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Restaurant Inspector Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Novolex

Inspector - Quality

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$29.87/hr

... restaurant delivery and carryout, food processing, grocery and retail, and industrial sectors ... Inspector |Cedar Rapids| HIRING IMMEDIATELY Available Shift: Monday-Friday, 7:00 am-3:30 pm ...

Novolex

Inspector - Quality

Cedar Rapids, IA

$29.87/hr

... restaurant delivery and carryout, food processing, grocery and retail, and industrial sectors ... Inspector |Cedar Rapids| HIRING IMMEDIATELY Available Shift: Monday-Friday, 7:00 am-3:30 pm ...

Novolex

Inspector - Quality

Cedar Rapids, IA

$29.87/hr

... restaurant delivery and carryout, food processing, grocery and retail, and industrial sectors ... Inspector |Cedar Rapids| HIRING IMMEDIATELY Available Shift: Monday-Friday, 7:00 am-3:30 pm ...

Novolex

Inspector - Quality

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$28.94 - $30.88/hr

... restaurant delivery and carryout, food processing, grocery and retail, and industrial sectors ... Inspect electrical, pneumatic, and power transmission parts per blueprints and vendor ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsRestaurant Inspector JobsRestaurant Inspector Jobs in Iowa

Restaurant Inspector information

See Iowa salary details

$23K

$51.6K

$93K

How much do restaurant inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for restaurant inspector in Iowa is $51,602.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,200.00 and $59,600.00 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 Iowa look for?

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

Restaurant Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Restaurant Inspector job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,602 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Inspector - Quality

Novolex

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$29.87/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 10 days ago

Novolex rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 102 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

59th of 119 rated packaging manufacturers

Job description

Why Choose Us?

Novolex is a leading manufacturer of food, beverage, and specialty packaging that supports multiple industries, including foodservice, restaurant delivery and carryout, food processing, grocery and retail, and industrial sectors. Novolex's manufacturing and sourcing expertise spans a diverse range of substrates, including resin, paper, molded fiber, aluminum, and more. We provide customers a broad array of stock and customized solutions with 120 product categories, 250 brands, and over 39,000 SKUs.

Our Sustainability Commitment

The Novolex sustainability vision is built upon three pillars: our products, our operations, and our people. Each is critically important to our growth and future as a business. These pillars form the foundation of our company-wide commitment to sustainability, helping us achieve our ambitious goals through our wide-ranging initiatives.


Novolex, Where Packaging Innovation Meets Career Opportunities!

Inspector|Cedar Rapids|HIRING IMMEDIATELY 

Available Shift:

Monday-Friday, 7:00 am-3:30 pm / Climate Controlled

Incentives:

Pay Rate

Min = $28.94   3 Months = $29.35   6 Months = $29.87   9 Months = $30.36   12 Months = $30.88

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Inspect machined and fabricated parts per blueprints.
  • Inspect electrical, pneumatic, and power transmission parts per blueprints and vendor specifications.
  • Communicate nonconformances to key stakeholders.

Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • 1-3 years of experience as an inspector or 1-3 years of experience as a machinist.

#INDIIB


What You'll Get From UsBenefits

With safety as our top priority and a commitment to employee well-being an important focus, we offer comprehensive and competitive benefits that include medical, dental and vision insurance as well as a variety of other well-being resources focused on mental, physical and financial health. Specific benefits and well-being programs may vary depending on where you work.

Community Engagement

At Novolex, giving back to the local communities that support us is important. Our Focused Giving Program prioritizes support for organizations whose missions promote sustainability initiatives or address food and hunger needs. We also encourage facility level support of activities in the communities where our employees live and work.

Training and Development

We offer constant opportunities for advancement. From skills development to advanced education programs, training and development programs and courses are available through MyLearning. Programs include company and industry training curricula, support for formal education through the Tuition Reimbursement Program (Non-Union), and a Learning Management System that supports and enhances employee skills at all levels of the organization.

Novolex is committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices, including but not limited to selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, handicap or disability, genetics, citizenship status, service member or veteran status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. Any individual who, because of his or her disability, needs an accommodation in connection with an aspect of the Company's application process should contact myHRservices@novolex.com.

Formerly Pactiv Evergreen

What Novolex employees say

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