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Restaurant Health Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Former Health Inspectors or 3rd Party Food Safety Auditors * Multi-Unit Restaurant Managers * Chefs ... Culinary Specialists Additional Qualifications Include: * Certified Food Safety Pro: Serve-Safe ...

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Former Health Inspectors or 3rd Party Food Safety Auditors * Multi-Unit Restaurant Managers * Chefs ... Culinary Specialists Additional Qualifications Include: * Certified Food Safety Pro: Serve-Safe ...

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Restaurant Health Inspector information

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$24.5K

$54.9K

$99K

How much do restaurant health inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for restaurant health inspector in the United States is $54,939.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $63,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a restaurant health inspector?

Restaurant health inspectors are public health professionals responsible for examining food establishments to ensure they comply with local, state, and federal health and safety regulations. Their duties include inspecting kitchens, storage areas, and dining spaces for cleanliness, proper food handling, and safe food storage practices. They also check for pest control, employee hygiene, and the correct use of kitchen equipment. If violations are found, inspectors can issue warnings, fines, or even shut down establishments until issues are resolved. Their work helps protect public health by preventing foodborne illnesses and ensuring safe dining experiences.

What are some of the common challenges restaurant health inspectors face during routine inspections?

Restaurant Health Inspectors often encounter challenges such as resistance or lack of cooperation from restaurant staff, navigating busy kitchens without disrupting operations, and effectively communicating complex health codes to diverse teams. Inspectors must remain objective while addressing violations and providing constructive feedback to ensure compliance. Additionally, managing a high volume of inspections within tight schedules while staying up to date on evolving regulations can be demanding, but it is essential for public health and safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a restaurant health inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Restaurant Health Inspector, you need in-depth knowledge of food safety regulations, inspection procedures, and typically a degree in environmental health or a related field. Familiarity with inspection software, digital reporting tools, and food safety certification programs such as ServSafe is often required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to remain impartial under pressure are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate assessments, promote public health, and help maintain compliance with safety standards in food establishments.

How do I become a restaurant health inspector?

To become a restaurant health inspector, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by relevant training or experience in food safety, public health, or environmental health. Many inspectors hold a bachelor's degree in a related field and must pass certification exams, such as those offered by the National Environmental Health Association or state agencies. Certification and licensing requirements vary by location and often include ongoing education to maintain credentials.

How hard is it to become a restaurant health inspector?

Becoming a restaurant health inspector typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant work experience in food service or health-related fields, and passing a state or local certification exam. Some jurisdictions also require completing training programs on food safety and sanitation, and inspectors must stay current with regulations through ongoing education.

How long does it take to become a restaurant health inspector?

Becoming a restaurant health inspector typically requires completing a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training or certification programs that can last several months. Many inspectors also gain experience in food service or public health roles before obtaining certification through state or local agencies, which may involve passing exams and ongoing education.

How much do restaurant health inspectors get paid?

Restaurant health inspectors typically earn a median annual salary of around $45,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, location, and government agency. Salaries can vary based on the region and the inspector's certifications and responsibilities.
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What cities are hiring for Restaurant Health Inspector jobs?

Cities with the most Restaurant Health Inspector job openings:

What states have the most Restaurant Health Inspector jobs?

States with the most job openings for Restaurant Health Inspector jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Restaurant Health Inspector jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Restaurant Health Inspector jobs are:

Infographic showing various Restaurant Health Inspector job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,939 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Environmental Representative (Health Inspector)

Saint Louis, MO

$39K - $57K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Description The St. Louis County Department of Public Health an Environmental Representative (Health Inspector) to support the work of environmental programs in the areas of FOOD SANITATION, POOLS, TOBACCO, TATTOO AND PIERCING and/or other environmental public health programs. The locations of these openings are: South County Government Center-4562 Lemay Ferry Road Saint Louis, Missouri 63129 North County Government Center-Northwest Crossings 715 Northwest Plaza Dr.

St. Ann, Missouri 63074 The typical salary is $23.00/hr. Additionally, we offer a comprehensive benefits package and a generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy

To learn more about these and other County benefits, please visit Saint Louis County Employee Benefits. St. Louis County Government is a qualified agency for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program managed by the Federal Government.

For more information regarding this program, please visit https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service. Please note, this position is open continuously. We will keep applications active for six months

Examples of Duties Ensure food establishments are in compliance with the food code by inspecting food establishments, responding to complaints, educating operators, and enforcing food safety ordinances. Ensure pool establishments are safe for swimmers and are in compliance with the pool code by inspecting pools, responding to complaints, educating operators, and enforcing the pool code. Ensure tattoo parlors are permitted and in compliance with the tattoo ordinance.

Ensure tobacco facilities are permitted and not selling to anyone under 21 years of age. Respond to septic complaints and ensure sewage systems are not failing. Investigate complaints, conduct inspections in restaurants, pools, and tobacco facilities and monitor permitted establishments to ensure compliance with applicable Local, State and Federal laws, including providing notice of non-compliance.

Conduct inspections, compliance audits and provides training and education in our jurisdiction for a variety of environmental health programs. Promote a variety of programs and environmental protection projects and communicate exposures and risks to the public. Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree in environmental science, engineering, mathematics, chemistry, a natural science or a related field and two years of related experience. Possession of a valid Driver's License. Additional Information SELECTION AND APPOINTMENT: A selection committee will evaluate the qualifications of each applicant which will include recentness and appropriateness of the applicant's education and experience, answers to the supplemental questions, results of employment references investigated and any other appropriate information available.

The selection committee will admit to the interview only those persons who possess the most job-related qualifications and may establish admittance criteria beyond the minimum qualifications stated above. The interview will comprise 100% of the applicant's earned grade. A candidate must earn a qualifying grade of 70 or more on the interview to be eligible for appointment.

After initial interviews with the selected candidates are conducted, an email will be sent to the address on file with instructions on how to complete and submit a Conviction Questionnaire. Candidates have 3 days to complete the required questionnaire. The five top ranking candidates, based on the final grade, will be certified to the Department Director/Appointing Authority who will make the final decision.

All applicants conditionally offered a merit position will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Screening will be performed by a reputable clinical laboratory. The cost of screening will be covered by the County.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. COVID-19 VACCINATION POLICY: In support of commitment to the health, safety, and wellness of all staff and to be compliant with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination Rule it is the policy of the Department of Public Health that all newly hired employees are required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Acceptable forms of proof include CDC COVID-19 vaccination cards (or legible photo), documentation from a health care provider, electronic health record, or state immunization information system record.

New employees must be fully vaccinated prior to starting service for the Department, and adherence to this policy is a condition of employment. Full vaccination means having received a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) approved vaccine or vaccine series, consisting of two doses of either of the two-dose vaccines or one dose of the single-dose vaccine. For moderately or severely immunocompromised individuals, a primary series consists of a 3-dose series of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine or a single dose of Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine.

Individuals are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after the second dose in a two-dose series, or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine. At this time, full vaccination does not require a booster shot. The meaning of "fully vaccinated" is subject to change in accordance with the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

For applicants with a CMS clinical contraindication to the vaccine or sincerely held religious beliefs, which prohibit them from receiving a vaccine, you may contact the Department of Public Health Office of Human Resources (DPH HR) during the hiring phase to request an exemption or reasonable accommodation. Employees granted exemption for medical or religious reasons will be required to wear facial coverings to reduce the risk of transmission to at-risk individuals in DPH facilities and submit to weekly COVID-19 testing. All prospective employees must read and acknowledge the Policy during the application process.

HOW TO APPLY: Applicants interested in applying for this position should visit our website at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/stlouis. We only accept On-line applications. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY: The policy of the Civil Service Commission of St

Louis County is to support fair and equitable employment opportunities for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veterans' status or political affiliation. Call the Division of Personnel at (314) 615-5429 for more information on this policy. St.

Louis County Division of Personnel, 7th Floor Clayton, MO 63105 (314) 615-5429 Relay MO 711 or 800-735-2966 An Equal Opportunity Employer Fax: (314) 615-7703 www.stlouiscountymo.gov.