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Professional Food Taster Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tasting Room Associate

Portland, OR · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Maintain a respectful and professional attitude toward all wine offerings and brands in the tasting ... Prepare food items as needed for service, ensuring high standards of quality and food safety.

Description: Make food look as good as it tastes. Grey Dog Media, a national award-winning ... Maintain a clean, organized, professional test kitchen environment. * Stay on top of food styling ...

Hawks View Winery seeks a Tasting Room Barback who will set up and maintain the tasting counters ... Food Handlers Card and OLCC permit. * Able to engage guests in a clear and professional manner.

Team Member

Castaic, CA · On-site

$11.50 - $15.50/hr

Food Tastes Great * (Food Quality) Makes sure the food looks and tastes great and is high quality ... Performs professionally during difficult situations and / or high volume times. * It takes pride in ...

Team Member

Denton, TX · On-site

$11 - $14.75/hr

Food Tastes Great * (Food Quality) Makes sure the food looks and tastes great and is high quality ... Performs professionally during difficult situations and / or high volume times. * It takes pride in ...

Team Member

Castaic, CA · On-site

$11.50 - $15.50/hr

Food Tastes Great * (Food Quality) Makes sure the food looks and tastes great and is high quality ... Performs professionally during difficult situations and / or high volume times. * It takes pride in ...

Team Member

Wichita Falls, TX · On-site

$11.50 - $15.25/hr

Food Tastes Great * (Food Quality) Makes sure the food looks and tastes great and is high quality ... Performs professionally during difficult situations and / or high volume times. * It takes pride in ...

Team Member

Valencia, CA · On-site

$12 - $16/hr

Food Tastes Great * (Food Quality) Makes sure the food looks and tastes great and is high quality ... Performs professionally during difficult situations and / or high volume times. * It takes pride in ...

Team Member

Granada Hills, CA · On-site

$12.50 - $17/hr

Food Tastes Great * (Food Quality) Makes sure the food looks and tastes great and is high quality ... Performs professionally during difficult situations and / or high volume times. * It takes pride in ...

Team Member

Greeley, CO · On-site

$11.25 - $15.25/hr

Food Tastes Great * (Food Quality) Makes sure the food looks and tastes great and is high quality ... Performs professionally during difficult situations and / or high volume times. * It takes pride in ...

Team Member

Castaic, CA · On-site

$11.50 - $15.50/hr

Food Tastes Great * (Food Quality) Makes sure the food looks and tastes great and is high quality ... Performs professionally during difficult situations and / or high volume times. * It takes pride in ...

Team Member

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$11.75 - $15.75/hr

Food Tastes Great * (Food Quality) Makes sure the food looks and tastes great and is high quality ... Performs professionally during difficult situations and / or high volume times. * It takes pride in ...

Team Member

Azle, TX · On-site

$10.25 - $13.75/hr

Food Tastes Great * (Food Quality) Makes sure the food looks and tastes great and is high quality ... Performs professionally during difficult situations and / or high volume times. * It takes pride in ...

Team Member

Denver, CO · On-site

$12 - $16.25/hr

Food Tastes Great * (Food Quality) Makes sure the food looks and tastes great and is high quality ... Performs professionally during difficult situations and / or high volume times. * It takes pride in ...

Team Member

Denton, TX · On-site

$11 - $14.75/hr

Food Tastes Great * (Food Quality) Makes sure the food looks and tastes great and is high quality ... Performs professionally during difficult situations and / or high volume times. * It takes pride in ...

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

Food Tastes Great * (Food Quality) Makes sure the food looks and tastes great and is high quality ... Performs professionally during difficult situations and / or high volume times. * It takes pride in ...

Team Member

Santa Clarita, CA · On-site

$12 - $16/hr

Food Tastes Great * (Food Quality) Makes sure the food looks and tastes great and is high quality ... Performs professionally during difficult situations and / or high volume times. * It takes pride in ...

Team Member

Haltom City, TX · On-site

$10.25 - $14/hr

Food Tastes Great * (Food Quality) Makes sure the food looks and tastes great and is high quality ... Performs professionally during difficult situations and / or high volume times. * It takes pride in ...

Team Member

Lewisville, TX · On-site

$11 - $14.75/hr

Food Tastes Great * (Food Quality) Makes sure the food looks and tastes great and is high quality ... Performs professionally during difficult situations and / or high volume times. * It takes pride in ...

Showing results 41-60

Professional Food Taster information

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How much do professional food taster jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional food taster in the United States is $22.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a professional food taster do?

A professional food taster evaluates products and provides feedback for a food manufacturer, restaurant, or another food production business. Your primary duties include providing feedback to the manufacturer or producer, typically in the form of a report. After you evaluate the product, you may offer suggestions about how to improve it. You may also look at consumer research so that you can include the flavor preferences of your client’s target market in your report. Your responsibilities as a professional food taster may also involve evaluating drinks.

What is the difference between Professional Food Taster vs Food Critic?

AspectProfessional Food TasterFood Critic
CredentialsOften requires culinary knowledge or sensory trainingTypically has journalism, writing, or culinary background
Work EnvironmentTest kitchens, food labs, or tasting panelsRestaurants, media outlets, or publications
Employer & IndustryFood companies, research labs, or quality assuranceMedia, newspapers, magazines, online platforms

While both roles involve evaluating food, a Professional Food Taster focuses on sensory testing for quality and product development, often within food companies or labs. A Food Critic writes reviews and provides opinions on dining experiences for media outlets. The roles differ mainly in purpose and setting, but both require strong sensory skills and food knowledge.

What is a professional food taster?

Professional food tasters are individuals trained to evaluate the taste, texture, aroma, and overall quality of food and beverages. They work for food companies, restaurants, or research organizations to ensure products meet quality standards and consumer preferences. Their feedback helps companies refine recipes, develop new products, and maintain consistency in flavor and quality. Food tasters may specialize in specific products, such as wine, chocolate, or coffee, and often have a background in food science or culinary arts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional food taster?

To thrive as a Professional Food Taster, you need a refined palate, excellent sensory evaluation skills, and typically a background in food science, culinary arts, or nutrition. Familiarity with sensory analysis techniques, food safety protocols, and tools like flavor profile charts is important. Strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to provide objective feedback are essential soft skills for this role. These skills ensure consistent, high-quality product evaluation and help companies refine flavors and maintain standards.

How much money do professional food tasters make?

Professional food tasters typically earn between $20,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, employer, and location. Senior or specialized tasters in the industry can earn higher salaries, and some may receive additional benefits or bonuses for their sensory evaluation skills.

What are some common challenges faced by professional food tasters in their daily work?

Professional food tasters often encounter challenges such as palate fatigue, which can occur when sampling multiple foods in a short period, making it harder to detect subtle flavors. Maintaining objectivity and consistency in evaluations is crucial, especially when working with diverse products. Additionally, strict hygiene and dietary guidelines must be followed to ensure accurate and safe assessments. Working alongside chefs, product developers, and quality assurance teams requires clear communication to translate sensory feedback into actionable insights.
What cities are hiring for Professional Food Taster jobs? Cities with the most Professional Food Taster job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Taster jobs? The most popular types of Food Taster jobs are:
What states have the most Professional Food Taster jobs? States with the most job openings for Professional Food Taster jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Professional Food Taster jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Professional Food Taster jobs are:
Infographic showing various Professional Food Taster job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,472 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Nutrition Services Manager

Independence School District

Independence, MO • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or general education degree (GED)
  • Previous food service/production experience preferred
  • Valid Jackson County/Independence Food Handler's Permit
  • Ability to speak, read and write English
  • Ability to perform basic math
  • Basic computer skills required/Willingness to learn new technology
  • Ability to interact positively with students and adult customers
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs
  • Ability to lift, squat, stoop, reach, pushing and/or pulling.
  • Ability to stand for extended periods of time
  • Ability to withstand a variety of temperature ranges
  • Ability to work as part of a team
  • Ability to follow district requirements for professional food service dress code
  • Knowledgeable in the use of equipment and their safety protocols

 
Fair Labor Standards Act Status:  Non-Exempt
Reports to:
Nutrition Center Manager
Job Goal:
Support the daily hot/cold preparation of the daily menu, participation, accountability, and sanitation of the Nutrition Center while adhering to the policies and guidelines as set forth by the Nutrition Service Department
General Responsibilities:









  • Proficiently prepares hot and cold food according to production and  the daily menu
    • Maintains food inventory guidelines as set by HACCP by monitoring/inventorying  incoming food supplies for quality and quantity and insures stock rotations
  • Completes daily sanitation duties for the purpose of maintaining a clean/healthy environment for food preparation and serving of meals that are in compliance with District, State and Federal standards.
  • Assures that the participation meal components are in accordance to the requirements of the NSLP and meet the standards of the Independence School District's Nutrition Services Department
  • Assures accurate meal participation accountability by accurately posting sales and payments to student accounts
    • Records deposits/prepares bank deposits and other reports on a daily basis
  • Accurately receives products and assures inventory for daily production
  • Maintains a high level of food quality-visual and taste
  • Forwards Free and Reduced applications to the manager daily
  • Positive attitude that reflects on the Nutrition Center and the program
  • Follows all Safety Protocol and Guidelines
  • Reports any problems to the Manager
  • Reliable and on time to work
  • Attends and completes the mandatory continuing education training as assigned
  • Uses good time management without constant supervision
  • Accepts suggestions for improvement in a professional manner
  • Performs other duties as assigned

 
Terms of Employment:
Cook 1 positions will be employed for nine (9) months. The salary and work calendar will be established annually by the Board of Education.
Required Testing:
Post offer employment medical physical exam and essential functions test (EFT) required.
Work Environment/conditions:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works indoors with minimal temperature variations and under conditions with exposure to hot and cold environments, risk of injury and/or illness.  The employee will work near, or with, moving mechanical equipment.  The employee may also occasionally work with cleaning chemicals.  The noise level of the work environment is usually moderate, but occasionally can be loud.  Generally the job requires 5 % sitting, 50% standing, and 45% walking.
Physical Demands:









  • The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers, and talk and hear.
  • The employee is frequently required to reach, bend, squat, stoop, and kneel.
  • The employee must frequently lift, carry, push, or move up to 50 pounds.
  • The employee will frequently push or pull items such as, but not limited to, carts with food items and/or equipment that can weigh up to 50 pounds total.

 
Evaluation:
Performance of this job will be evaluated by the Manager using the Independence School District Performance Based Evaluation- Nutrition Services.