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Professional Taste Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Poke House

Store Manager

Walnut Creek, CA

$30 - $35/hr

  • Retirement

Conduct product quality checks by taste testing and inspecting food to ensure the quality of food is consistent and up to standards * Maintain a professional restaurant image such as proper staff ...

Poke House

Assistant Manager

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$26 - $28/hr

Conduct product quality checks by taste testing and inspecting food to ensure the quality of food is consistent and up to standards * Maintain a professional restaurant image such as proper staff ...

Linx Asset Management LLC

Lead Line Cook

York, PA · On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

Observes and tests food being cooked by properly taste testing and taking food temperatures using ... Must maintain a professional, neat and clean appearance and exhibit a positive attitude. * Position ...

KPG Nursing

Operating Room in Clearlake, CA

Clearlake, CA · On-site

$2.6K/wk

Our Services include Travel Nursing, Home Health, Allied Professionals, Locum Tenens Staffing, and ... or taste-testing at the local boutique wineries that dot the landscape. Enjoy the convenience of ...

Poke House

Assistant Manager

Daly City, CA

$23.75/hr

Conduct product quality checks by taste testing and inspecting food to ensure the quality of food is consistent and up to standards * Maintain a professional restaurant image such as proper staff ...

Global Regency Senior Care Services LLC

Cook

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Maintain a strict "clean as you go" policy for staff ensuring a clean professional work environment ... Assists in completion of temperature and meal record log and participates in taste testing and ...

Poke House

Assistant Manager

Mountain View, CA

$22 - $26.25/hr

  • Retirement

Conduct product quality checks by taste testing and inspecting food to ensure the quality of food is consistent and up to standards * Maintain a professional restaurant image such as proper staff ...

Poke House

Store Manager

Daly City, CA · On-site

$32/hr

  • Retirement

Conduct product quality checks by taste testing and inspecting food to ensure the quality of food is consistent and up to standards * Maintain a professional restaurant image such as proper staff ...

Poke House

Assistant Manager

Walnut Creek, CA

$20 - $25/hr

Conduct product quality checks by taste testing and inspecting food to ensure the quality of food is consistent and up to standards * Maintain a professional restaurant image such as proper staff ...

UNC Health Careers

Food Services Supv

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$19.98 - $28.54/hr

Supervises all merchandising, temperature and taste testing of all food items records results ... Professional Experience Requirements: Two (2) years food service experience Knowledge/Skills/and ...

Hersheys

Part-Time Sensory Panelist

Hershey, PA · On-site

... and uphold a professional work culture Computer skills (Word, Excel, Outlook) Excellent ... Sensory testing and\or food handling. Other: Excellent tasting skills (ability to discern ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsProfessional Taste Tester Jobs

Professional Taste Tester information

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$10

$38

$62

How much do professional taste tester jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional taste tester in the United States is $38.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $50.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a professional taste tester do?

A professional taste tester assesses the flavor, texture, aroma, color, and other qualities of food products. In this career, you eat food items from manufacturers, restaurant chains, or other food producers. You then judge them on specific traits. Your responsibilities include scoring each food item in these particular areas and explaining the basis for your opinion. A professional food taster can be a professionally trained culinary expert with a well-developed palate or a consumer who works for market research panels on a part-time basis. In both jobs, your duties include tasting products and documenting your opinions orally or in writing.

What does a typical day look like for a professional taste tester, and how do they interact with other team members?

A typical day for a Professional Taste Tester involves evaluating a variety of food or beverage samples, recording detailed sensory notes, and providing feedback on taste, texture, aroma, and appearance. Taste testers often work closely with product developers, chefs, and quality assurance teams to refine recipes and ensure consistency. Collaboration is key, as testers participate in group tasting panels and discussions to compare impressions and reach consensus on product quality. The environment is usually a lab or test kitchen with controlled tasting conditions to ensure unbiased results.

What is the difference between Professional Taste Tester vs Food Quality Analyst?

AspectProfessional Taste TesterFood Quality Analyst
Required CredentialsSensory training, palate training, sometimes certifications in food scienceFood science or technology degree, certifications in quality assurance
Work EnvironmentFood testing labs, manufacturing facilities, tasting panelsQuality control labs, manufacturing plants, food production facilities
Employer & Industry UsageFood companies, flavor houses, research labsFood manufacturing, quality assurance departments, regulatory agencies

While both roles involve evaluating food products, a Professional Taste Tester primarily focuses on sensory evaluation and flavor profiling, often working in tasting panels. A Food Quality Analyst emphasizes assessing food safety, quality standards, and compliance through scientific testing and analysis. Both roles require knowledge of food science but differ in their focus and daily tasks.

What is a professional taste tester?

Professional Taste Testers are individuals who evaluate the flavor, texture, aroma, and overall quality of foods and beverages, often working for food manufacturers, restaurants, or research organizations. Their feedback helps companies improve products, ensure consistency, and develop new recipes. Taste testers may specialize in certain products, such as chocolate, wine, or coffee, and use their sensory skills to detect subtle differences in taste and quality. This role often requires a refined palate, attention to detail, and sometimes formal training in sensory analysis. Professional Taste Testers play a crucial role in food safety and product development.

How much money do professional taste testers make?

Professional taste testers typically earn between $20,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and whether they work full-time or part-time. Some may receive additional benefits or bonuses, especially if working for large food or beverage companies, and the job often requires sensory evaluation skills and attention to detail.

Can you get paid for taste testing?

Professional taste testers can be paid for evaluating food and beverage products, often working for companies, market research firms, or as freelancers. Payment varies based on the project, experience, and the complexity of the testing, with some testers earning hourly wages or per session fees. Skills in palate sensitivity and proper testing procedures are important for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional taste tester, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Professional Taste Tester, strong sensory evaluation skills, an acute sense of taste and smell, and relevant food science or culinary qualifications are essential. Familiarity with sensory analysis tools, standardized tasting protocols, and sometimes certifications like Certified Sensory Scientist are commonly required. Attention to detail, clear communication, and the ability to provide objective, constructive feedback are standout soft skills. These competencies are crucial for ensuring product quality, consistency, and consumer satisfaction in the food and beverage industry.
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Professional Taste Tester jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Taste Tester job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $79,791 per year, or $38.4 per hour.

Food Service Assistant - Kitchen & Cafeteria

Children's Hospital & Medical Center - Omaha

Omaha, NE • On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm with every other weekend

At Children's, the region's only full-service pediatric healthcare center, our people make us the very best for kids. Come cultivate your passion, purpose and professional development in an environment of excellence and inclusion, where team members are supported and deeply valued. Opportunities for career growth abound as we grow our services and spaces, including the cutting-edge Hubbard Center for Children. Join our highly engaged, caring team-and join us in providing brighter, healthier tomorrows for the children we serve. Children's is committed to diversity and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer including veterans and people with disabilities.
A Brief Overview
The team member will assemble and serve meals for the cafeteria customer. They will protect food quality by following operational procedures for food handling, food safety, and infection control.
Essential Functions

  • Follows approved cafeteria menu preparation and service protocols within approved timelines. Trains to all stations within the kitchen and cafeteria to cross cover as needed.
  • Maintains clean, stocked, and continuous service-ready work areas utilizing HACCP and positive food handler techniques.
  • Promotes improvement in patient/customer satisfaction by providing appealing food and excellent customer service.
  • Prioritizes work duties due to patient/customer needs.
  • Monitors appropriate inventory of food and supplies by including dating, rotating products for service and documenting outages of same.
  • Participates in financial management processes by carefully monitoring portion control, proper pricing, and safe storage of supplies and food.
  • Participates in quality improvement initiatives, including taste testing, and displays of positive eye appeal at each service station.
  • Regular attendance at work is an essential function of the job.
  • Perform physical requirements as described in the Physical Requirements section


Education Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or GED Preferred

Experience Qualifications

  • Minimum 6 months food service experience, preferably in a health care setting Preferred

Skills and Abilities

  • Knowledge of basic hygiene principles.
  • Knowledge of basic infection control policies and procedures.
  • Skill in customer relations and service recovery.
  • Skill in safe food handling.
  • Ability to assess acceptable food quality.
  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to work closely with professional staff.
  • Ability to promote a positive dining experience.

Licenses and Certifications

  • Food Handlers Card (ANSI-accredited only) within 90 Days Required


Children's is the very best for kids and the very best for your career! At Children's, we put YOU first so together, we can improve the life of every child!

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