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Taste Testing Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Building a great career never tasted so good! ELIGIBLE FOR UP TO A $250.00 RETENTION BONUS! We are ... Herr Foods also has a Random Drug Testing program for all active employees. * Able to read, write ...

This role requires a designer with strong consumer product instincts, excellent visual taste, and ... Participate in product planning, prioritization, and testing discussions. * Help raise the overall ...

This role requires a designer with strong consumer product instincts, excellent visual taste, and ... Participate in product planning, prioritization, and testing discussions. * Help raise the overall ...

This role requires a designer with strong consumer product instincts, excellent visual taste, and ... Participate in product planning, prioritization, and testing discussions. * Help raise the overall ...

Senior Product Designer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$110 - $140/hr

This role requires a designer with strong consumer product instincts, excellent visual taste, and ... Participate in product planning, prioritization, and testing discussions. * Help raise the overall ...

... testing. Where permitted by law, applicants who are offered a position for this location may be ... Tastes all prepared food items. * Uses established ticket collection procedures during service.

COOK

Washington, DC · On-site

$23/hr

... testing. Where permitted by law, applicants who are offered a position for this location may be ... Tastes all prepared food items. * Uses established ticket collection procedures during service.

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$24.04 - $25.50/hr

The value-added work includes new product development, manufacturing and production, testing ... Tastes completed meals and monitors production to ensure food quality and adherence to established ...

New

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$24.04 - $25.50/hr

The value-added work includes new product development, manufacturing and production, testing ... Tastes completed meals and monitors production to ensure food quality and adherence to established ...

New

COOK

Washington, DC · On-site

$23/hr

... testing. Where permitted by law, applicants who are offered a position for this location may be ... Tastes all prepared food items. * Uses established ticket collection procedures during service.

Junior Buyer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

... testing the technical improvements that power our global scale * The Art of the Deal: Prepare and ... Lead the way in product tastings and quality assurance for negotiated item; if it's on our shelves ...

... testing. Where permitted by law, applicants who are offered a position for this location may be ... Tastes all prepared food items. * Uses established ticket collection procedures during service.

Showing results 41-60

Taste Testing information

See Washington salary details

$14

$28

$44

How much do taste testing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for taste testing in Washington is $28.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.88 and $32.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is taste testing?

Taste testing is the process of sampling and evaluating foods or beverages to assess their flavor, texture, aroma, and overall quality. It is commonly used by food manufacturers, restaurants, and research organizations to gather feedback on new products or recipes. Professional taste testers, also known as sensory analysts, may be trained to detect subtle differences in taste and texture, while consumer taste testers provide insights based on personal preference. The results from taste testing help companies improve existing products and develop new ones that better meet consumer expectations.

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

To thrive as a Taste Tester, you need a refined palate, sensory evaluation skills, and often a background in food science or culinary arts. Familiarity with sensory analysis tools, tasting protocols, and sometimes certifications such as sensory panel training are commonly required. Strong attention to detail, clear communication, and objectivity help professionals provide accurate and constructive feedback. These skills are vital for ensuring product quality, consistency, and consumer satisfaction in the food and beverage industry.

What are some of the common challenges faced by taste testers, and how can they be managed?

Taste testers often encounter challenges such as palate fatigue, maintaining objectivity, and adhering to strict dietary guidelines. To manage palate fatigue, testers take regular breaks and cleanse their palates between samples. Staying objective requires following standardized evaluation protocols and sometimes participating in blind testing panels. Additionally, taste testers must be vigilant about allergens and food sensitivities, making communication with supervisors and teams crucial for safety and effectiveness.

What is the difference between Taste Testing vs Food Quality Inspector?

AspectTaste TestingFood Quality Inspector
Required CredentialsNone or basic sensory trainingFood safety certifications, quality assurance training
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, food production facilities, tasting roomsManufacturing plants, inspection sites, laboratories
Employer & Industry UsageFood companies, flavor houses, research labsFood manufacturing, regulatory agencies, quality assurance firms

While both roles involve working with food, Taste Testing focuses on evaluating flavor, aroma, and overall sensory experience, often without formal certifications. Food Quality Inspectors assess compliance with safety and quality standards, requiring certifications and detailed inspections. Taste Testing is more subjective and sensory-based, whereas Food Quality Inspectors perform objective evaluations to ensure product safety and standards.

Can you get paid to taste test food?

Taste testing jobs are paid positions where individuals evaluate food products for companies, often requiring sensory skills and attention to detail. Payment can vary from hourly wages to product compensation, and some roles may involve participating in focus groups or product development sessions.

How do I get a job as a taste tester?

To become a taste tester, you typically need a good sense of taste and smell, attention to detail, and sometimes a background in food science or related fields. Many companies hire taste testers for product development or quality control, and applying through food companies, testing agencies, or online platforms can be effective. Some roles may require specific certifications or the ability to work flexible hours in a sensory evaluation environment.

How much does taste testing pay?

Taste testing jobs typically pay between $10 and $25 per hour, depending on the company and location. Some opportunities may offer flat rates for specific projects or product testing sessions, which can last from 30 minutes to a few hours. Experience and the type of products tested can influence pay rates for taste testers.

Is being a taste tester a real job?

Yes, being a taste tester is a legitimate job where individuals evaluate the flavor, texture, and quality of food or beverages. It often requires good sensory skills, attention to detail, and sometimes specific training or certifications, depending on the industry or company. Taste testers are employed by food companies, research labs, or quality control departments to help develop or ensure product standards.

What are popular job titles related to Taste Testing jobs in Washington?

For Taste Testing jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Taste Testing jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Taste Testing jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Taste Testing jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Taste Testing job openings:

Infographic showing various Taste Testing job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, and 54% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,675 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Route Sales Representative

Herr Foods Inc.

Elkridge, MD • On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Herr Foods rating

4.5

Company rating: 4.5 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

428th of 444 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Building a great career never tasted so good!
ELIGIBLE FOR UP TO A $250.00 RETENTION BONUS!

We are currently seeking a qualified individual for the Route Sales Representative position, joining our Elkridge, MD team!
  • PAY: $65,000-$75,000 PLUS annually
  • SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday approximately 45-55 hours a week. 
  • BENEFITS: This position is full-time benefit eligible, elective benefits include:
    • Medical, dental, hearing and vision insurance.
    • Marathon Health Clinic - a premier on-site healthcare provider. A separate entity from Herr's, located at our Nottingham, PA facility. This facility ensures easy access to tailored healthcare services, preventative care, wellness programs, for employees on any medical plan 
    • Opportunity to contribute to a 401k, with a company match.
    • Paid vacation, holiday and sick time. 
    • Paid Employee referral program.
Job Summary: 
Safely drives step-van delivery truck over any assigned route to sell, deliver, and merchandise products, as well as provide excellent customer service to a variety of grocery, mass merchandise, and independent chain stores. 
 
Qualifications You Bring:
  • Must be at least 18 years of age. 
  • Must have a valid driver's license in the current state of residence. 
  • Must possess and excellent driving record.
  • No more than 2 moving violations within the past 3 years
  • No DUI's within the past 3 years
  • Must possess a high school diploma or general education degree (GED)
  • Must pass a job-related assessment with a score of 70% or better.
  • All Herr Foods Inc. job offers are contingent upon successfully passing a drug test. Herr Foods also has a Random Drug Testing program for all active employees.
  • Able to read, write, understand and speak English.
  • Possess a stable work history with good references.
  • Display evidence of sound judgment and have the ability to adapt quickly to different work and driving conditions.
  • Possess strong communication, persuasion, and organizational skills.
  • Must have the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage priorities effectively. 
 Physical Demands: 
  • Constantly reaching; frequently sitting, standing, walking, bending, squatting, kneeling, climbing, driving and lifting up to 32 pounds 
  • Occasionally lifting and carrying up to 48 pounds and pushing or pulling up to 40 pounds 
Benefit (Details): 
Herr's is proud to offer a variety of quality benefits and wellness programs where we have been recognized as a 5-time Well Workplace Award winner in the area! Elective benefits include medical, dental, vision and hearing insurance; long term disability, life insurance, accident, hospital and critical illness indemnity plans, and legal plans. The company also provides opportunities to contribute to a 401k with a company match, vacation, sick and holiday pay; EAP services, and tuition reimbursement. Benefits start the first of the month following 30 days of service (unless otherwise noted in plan description).

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITES: (Other duties may be assigned)
  • Sell, deliver, stock and merchandise Herr's brand snack foods to grocery retail and independent chain stores. 
  • Progressively increase current customer sales volume. This includes and is not limited to:
  • Building relationships with key decision makers
  • Providing excellent customer service
  • Inquiring about customer needs
  • Communicating product knowledge and suggestive selling
  • Increase customer base by soliciting new accounts
  • Execute company sponsored promotional programs by acquiring temporary and incremental product displays, shelving, and racks.
  • Rotate and provide credit to accounts for stale or damaged items in order to provide the freshest product.
  • Process orders by entering product codes into hand-held computers.
  • Collect cash from customers and accurately process associated invoices
  • Manage daily accuracy of product inventory.
  • Conduct daily pre-trip vehicle safety inspection, and maintain a clean truck

Any questions about this position or any others, please contact the Human Resources department at 610-932-6500 or recruitment@herrs.com
Herr Foods Inc. is a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer M/F/Veterans/Disabilities
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