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Restaurant Inspector Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants

Restaurant Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform regular and ad hoc inventories of food, beverage and restaurant supplies and track high cost items; place food, beverage and restaurant supply orders; and accept and inspect deliveries

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants

Restaurant Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform regular and ad hoc inventories of food, beverage and restaurant supplies and track high cost items; place food, beverage and restaurant supply orders; and accept and inspect deliveries

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants

Restaurant Manager

Glenview, IL · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform regular and ad hoc inventories of food, beverage and restaurant supplies and track high cost items; place food, beverage and restaurant supply orders; and accept and inspect deliveries

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants

Restaurant Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform regular and ad hoc inventories of food, beverage and restaurant supplies and track high cost items; place food, beverage and restaurant supply orders; and accept and inspect deliveries

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants

Restaurant Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform regular and ad hoc inventories of food, beverage and restaurant supplies and track high cost items; place food, beverage and restaurant supply orders; and accept and inspect deliveries

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsRestaurant Inspector JobsRestaurant Inspector Jobs in Illinois

Restaurant Inspector information

See Illinois salary details

$23.7K

$53.2K

$95.9K

How much do restaurant inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for restaurant inspector in Illinois is $53,237.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,300.00 and $61,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a restaurant inspector?

To thrive as a Restaurant Inspector, you need a solid understanding of food safety regulations, public health standards, and inspection procedures, typically supported by a relevant degree or certification in environmental health or a related field. Familiarity with inspection reporting software, handheld data collection devices, and state or local compliance databases is often required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and impartial judgment are vital soft skills for interacting with restaurant staff and ensuring fair assessments. These skills and qualifications are crucial to uphold public health, enforce safety standards, and maintain trust in food service establishments.

Is food inspection a stressful job?

Food inspection is a demanding role that requires attention to detail, adherence to health regulations, and the ability to handle conflicts with restaurant staff. Inspectors often work under time constraints and may encounter challenging situations, which can contribute to stress. However, proper training and experience can help manage job-related pressures effectively.

How do you become a restaurant inspector?

To become a restaurant inspector, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some states require postsecondary education in food safety, public health, or a related field. Most inspectors are employed by government health departments and may need to pass written exams and background checks; relevant certifications in food safety or sanitation are often preferred. Experience in food service or public health can also be beneficial for qualifying for inspection roles.

What is the difference between Restaurant Inspector vs Food Safety Auditor?

AspectRestaurant InspectorFood Safety Auditor
CertificationsHealth and safety certifications, food safety trainingFood safety certifications, audit training
Work EnvironmentInspecting restaurants on-siteReviewing food safety processes remotely or on-site
Employer & Industry UsageLocal health departments, government agenciesPrivate companies, consulting firms
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding restaurant health inspectionsEvaluating food safety compliance audits

Both roles focus on food safety but differ in scope and setting. Restaurant Inspectors primarily conduct on-site health inspections of restaurants to ensure compliance with safety standards. Food Safety Auditors often perform comprehensive evaluations of food safety systems, sometimes remotely, for various clients. While overlapping in certifications and industry usage, their work environments and specific responsibilities vary.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by restaurant inspectors during site visits?

Restaurant inspectors often encounter challenges such as navigating busy kitchen environments while minimizing disruption, addressing language barriers with staff, and ensuring compliance with health codes in a wide range of establishments. Inspectors must also handle sensitive conversations professionally when violations are found, balancing regulatory enforcement with educational guidance. Staying up-to-date with evolving health regulations and managing a busy inspection schedule are also key aspects of the role.

What is a restaurant inspector?

Restaurant inspectors are public health professionals who evaluate food service establishments to ensure they comply with local, state, and federal health and safety regulations. Their job involves inspecting kitchens, storage areas, and dining spaces for cleanliness, proper food handling, and safe equipment operation. By identifying violations and educating staff, they help prevent foodborne illnesses and maintain public health standards. Restaurant inspectors may work for city, county, or state health departments and often conduct both routine and surprise inspections.

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

The top searched job categories for Restaurant Inspector jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Restaurant Inspector jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Restaurant Inspector job openings:

Restaurant Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Restaurant Inspector job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $53,237 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Restaurant Manager

Wendelta

Olive Branch, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Olive Branch, MS

Statement of Purpose:

The Restaurant Manager is responsible for daily operations and ensures customer satisfaction while managing profitability on the shift. The Restaurant Manager will own systems such as Crew Schedules and Inventory Management.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Sales and Profits

  • Responsible for managing labor costs by evaluating labor needs against projected sales during the shift.
  • Build sales by promoting customer satisfaction.
  • Manages costs by monitoring crew prep, production, and procedures execution
  • Tracks waste levels by using established procedures and monitoring crew position procedures.
  • Monitors food costs to eliminate waste.

Quality

  • Monitors product quality during shift by talking with customers during walk-throughs.
  • Monitors product quality, manages crew performance, and provides feedback.

Service

  • Takes service times and determines efficiency.
  • Trains crew respond promptly to customer needs.
  • Trains crew in customer courtesy.
  • Take corrective action with crew to improve service times.
  • Trains crew to solicit feedback to determine customer satisfaction.
  • Establishes and communicates daily speed of service (S.O.S.) goals.

Cleanliness

  • Trains crew to maintain restaurant cleanliness during shift.
  • Follows restaurant cleaning plan.
  • Directs crew to correct cleaning deficiencies.

Training

  • Trains crew in new products.
  • Trains crew using the Crew Orientation and Training process.
  • Trains new crew in initial position skills.

Controls

  • Follows flowcharts to ensure crew meets prep and production goals.
  • Monitors inventory levels to ensure product availability.
  • Maintains security of cash, product, and equipment during shifts.
  • Follows restaurant priorities established by the General Manager.

Controls Con't

  • Follows restaurant plan set by the General Manager or District Manager.
  • Ensure proper execution of standards and procedures when managing shifts.
  • Manages shift to Q.S.C. level of 80% or better.
  • Takes appropriate action when problems are anticipated or identified.

Policies and Procedures

  • Follows procedures outlined in the operations manual.
  • Maintains safe working conditions in restaurant as outlined in company policies and procedures.
  • Follows company policy for cash control.
  • Reports accidents promptly and accurately.
  • Follows procedures for resolving operational procedures indicated by Health Department Inspectors.
  • Manages shifts effectively using guidelines within "Managing Better Shifts" or similar checklist.

Maintenance

  • Follows Preventative Maintenance Program.
  • Trains crew to maintain equipment.
  • Follows procedures for reporting maintenance problems; tracks progress to completion.

Employee Relations

  • Use consistent practices in managing performance problems with crew.
  • Manages crew in a manner which maximizes retention.
  • Executes plan to reduce crew turnover.
  • Provides consistent crew communication.
  • Provides priorities and task assignments to crew to accomplish restaurant goals.
  • Creates/contributes to an atmosphere that fosters teamwork and crew member motivation.

Other

  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • General knowledge of state and federal employment laws.
  • Ability to quickly become knowledgeable about and able to train others in Wendy's systems (i.e., WeLearn, etc.) and on employee development programs
  • The Restaurant Manager job requires standing for extended periods without a break.
  • The Restaurant Manager job requires being able to meet the requirements of all subordinate positions.
  • Physical inspections of all areas of restaurant
  • Ability to work, concentrate, and perform duties accurately in a fast-paced environment that may involve noise and hot/cold temperatures or other elements.
  • Must be able to stand for prolonged periods of time.
  • Position requires the use of a headset. Frequent lifting and carrying (up to 25-50 pounds, as necessary), reaching, pushing, pulling, bending, kneeling, and stooping is involved
  • Ability to multi-task while maintaining composure and giving sound advice and direction.
  • Must be able to take direction, give direction, work well in a team environment, and have a strong customer orientation focus.
  • Must exhibit professionalism, composure, and discretion when expediting or resolving all customer related concerns and issues
  • Flexibility to work a 40-hour work week of a variety of shifts.
  • Must be available to report to work promptly and regularly, and to work all day parts and days of the week.
  • Must have and maintain ServSafe certification
  • Move and inspect all supplies in restaurant

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