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Part Time Sensory Panelist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cargill

Sensory Taste Panelist

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$20/hr

Job Purpose and Impact This is a unique part-time position that works in a team to assist in ... As a trained sensory panelist this unique role involves sampling products including tasting ...

Cargill

Sensory Taste Panelist

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$20/hr

Job Purpose and Impact This is a unique part-time position that works in a team to assist in ... As a trained sensory panelist this unique role involves sampling products including tasting ...

ADM

Sensory Panelist - Decatur, IL

Decatur, IL · On-site

$20/hr

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 ...

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Part Time Sensory Panelist information

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$10

$16

$21

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

As of Jun 23, 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 are part time sensory panelists?

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, and why are they important?

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 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.

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 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:
Part Time Sensory Panelist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Part Time Sensory Panelist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, and 36% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,324 per year, or $16.5 per hour.
Part-Time Sensory Panelist

Part-Time Sensory Panelist

The Hershey Company

Hershey, PA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 23 hours ago

The Hershey Company rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 108 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

141st of 385 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Job Location: Hershey, PA
Summary:
Sensory Panelists will work under the supervision of the Associate Manager and Sensory Panel Leader to support daily tasting and panel maintenance requirements. The individual will apply appropriate focus and concentration on tasting responsibilities, engage in discussion regarding sample descriptions, and apply knowledge of GMPs and Food Safety requirements.
The individual will interact with fellow sensory panelists, the panel leader, the sensory technician and the Research Scientists responsible for leading Descriptive Analysis projects.
Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform major duties/responsibilities:
• Excellent tasting skills (ability to discern differences in samples for appearance, taste, texture); successful performance on screening tests for sensory acuity.
• Ability to interact effectively with large and diverse groups of people as well as to work independently
• Ability to listen and follow direction from a group leader and management
• Ability to maintain and uphold a professional work culture
• Computer skills (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Bonus: Hershey computer systems (EyeQuestion)
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:
Education: High School diploma or GED.
Bonus: Associates degree in Science
Experience :Minimum of 1-2 years of applicable work experience with Sensory testing and\or food handling.
Other:
• Excellent tasting skills (ability to discern differences in samples for appearance, taste, texture); assessed via taste acuity testing. The candidate must achieve successful performance on screening tests for sensory acuity.
Bonus: Food safety and handling training\Serve Safe.
#IND
The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The policy of The Hershey Company is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual's race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other categories protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minority/Female/Disabled/Protected Veterans.
You may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our online application process as a result of a disability.
You can request an accommodation via phone or email.
To request an accommodation via phone, please call +1 877-804-1794 and leave a voicemail with your contact information. You may also email a request for accommodation to ApplicationHelp@hersheys.com. Please be sure to include "Accommodation Needed" in the subject line. This will ensure that your email is routed to the appropriate contact who will handle your request.

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