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State Food Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Food Service Management: * Makes regular inspections to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures including State food service standards. * Ensures proper storage of food and other ...

Food Service Management: * Makes regular inspections to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures including State food service standards. * Ensures proper storage of food and other ...

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Stay ahead of the game by keeping up with local, state, and federal food safety guidelines to ... Former Health Inspectors or 3rd Party Food Safety Auditors * Multi-Unit Restaurant Managers * Chefs ...

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State Food Inspector information

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$24.5K

$54.9K

$99K

How much do state food inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for state food 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 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 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 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 do I become a state food inspector?

To become a state food inspector, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in food science, microbiology, or a related field, along with relevant work experience. They must pass a state-specific exam and often obtain certification from a recognized food safety authority; strong attention to detail and knowledge of food safety regulations are essential. The job involves inspecting food processing facilities, ensuring compliance with health standards, and documenting violations.

How hard is it to be a State Food Inspector?

Becoming a State Food Inspector requires passing relevant exams, meeting educational requirements such as a degree in food technology or related fields, and often obtaining certification. The job involves inspecting food establishments, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and can require attention to detail and knowledge of food safety regulations, making it a challenging but structured career path.
More about State Food Inspector jobs

What cities are hiring for State Food Inspector jobs?

Cities with the most State Food Inspector job openings:

What states have the most State Food Inspector jobs?

States with the most job openings for State Food Inspector jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to State Food Inspector jobs?

For State Food Inspector jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various State Food Inspector job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,939 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Full-Time Cook

Muscle Shoals, AL • On-site

$17/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Prepare and serve high-quality, presentable meals according to planned menus and recipes.

  • Maintain a clean and organized work area while ensuring food storage and preparation comply with policies and standards.

  • Supervise food service operations, including monitoring compliance, managing inventory, and ensuring efficiency.


Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Cook to join our team and prepare high-quality, presentable dishes for our residents. The Cook will be responsible for preparing ingredients, cooking and presenting dishes, and maintaining a clean and organized work area. The successful candidate will pay attention to detail and be able to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

 

Position Summary: Requires an understanding of the functions of a commercial kitchen and the impact on Resident care and satisfaction. Must be able to organize and execute appealing meals of consistent quality in a timely manner. Must be able to read and follow recipes. Requires the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions. Must handle standardized situations and incorporate moderate variables.  

 

Food Service Preparation:

  • Prepares and serves quality, presentable meals and ensures food service is in accordance with Location policy and State standards.
  • Prepares meals for regular and therapeutic diet according to planned menus and approved recipes.
  • Estimates food requirements and controls serving portions, eliminates waste and leftovers.
  • Prepares all food efficiently and in sufficient quantities in compliance with Location policy and in accordance with State food service standards.
  • Prepares and wraps meat for freezing.

Food Service Management:

  • Makes regular inspections to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures including State food service standards.
  • Ensures proper storage of food and other supplies in accordance with Location policy and State food service standards.
  • Reviews all expenditures, establishes department priorities, and makes recommendations for changes.
  • Ensures efficiency of food preparation and service complies with State food service standards.
  • Prepares food service menus.
  • Maintains and ensures assigned department areas in a clean, neat, and sanitary using a clean-as-you-go principle and by completing tasks as assigned on food services checklist.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Resident Service and Satisfaction

  • Fully understand all aspects of residents’ rights; maintain the comfort, privacy, and dignity of each Resident in the delivery of services to them. Interact in a manner that promotes the emotional well-being of the Resident. 
  • Respond to Residents and family member’s concerns with empathy and communicate with them in a courteous and respectful manner.
  • Assists in the follow up of any Resident special requests or complaints.
  • Maintains a professional demeanor and appearance in conformity with dress code standards. 
  • Procurement and Inventory Control:
  • Determines all cost of food service operation, prepares recommendations for ensuing budget year.
  • Works within the current budgetary guidelines and maintains control over expenses.
  • Consults with Executive Director on vendors and suppliers.
  • Estimates food requirements and controls serving portions, eliminates waste and leftovers.
  • Purchases food service supplies and raw foods.
  • Ensure all incoming raw foods and supplies are stored according to State food service standards.

Personnel Management:

  • Organizes, directs, and ensures staff assisting in food services comply with Location policy and State food service standards.
  • Ensures proper sanitation, hygiene, and health standards of staff, reporting policy non-compliance to Executive Director.
  • Performs all work or assigns work and is responsible for satisfactory completion of work scheduled.
  • Assists in Dining Room serving as needed.

Professional Development:

  • Maintain necessary education classes to keep SERV Safe certification current, if applicable.
  • Continues professional growth through current literature, membership in professional organizations, attendance at workshops and institutes.
  • Has full understanding of door alarm system, fire, safety, and emergency procedures.
  • Maintains communication with Executive Director on all matters and issues related to Food Services.
  • Maintains a good attendance record.
  • Attends in-service training.

REQUIREMENTS
  • High School diploma/GED
  • Basic computer skills including the use of the internet, MS Word, and MS Excel.
  • Three (3) years' experience in supervisory position in food preparation and service.
  • Minimum of three (3) years' experience in cooking for large groups.
  • Must have ability to supervise others while continuing to be trained on-the-job in food preparation, cooking, estimating quantities and other service duties.
  • Must have sound knowledge of the principles of accounting, record keeping, budget planning, and purchasing procedures.
  • Physical Work Environment: Must be able to lift or carry up to 50 pounds occasionally and to exert 20 pounds of force frequently. Physical activity involves sitting, walking, standing, carrying, bending, lifting, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
  • FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT STATE LAW REQUIRES A CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT [Kentucky: KRS 216.793(1)]. We are an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

With the population of older people growing rapidly, more and more families are facing the new challenges of helping their elderly loved one's age with dignity and remain independent. One North Alabama family with a long tradition of honoring the elderly, brought its special way of caring back home.


Since the beginning, we have dedicated all our energy into achieving the quality-of-life goals of our residents and their families. The small size of the buildings, intense emphasis on quality care, careful selection and continuous training of management as well as the staff, and its ongoing desire for residents and family feedback, are all features of Cottage Senior Living's philosophy - do the things that help residents maintain their independence, dignity, and choice. 


If you have a passion for helping our older population live their best life, we want you to apply!