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Recipe Tester Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Read recipe and add ingredients to mixer or bulk tank by hand and by using the plant control system (PCS). * Testing: Collect and test samples of product in various stages of the production process.

Machine Operator

Watertown, WI · On-site

$27.50 - $30.50/hr

Read recipe and add ingredients to mixer or bulk tank by hand and by using the plant control system (PCS). * Testing: Collect and test samples of product in various stages of the production process.

Read recipe and add ingredients to mixer or bulk tank by hand and by using the plant control system (PCS). * Testing: Collect and test samples of product in various stages of the production process.

Machine Operator

Milton, WI · On-site

$27.50 - $30.50/hr

Read recipe and add ingredients to mixer or bulk tank by hand and by using the plant control system (PCS). * Testing: Collect and test samples of product in various stages of the production process.

Machine Operator

Milton, WI

$27.50 - $30.50/hr

Read recipe and add ingredients to mixer or bulk tank by hand and by using the plant control system (PCS). * Testing: Collect and test samples of product in various stages of the production process.

Summary Coordinate with milk intake to set up the production schedule, weigh ingredients and cultures for the cheese recipe being produced, and facilitate quality and sanitation testing on cheese ...

Summary Coordinate with milk intake to set up the production schedule, weigh ingredients and cultures for the cheese recipe being produced, and facilitate quality and sanitation testing on cheese ...

Production Operator - 1st Shift

Mount Pleasant, WI · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

... testing per product specifications. Confers with lab technicians and supervisors and makes ... recipe for mixing and/or blending product. 4. Ability to operate a forklift. 5. Ability to use ...

Production Operator - 1st Shift

Mount Pleasant, WI · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

... testing per product specifications. Confers with lab technicians and supervisors and makes ... recipe for mixing and/or blending product. 4. Ability to operate a forklift. 5. Ability to use ...

Chef

Stevens Point, WI

$17.60 - $19/hr

Assists with recipe development, food testing, and daily menu planning to meet anticipated customer needs * Audits and maintains inventory, equipment, and clean work areas * Monitors and maintains ...

Chef

Stevens Point, WI · On-site

$17.60 - $19/hr

Assists with recipe development, food testing, and daily menu planning to meet anticipated customer needs * Audits and maintains inventory, equipment, and clean work areas * Monitors and maintains ...

Showing results 21-35

Recipe Tester information

See Wisconsin salary details

$10

$38

$63

How much do recipe tester jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for recipe tester in Wisconsin is $38.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.59 and $51.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a recipe tester?

Recipe testers are professionals who prepare recipes exactly as written to evaluate their accuracy, clarity, and overall results. Their job is to ensure that recipes are reliable, produce the intended outcome, and can be successfully recreated by home cooks or readers. Recipe testers provide detailed feedback on instructions, ingredient measurements, cooking times, and any potential issues, helping publishers, chefs, and food brands deliver trustworthy recipes. This role is essential in cookbook publishing, food magazines, and websites to maintain high standards of quality and consistency.

What does a recipe tester do?

As a recipe tester, your duties are to test recipes before food goes into production or before the release of a cookbook or recipe article. You may also help other food scientists, chefs, and writers develop and create new recipes for commercial purposes. Your principal responsibilities are to collect ingredients, measure them according to the instructions in the recipe, and cook them according to the recipe. You make careful notes, time how long the preparation and cooking take, and provide feedback to chefs or other culinary specialists.

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

To thrive as a Recipe Tester, you need a strong culinary background, attention to detail, and the ability to accurately follow and evaluate recipes, often supported by formal culinary training or extensive cooking experience. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food safety certifications, and proficiency in documenting test results using spreadsheets or recipe management software are common technical requirements. Excellent communication, organizational skills, and a discerning palate help recipe testers clearly convey feedback and work effectively with chefs or editors. These skills ensure reliable, consistent recipe outcomes and contribute to creating accurate, user-friendly recipes for publications or product development.

What are some common challenges recipe testers face when working with new or unproven recipes?

Recipe testers often encounter challenges such as unclear instructions, missing ingredient measurements, or unexpected cooking results. Adjusting for different kitchen equipment or ingredient availability can also be tricky, requiring good problem-solving skills and attention to detail. The role involves thorough documentation and effective communication with recipe developers to ensure feedback leads to more reliable and successful recipes. Collaboration with chefs, editors, and sometimes photographers is common, making teamwork and adaptability important assets in this role.

What is the difference between Recipe Tester vs Food Writer?

AspectRecipe TesterFood Writer
CredentialsCooking skills, food safety knowledgeWriting skills, culinary knowledge beneficial
Work EnvironmentTest kitchens, food labsOffices, freelance or publication settings
Industry UsageFood brands, publishers, recipe developmentMagazines, blogs, media outlets
Search & ComparisonOften compared for culinary accuracy and testing skillsCompared for storytelling and culinary expertise

Recipe Testers focus on testing and refining recipes in a kitchen environment, ensuring accuracy and quality. Food Writers, on the other hand, craft engaging content about food, recipes, and culinary trends. While both roles require food knowledge, Recipe Testers emphasize practical testing, whereas Food Writers focus on storytelling and communication.

How much do recipe testers get paid?

Recipe testers typically earn between $10 and $25 per hour, depending on experience and the employer. Some may be paid per recipe or project, with freelance testers often earning higher rates for specialized or complex tasks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Recipe Tester jobs in Wisconsin?

The most popular types of Recipe Tester jobs in Wisconsin are:

What are popular job titles related to Recipe Tester jobs in Wisconsin?

For Recipe Tester jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Recipe Tester jobs in Wisconsin look for?

The top searched job categories for Recipe Tester jobs in Wisconsin are:

What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Recipe Tester jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Recipe Tester job openings:

Infographic showing various Recipe Tester job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,537 per year, or $38.7 per hour.

$27.50 - $30.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

New hires are eligible for a $3,000 sign-on bonus*

Clasen Quality Chocolate (CQC) is a world-class manufacturer of chocolate and innovative coatings. We have recently been awarded the Top Workplaces Award by the WI State Journal - No. 2 Large Employer and the Benefits Award. CQC has been growing double digits annually because of our flexibility, commitment, respect and integrity, and we are looking for quality individuals to join our team. Working for a family-owned company provides you with the opportunity to wear many differenthats,” make a difference every day, and have fun doing it! We are committed to being an Employer of Choice in Southern Wisconsin and offering our employees a variety of traditional and unconventional benefits.

We are currently accepting applications for full-time Machine Operators in our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Watertown, WI, conveniently located between Madison and Milwaukee. Pay range is $30.50/hr (includes shift differential) on NIGHTS.

These are regular, full-time positions.

NIGHTS: 4:55pm-5:25am: Sunday-Tuesday, every other Saturday. $2000 sign-on bonus + extra $1000*

Because you're only working 3-4 days per week, you have more full days off for hobbies and time with friends and family. Also, there is 8-hours of built-in overtime during your 4-day workweek. Last, if you want to volunteer for an extra work day and its available, it is paid at double-time.

BENEFITS:
  • Bonus Potential – Perfect Attendance ($300+ quarterly) & Year-End (5%+)
  • Double Time Pay
  • Health, Dental, Vision Insurance (Low deductible and copays, LASIK reimbursement, adult orthodontics)
  • Company-paid Life and Disability Insurance
  • 401(k) Match – up to 5%
  • Paid Vacation, Personal and Volunteer days plus 11 holidays
  • Onsite Fitness Facility
  • Paid maternity/paternity leave
  • Wellness: Free fruit, insurance discounts, gym and run/walk/bike event reimbursement, free wellness checks
  • Scholarships – Employee, spouse, and children
  • Summer Camp Reimbursement – children of employees
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Employee appreciation events
  • Free chocolate and coating!

JOB SUMMARY: The primary purpose of a Technician is to read and understand coating recipes, produce chocolate and coating in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) procedures, and safety procedures, and also display competency in material handling. The Technician must also possess a great deal of flexibility in their ability to multi-task and maintain a team attitude in all actions taken.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

A Technician would be assigned to North or South plant responsibilities.
North Plant:

  • Mixing: Read recipe and add ingredients to mixer or bulk tank by hand and by using the plant control system (PCS).
  • Testing: Collect and test samples of product in various stages of the production process. Add necessary ingredients to the conches. Melt ingredients for production orders.
  • Refining: Prepare and operate the pre-refiner, refiners, and conches to achieve desired fineness and viscosity.

South Plant:

  • Chipline: Operate chipline depositor and troubleshoot color, shape, and size issues on finished products. Read, interpret, and mix bases, flavors, and dyes to meet product specifications. Melt ingredients for production orders. Collect and test samples of product in various stages of the production process. Add necessary ingredients to bulk tanks.
  • Packaging: Operate all packaging equipment to ensure product meets customer standards and complete all required paperwork and checks.
  • Sanitation: Utilize correct cleaning procedures to complete production and non-production cleaning responsibilities. Set up, tear down, and clean tanks, pipes, pumps, and plates.
  • Train and certify in the areas noted above within the designated time frames.
  • Make mixes and operate drum and pail filling equipment.
  • Inspect product for color, shape, size, flavor, and viscosity issues.
  • Read and interpret production and distribution schedules.
  • Understand and display competency in using the plant control system (PCS) and human machine interfaces (HMI).
  • Complete paperwork and log production information accurately (labor reports, recipe weight, waste sheets, Master Sanitation Schedule (MSS) sheets, etc.).
  • Operate forklift and other material handling equipment.
  • Attend team, safety, and quality meetings, complete the necessary training / certification required by supervision, and train others as needed. Perform all tasks assigned by the supervisor, while following all company, safety, and quality policies and procedures. Cover for other employees while on break/lunch. Maintain regular attendance at work, and work overtime as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • 3 years of complex industrial experience (machine operation, troubleshooting, mechanical, etc.)
  • Food manufacturing experience would be helpful, but not required
  • Previous experience lifting 55 lbs. is preferred
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Excel, RSS, Microsoft Navision, Plant Control Systems, and/or Label Management would be helpful

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • Lift 55 pounds, sometimes repetitively
  • Stand and walk for a 12-hour shift
  • Communicate, write and read in English
  • Perform math at an intermediate level (multiplication, division, fractions, etc.)
  • Work at heights above 10 feet and in extreme heat
  • Work with allergens, such as soy, milk, etc.
  • Positive, can-do attitude and flexibility to perform a variety of tasks
  • Multi-tasking, problem-solving and decision-making skills
  • Accuracy and attention to detail
  • Demonstrate range-of-motion, strength, and physical stamina needed to safely perform the job in fast-paced work environment.
  • Remain alert to safety hazards, maintain attention to stay on task, manage time effectively, and work independently and in a team to complete assigned tasks.

CQC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability, protected veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.


For more information, please visit our website at www.cqc.com


*$2,000 after successful completion of the introductory period and $1,000 after 6 months of employment. Applies to Watertown Machine Operator/Technician applicants from 4/28/26 to end of promotion.


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