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Restaurant Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

... restaurant delivery and carryout, food processing, grocery and retail, and industrial sectors ... Evaluate test results and inspection reports, perform follow-ups with QC Inspectors and Operators

... restaurant delivery and carryout, food processing, grocery and retail, and industrial sectors ... Evaluate test results and inspection reports, perform follow-ups with QC Inspectors and Operators

... restaurant delivery and carryout, food processing, grocery and retail, and industrial sectors ... Evaluate test results and inspection reports, perform follow-ups with QC Inspectors and Operators

Restaurant Manager

Glenview, IL · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

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

Restaurant Manager

Glenview, IL · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

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

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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Restaurant Inspector information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$25.2K

$56.6K

$102K

How much do restaurant inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for restaurant inspector in Chicago, IL is $56,595.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,700.00 and $65,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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.

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 are restaurant inspectors?

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 Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Restaurant Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Restaurant Inspector job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,595 per year, or $27.2 per hour.
Restaurant Manager

$55K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 86 rated restaurants


Job description

Overview
Lettuce Entertain You's newest Dual Concept Opening Early Fall 2026 at Wolf Point is Hiring Now: RESTAURANT MANAGER!
Lettuce Entertain You is looking for a RESTAURANT MANAGER with 2+ years of restaurant management experience in a high-volume, full-service environment. This Restaurant Manager will oversee daily operations, with a unique focus on leading service alongside our front of house teams.
A Few of Our Benefits:
  • Competitive Salary
  • Quarterly Bonus
  • Paid Time Off - including Paid Holidays, Personal Days & Vacation
  • 401(k)
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical Insurance
  • Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Life, Accident Protection & Critical Illness Insurance
  • Domestic Partner Benefits
  • Restaurant Discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program - focusing on a commitment to mental health & wellness

Why Work With Lettuce?
Lettuce is a culinary-driven restaurant company with a genuine commitment to our people: we welcome unique perspectives and nurture diverse talents at 130+ locations, supported by our Culture of Caring. If you're ready to be a part of what we do next, then explore your possibilities at Lettuce and apply today!
We participate in E-Verify / Participamos en E-Verify
Responsibilities
  • Run shifts and lead and direct the daily operations of a restaurant
  • Lead pre-shift meetings and participate in line, temperature and cooler checks; oversee all closing manager duties including counting down the safe, reviewing labor sheets and preparing nightly numbers email
  • Organize, run and supervise smooth and efficient daily opening and closing shifts, ensuring an exceptional guest and employee experience
  • Provide guidance and leadership to hourly and management teams while fostering our Culture of Caring
  • Respond immediately and effectively to guest and employee needs and feedback
  • Assist GM in managing costs, driving sales and growing the business in support of financial goals
  • Partner with GM and management team to interview, hire, onboard, train, supervise and develop all BOH employees and teams as needed
  • 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
  • Model and promote teamwork across all teams
  • Use tact and good judgment when dealing with challenges pertaining to guests, vendors and employees, and respond with patience and courtesy
  • Work a variety of days and shifts (including early mornings, late nights and weekends) at multiple sites with or without overnight travel, as needed
  • Move and lift up to 10 pounds, frequently move and/or lift up to 25 pounds, occasionally move and/or lift up to 50 pounds

Qualifications
  • 2+ years of restaurant management experience
  • Skilled in developing guest rapport
  • Skilled in leading teams

Salary Range
USD $55,000.00 - USD $70,000.00 /Yr.

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