panelist information

See salary details

$10

$16

$21

How much do part time sensory panelist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for part time sensory panelist in the United States is $16.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a part time sensory panelist?

Part time sensory panelists are individuals hired to evaluate and provide feedback on the taste, smell, texture, and appearance of food, beverages, or other consumer products. They participate in sensory tests and help companies improve or develop new products by sharing their opinions and sensory perceptions. These panelists typically work flexible hours and may be required to follow specific protocols during testing to ensure reliable and unbiased results.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a part time sensory panelist?

To thrive as a Part Time Sensory Panelist, you need keen sensory perception, attention to detail, and the ability to follow precise evaluation protocols; a high school diploma is often sufficient, though some roles may require previous experience in food or product testing. Familiarity with data collection software and standardized testing methods, such as sensory booths and palate cleansers, is typically expected. Strong communication skills, impartiality, and reliability help panelists articulate feedback and consistently participate in testing sessions. These skills ensure accurate, unbiased product evaluations that support research and product development decisions.

What does a typical sensory evaluation session look like for a part time sensory panelist?

As a Part Time Sensory Panelist, you'll typically participate in scheduled sessions where you taste or smell products and provide detailed feedback on their sensory attributes, such as flavor, texture, aroma, and appearance. Sessions are usually conducted in a controlled environment, like a sensory lab, to minimize external influences and ensure consistency. You'll work alongside other panelists and follow standardized protocols, often using scorecards or digital forms to record your perceptions. The work is collaborative, but feedback is given individually and anonymously to maintain objectivity.

What is the difference between Part Time Sensory Panelist vs Part Time Quality Control Inspector?

AspectPart Time Sensory PanelistPart Time Quality Control Inspector
CredentialsNone required, sensory training often providedBasic quality assurance training, sometimes certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratory or testing facility, sensory boothsManufacturing or production site, inspection stations
Industry UsageFood, beverage, cosmetics, and consumer goodsManufacturing, food processing, packaging
Job FocusEvaluating sensory attributes like taste, smell, textureInspecting products for defects, compliance, quality standards

While both roles involve quality assessment, Part Time Sensory Panelists focus on evaluating sensory qualities such as taste and smell, often in a controlled environment, whereas Part Time Quality Control Inspectors concentrate on inspecting products for defects and adherence to standards during manufacturing. Both roles are essential in ensuring product quality but require different skill sets and work environments.

More about Part Time Sensory Panelist jobs

What cities are hiring for Part Time Sensory Panelist jobs?

Cities with the most Part Time Sensory Panelist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Sensory Panelist jobs?

The most popular types of Sensory Panelist jobs are:

What states have the most Part Time Sensory Panelist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Part Time Sensory Panelist jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Part Time Sensory Panelist jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Part Time Sensory Panelist jobs are:

Infographic showing various Part Time Sensory Panelist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,324 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Descriptive Sensory Panelist - Part-Time - Decatur, IL

On-site


Archer Daniels Midland
Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

76th of 366 rated logistics

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Paid breaks


Part-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Descriptive Sensory Panelist - Decatur, IL
This is a part-time, on-site, hourly position. 
Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) is hiring part-time Sensory Panelists who will evaluate the appearance, aroma, flavor, and texture of ADM ingredients, food applications, and industrial applications using the five basic senses: taste, smell, touch, sight, and hearing. All positions are in Decatur, Illinois.
It is an essential function of the role for the Panelist to taste food and beverage products in their mouth (deemed safe by food safety regulations) to assess the flavor and texture, including, but not limited to:
  • Sweeteners and alternative sweeteners       
  • Beverage alcohol
  • Caffeinated beverages
Ingredients to be tasted will include, but are not limited to:
  • Eggs
  • Dairy products
  • Meats, poultry, and seafoods
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Grains, beans, and fibers
  • Nuts
  • Soybeans or soy products                                                   
  • Chocolate/cocoa        
  • Cooking oils                                                  
  • Food additives
Panelists must be able to communicate effectively in writing and verbally. Proficiency in using electronic devices, such as computers, tablets, and smart phones, is required. This position involves periods of time spent sitting to conduct the evaluation while working closely with a team of 10-12 panelists. Breaks are provided. Panelists expectorate or spit food ingredients/products into a sealed container after evaluation of that product as part of the workday. Due to the nature of the role, panelists will be asked to maintain a neutral body odor and not wear any scented products during work hours.
Hours will be Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. The total amount of hours per week will vary depending on project needs, but may range from 9-12 hours per week. Panelists will be screened for high sensory acuity during the on-site interview process. Additional training will be provided if the applicant is hired. Panelists are not required to have sensory knowledge prior to starting.
Excited about this role but don't think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.
ADM requires the successful completion of a background check. 
REF:110662BR


What ADM employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom