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State Food Inspector Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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State Food Inspector information

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$10

$21

$30

How much do state food inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for state food inspector in Texas is $21.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $22.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a state food inspector?

State food inspectors are government employees responsible for ensuring that food products within their state meet safety and quality standards. They conduct inspections of food processing plants, restaurants, grocery stores, and other food-related establishments to enforce local, state, and federal regulations. Their duties include checking for proper food handling, storage, cleanliness, and labeling, as well as investigating complaints and potential outbreaks of foodborne illnesses. State food inspectors play a crucial role in protecting public health by helping to prevent food contamination and ensuring consumer safety.

What is the difference between State Food Inspector vs Food Safety Officer?

AspectState Food InspectorFood Safety Officer
Required CredentialsFood safety certification, degree in food technology or related fieldFood safety certification, degree in food technology or related field
Work EnvironmentGovernment inspections, field visits, regulatory complianceInspection, enforcement, policy implementation in food industry
Employer & Industry UsageState government departments, food industry regulationCentral/state government agencies, food safety enforcement
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a State Food Inspector and a Food Safety Officer lies in their scope and jurisdiction. While both roles require similar qualifications and work in government food safety enforcement, State Food Inspectors primarily focus on conducting inspections and ensuring compliance at the state level. Food Safety Officers often have broader responsibilities, including policy implementation and public awareness. Both roles are essential for maintaining food safety standards within the industry.

How to become a state food inspector?

To become a state food inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some states requiring a degree in food science, microbiology, or a related field. Applicants must pass a written exam and may need to complete training on food safety regulations and inspection procedures; relevant certifications such as ServSafe are often preferred. State-specific licensing or certification requirements should be checked through the state's health department or food safety agency.

What does it take to become a state food inspector?

To become a state food inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring a bachelor's degree in food science, microbiology, or a related field. Relevant experience in food safety, knowledge of sanitation standards, and certification such as ServSafe or equivalent are often required; some states also require passing a written exam and background check.

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

To thrive as a State Food Inspector, you need a solid background in food science, public health, or a related field, often supported by a degree and relevant certifications. Familiarity with inspection tools, laboratory testing equipment, and regulatory systems like HACCP is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and impartial judgment are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies are vital to ensure food safety, regulatory compliance, and the protection of public health.

What are some common challenges faced by state food inspectors during routine inspections?

State Food Inspectors often encounter challenges such as ensuring compliance with diverse and evolving food safety regulations across different establishments. They may face resistance from business owners who are unfamiliar with or reluctant to implement safety protocols. Additionally, inspectors must stay up-to-date with the latest food safety laws and technologies, and often need to balance thorough inspections with tight schedules. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as inspectors regularly collaborate with facility staff to address violations and educate them on best practices.
What are popular job titles related to State Food Inspector jobs in Texas? For State Food Inspector jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities in Texas are hiring for State Food Inspector jobs? Cities in Texas with the most State Food Inspector job openings:
Infographic showing various State Food Inspector job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,975 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Houston Methodist rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 300 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

At Houston Methodist, the Food Service Specialist position is responsible for assisting management in developing as well as implementing process improvements for increasing patient and customer satisfaction, actively participating in the department's quality/ performance improvement programs. In the absence of the Supervisor/Team Leader, this position must possess the appropriate job knowledge and skill to follow through as well as correct problems with the customer (patients, staff, and visitors). This position is assigned to work in food service department areas and perform and/or direct duties such as: assisting in tray assembly, simple food preparation, serving customers, replenishing stations, cash handling and transporting food carts in a timely manner. The Food Service Specialist position completes approved number of required customer service and/or diet knowledge in-services, communicates with peers and management regarding identified hazards in the workplace, following all departmental policies and procedures and complying with relevant local Food Ordinances.
FLSA STATUS
Non-exempt
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
  • High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

EXPERIENCE
  • Two years of customer service experience, with one year lead/supervisory experience in a high-traffic, people-facing, service-oriented environment, with an emphasis on complaint resolution; may consider HM employee with two years in HM food service and one year demonstrating progressive, informal leadership experience

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required
  • Must have one of the following certifications: Food Handlers Permit - Accredited food handler training course approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TXDSHS) or by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Certified Food Manager - Obtain in 90 days; Once Food Service Manager Certification is obtained, Food Handler Permit is no longer required; Food Service Manager must be renewed every 5 years

SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
  • Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
  • Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
  • Ability to engage in multiple activities simultaneously, maintain accurate records and timely turnaround and completion of orders
  • Demonstrates skills and initiative in problem-solving and improving productivity
  • Demonstrates skills and ability to handle complaints and resolves problems in the absence of the Supervisor/Team Leader
  • Must possess good communication skills and be able to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Demonstrates skills and ability to obtain as well as analyze pertinent information in order to make informed decisions
  • Demonstrates active listening skills giving full attention to what other people are saying
  • Ability to adapt to a changing work environment
  • Utilizes good judgment in professional decision-making
  • Working knowledge and literacy of Microsoft Office products

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Holds accountability for operation in the absence of the Manager or Team Leader. Assists in projects, training, and orientation of new employees. Participates in departmental safety programs and compliance with all regulatory agencies. Communicates clearly and professionally to promote both work efforts and problem resolution.
  • Provides weekly inspection reports, violations, and corrections to the Manager.
  • Promotes, develops, and sustains teamwork. Contributes towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Determines food orders and orders food via telephone and computer-based systems (ex. CBORD) to meet the needs of the patient menu and production schedule. Oversees the final tray assembly for patients on assigned units for accuracy, proper temperature, and appearance.
  • Verifies compliance with diet orders and FNS nourishment lists, notifies supervisor for approval of any nourishments outside of guidelines. Able to make simple diet modifications to conform to new orders while assembling trays for patients.
  • Maintains established stock levels for perishable and non-perishable items stored within the unit, based on par levels and inventory. Maintains daily pars of food items in the café and rotates products properly.
  • Resolves promptly any issues, which may occur with any of the patient dining services programs and refers complaints to the appropriate departmental staff member for investigation and follow up. Recommends improvements of department score for patient satisfaction, through peer-to-peer accountability to service standards.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Leads and controls the flow of tray delivery to meet the 45-minute time standard and ensures traditional service meal delivery schedule is adhered to. Ensures food trucks leave the kitchen according to schedule.
  • Maintains log documenting times of deliveries and quality control measures. Performs weekly inventory, along with assistant. Inventories and keeps supplies at pre-established amounts to reduce waste and stay within budget.
  • Checks daily menu for accuracy. Prepares and stocks beverages, cold and hot food items. Prepares and assembles nourishments for patients from computer printouts according to diet orders.
  • Checks temperatures of food items and ensures that all food is served at the proper temperature. Checks the quality of set up items, trays, China dishes and glassware. Removes damaged items. Assists and directs employees in proper food handling and portioning. Knows prices of all food items and operates cash register when needed.
  • Ensures that unit is maintained in a clean and sanitary condition, by performing daily sanitation inspections. Takes appropriate follow up action to ensure that the workload is processed and identified discrepancies are resolved within established time frames.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Performs money handling duties, deposits, charge, and cashier checkouts. Performs food inventories and ordering. Monitors storage levels of food, paper, and other supplies.
  • Utilizes resources with cost-effectiveness and value creation in mind. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, assisting coworkers as needed.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Seeks opportunities to identify self-development needs and takes appropriate action. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an ongoing basis.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
    WORK ATTIRE
    • Uniform: Yes
    • Scrubs: No
    • Business professional: No
    • Other (department approved): Yes

    ON-CALL*
    *Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
    • On Call* No

    TRAVEL**
    **Travel specifications may vary by department**
    • May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
    • May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
  • High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

EXPERIENCE
  • Two years of customer service experience, with one year lead/supervisory experience in a high-traffic, people-facing, service-oriented environment, with an emphasis on complaint resolution; may consider HM employee with two years in HM food service and one year demonstrating progressive, informal leadership experience

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required
  • Must have one of the following certifications: Food Handlers Permit - Accredited food handler training course approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TXDSHS) or by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Certified Food Manager - Obtain in 90 days; Once Food Service Manager Certification is obtained, Food Handler Permit is no longer required; Food Service Manager must be renewed every 5 years

Company Profile:

Houston Methodist Hospital is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 hospital in Texas and one of America’s “Best Hospitals.” As a full-service, acute-care hospital located in the Texas Medical Center and the flagship hospital of Houston Methodist, it has evolved into one of the nation’s largest nonprofit teaching hospitals and a leader in innovative medical research with a comprehensive residency program. Two of Houston Methodist’s primary academic affiliates are among the nation’s leading health care organizations: Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Houston Methodist also has affiliations with Texas A&M University and the University of Houston. Houston Methodist Hospital offers unparalleled care for thousands of patients from around the world.

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


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