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Public Health Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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How much do public health inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for public health inspector in the United States is $55,966.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $56,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Public Health Inspector vs Environmental Health Officer?

AspectPublic Health InspectorEnvironmental Health Officer
CredentialsCertification in public health or environmental health, often requiring a diploma or degreeSimilar certifications, often with additional specialization in environmental policies
Work EnvironmentInspecting restaurants, food establishments, and public facilitiesAssessing environmental hazards, pollution control, and community health issues
Employer & IndustryPublic health departments, municipal agenciesGovernment agencies, environmental organizations
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared due to overlapping roles in public health enforcementRelated but broader environmental focus

Public Health Inspectors primarily focus on inspecting food safety, sanitation, and public health compliance. Environmental Health Officers have a broader scope, including environmental hazards and pollution control. Both roles require similar certifications and work within public health or environmental agencies, but their specific responsibilities differ based on their focus areas.

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

To thrive as a Public Health Inspector, you need a strong background in environmental health, public health regulations, and inspection procedures, typically supported by a degree in environmental health or a related field and relevant certification or licensure. Proficiency with inspection management software, laboratory testing equipment, and data analysis tools is commonly required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and strong problem-solving skills help inspectors assess risks and educate the public. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure community safety, enforce health standards, and prevent the spread of disease.

How much do public health inspectors make in the US?

Public health inspectors in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries can vary based on the size of the jurisdiction and specific responsibilities, with some inspectors earning over $70,000 in higher-paying regions.

What Does a Public Health Inspector Do?

As a public health inspector, you monitor public facilities and private businesses to ensure they meet the required standards for public health and safety. As part of your duties and responsibilities, you may provide certification to buildings that pass all tests, review employee training programs, issue fines, suspend licenses, and take samples to send to labs. Public health inspectors often make unannounced visits and typically return for a second check to see whether or not the problem is fixed. This job frequently involves travel throughout a wide area, so a driver's license is essential to success. Public health inspectors are usually government employees, though you may find similar positions within franchise companies that want to inspect their own locations.

How does a Public Health Inspector typically collaborate with other departments or agencies during inspections?

Public Health Inspectors frequently work in partnership with various municipal, state, and federal agencies, as well as other departments such as fire, building, and environmental services. During inspections, they may coordinate with these teams to address overlapping concerns, such as code compliance or environmental hazards, and share findings to ensure public safety. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as inspectors often participate in joint investigations or follow-up actions with these partners. This collaborative approach helps streamline processes and ensures comprehensive enforcement of public health standards.

What does a Public Health Inspector do?

A Public Health Inspector is responsible for assessing and ensuring that public places such as restaurants, food processing plants, swimming pools, and other facilities comply with health and safety regulations. They conduct inspections, investigate complaints, and enforce laws to prevent the spread of disease and protect community health. Their duties also include educating business owners and the public about health standards and practices, as well as documenting violations and recommending corrective actions.
What cities are hiring for Public Health Inspector jobs? Cities with the most Public Health Inspector job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Public Health Inspector jobs? The most popular types of Public Health Inspector jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Public Health Inspector jobs? The top employers for Public Health Inspector jobs are:
What states have the most Public Health Inspector jobs? States with the most job openings for Public Health Inspector jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Public Health Inspector jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Public Health Inspector jobs are:
Infographic showing various Public Health Inspector job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 98% Full Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,966 per year, or $26.9 per hour.
Public Health Inspector, Bureau of Food Safety and Community Sanitation

Public Health Inspector, Bureau of Food Safety and Community Sanitation

City of New York

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago


City Of New York rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 77 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

480th of 643 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Company Description
Job Description
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's Division of Environmental Health works to prevent and control illness and injury related to environmental and occupational health risks through outreach, education, surveillance, and enforcement. With staff of 1,000, the Division covers a broad range of subject matter, including oversight of environmental investigations, lead poisoning, injury prevention, occupational health, food safety, childcare, radiation control, recreational and drinking water quality, air quality, climate health, vector control, veterinary public health and pest control. The Bureau of Food Safety and Community Sanitation (BFSCS) protect the public, including New York's most vulnerable citizens, from a broad range of hazards that may pose a threat to health or safety. DOHMH is mandated to inspect 26,000 restaurants annually, school cafeterias, and mobile food vending unit, adult day care centers, senior centers, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and other facilities.
DUTIES WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:
- Making periodic inspections of commercial and social service establishments.
- Enforcing provisions of Smoke-Free Air Act, Tobacco Product Regulation Act.
- Reviewing menu and menu boards to observe compliance with nutritional requirements aid at reducing and combating chronic diseases and obesity.
- Preparing inspection reports using handheld computers. Preparing and serving court summonses when specific violations of applicable City, State laws and regulations are found.
- Enforce anti-corruption control policies.
- Testifying at Office of Trials and Hearings, and other courts when required.
- Traveling throughout the five boroughs using mass transit.
PREFERRED SKILLS:
- Technical and scientific skills.
- Effective communication skills
- Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal and organizational skills as well as computer skills.
- Able to carry and constantly using approximately 20 pounds of inspection equipment.
Why you should work for us:
- Benefits: City employees are entitled to unmatched benefits such as:
o a premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment.
o additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position's associated union/benefit fund.
o a public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
o a tax-deferred savings program and
o a robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers.
- Work From Home Policy: Depending on your position, you may be able to work up to two days during the week from home.
- Job Security - you could enjoy more job security compared to private sector employment and be able to contribute to making NYC a healthy place to live and work.
Established in 1805, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department) is the oldest and largest health department in the U.S., dedicated to protecting and improving the health of NYC. Our mission is to safeguard the health of every resident and cultivate a city where everyone, regardless of age, background, or location, can achieve their optimal health. We provide a wide array of programs and services focused on food and nutrition, anti-tobacco support, chronic disease prevention, HIV/AIDS treatment, family and child health, environmental health, mental health, and social justice initiatives. As the primary population health strategist and policy authority for NYC, with a rich history of public health initiatives and scientific advancements, from addressing the 1822 yellow fever outbreak to the COVID-19 pandemic, we serve as a global leader in public health innovation and expertise.
Come join us and help to continue our efforts in making a difference in the lives of all New Yorkers!
The NYC Health Department is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation to all individuals. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Sye-Eun Ahn, Director of the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, at sahn1@health.nyc.gov or 347-396-6549.
PUBLIC HEALTH SANITARIAN - 31215
Qualifications
1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, including or supplemented by 30 semester credits in the physical and/or biological sciences, i.e., biology, botany, chemistry, geology, physics, physiology, and zoology; of which not more than 12 credit hours may be in the applied sciences, i.e., environmental technology, sanitation technology, medical technology, public health, infection control or food service; or
2. An associate degree from an accredited college, with 15 semester credits in the physical and/or biological sciences, of which not more than 6 credit hours may be in the applied sciences, and 5 years of experience as a public health technician assisting sanitarians and engineers in carrying out the various elements of prevention and control programs affecting the public's health.
Medical Requirement: Medical guidelines have been established for the position of Public Health Sanitarian. Candidates will be examined to determine whether they can perform the essential functions of the position of Public Health Sanitarian. Where appropriate, a reasonable accommodation will be provided for a person with a disability to enable him or her to take the examination, and /or to perform the essential functions of the job.
Additional Information
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

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