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Usda Food Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Beef Jerky Factory

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Quality Control / Quality Assurance USDA and BRC (SQF)

Colton, CA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Ensure compliance with USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) requirements. * Maintain complete and accurate quality records, inspection reports, corrective actions, and verification ...

The Lamb Company

Meat Inspector

Pedricktown, NJ · On-site

$25/hr

The Quality Control Meat Inspector is responsible for ensuring that all meat products meet company, customer, USDA, food safety, and quality requirements throughout receiving, production, packaging ...

LAMB COOPERATIVE INC

Meat Inspector

Pedricktown, NJ · On-site

$25/hr

The Quality Control Meat Inspector is responsible for ensuring that all meat products meet company, customer, USDA, food safety, and quality requirements throughout receiving, production, packaging ...

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USDA Food Inspector information

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$11K

$40.8K

$63K

How much do usda food inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for usda food inspector in the United States is $40,785.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $43,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a USDA Food Inspector?

USDA Food Inspectors are trained professionals employed by the United States Department of Agriculture to ensure that meat, poultry, and egg products are safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled and packaged. They inspect food processing plants, slaughterhouses, and other facilities to enforce federal regulations and safety standards. Their work helps protect public health by preventing contaminated or unsafe food from reaching consumers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a USDA Food Inspector?

To thrive as a USDA Food Inspector, you need a solid understanding of food safety regulations, inspection procedures, and public health principles, typically supported by relevant experience or education in food science or a related field. Familiarity with inspection tools, data entry systems, and regulatory documentation is commonly required, and some roles may require specific USDA training or certifications. Strong attention to detail, integrity, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this position. These skills ensure that food products meet safety standards, protecting public health and maintaining regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges USDA Food Inspectors face in their daily work?

USDA Food Inspectors often encounter challenges such as working in fast-paced environments, ensuring strict adherence to food safety regulations, and effectively communicating with plant management and workers. They must be vigilant in identifying potential hazards and making quick decisions to prevent unsafe food from reaching consumers. The role may also involve working in varying temperatures and standing for long periods, which requires adaptability and attention to detail. Strong teamwork and clear documentation are essential for maintaining high standards and addressing compliance issues.

What is the difference between Usda Food Inspector vs Food Safety Auditor?

AspectUsda Food InspectorFood Safety Auditor
CertificationsFood Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) certifications, possibly HACCPISO 22000, HACCP, or other food safety standards
Work EnvironmentInspecting meat, poultry, and processed foods at processing plantsAuditing food facilities for compliance, often off-site or at multiple locations
Employer & IndustryUSDA, government agencies, food processing industryPrivate consulting firms, food companies, regulatory agencies

While both roles focus on food safety, USDA Food Inspectors primarily conduct on-site inspections of food processing facilities to ensure compliance with federal standards. Food Safety Auditors evaluate and verify food safety management systems through audits, often working across multiple sites. Both roles require knowledge of food safety regulations but differ in their scope and work environment.

How hard is it to be a USDA Food Inspector?

Becoming a USDA Food Inspector requires passing a competitive exam, meeting education and experience requirements, and often completing training programs. The job involves detailed inspections, adherence to safety standards, and can require working in various environments, which may pose physical and attention-to-detail challenges.

How long does it take to become a USDA Food Inspector?

Becoming a USDA Food Inspector typically requires completing a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as food science, agriculture, or biology, which takes about four years. Afterward, candidates must complete specialized training at a USDA training center, which can take several weeks to months, and pass a written exam and background check before starting the position.

How to become a USDA Food Inspector?

To become a USDA Food Inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring a bachelor's degree in food science, biology, or a related field. Applicants must pass a background check, meet physical requirements, and may need to complete training provided by the USDA, including understanding food safety standards and inspection procedures.
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USDA Food Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Usda Food Inspector job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,785 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Quality Control / Quality Assurance USDA and BRC (SQF)

Beef Jerky Factory

Colton, CA • On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 12 days ago

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Job description

Department: Quality Assurance
Location: Food Processing Facility
Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

The Quality Control / Quality Assurance (QC/QA) USDA and BRC is responsible for ensuring that all food products are manufactured in compliance with company quality standards, USDA regulations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP requirements, Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs), and all applicable food safety regulations. This position plays a vital role in maintaining product quality, food safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement throughout the production process.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Monitor daily production activities to ensure compliance with USDA regulations, HACCP plans, GMPs, SSOPs, and company quality standards.
  • Conduct routine quality inspections of raw materials, in-process products, finished goods, packaging, and labeling.
  • Perform pre-operational, operational, and post-operational inspections of production areas.
  • Verify Critical Control Points (CCPs) and maintain HACCP documentation.
  • Ensure compliance with USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) requirements.
  • Maintain complete and accurate quality records, inspection reports, corrective actions, and verification documents.
  • Investigate product quality issues and recommend corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
  • Assist during USDA inspections, third-party audits, customer audits, and regulatory inspections.
  • Monitor sanitation procedures and verify sanitation effectiveness.
  • Review production records to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
  • Collect product samples for microbiological and laboratory testing.
  • Verify allergen control procedures and product traceability.
  • Conduct internal audits and participate in continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Train employees on food safety, GMPs, sanitation, and quality procedures.
  • Work closely with Production, Maintenance, Warehouse, and Sanitation teams to resolve quality concerns.
  • Assist in product hold, release, recall, and investigation procedures when necessary.
  • Ensure proper calibration of quality inspection equipment.
  • Stay current with changes in USDA regulations, food safety laws, and industry best practices.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

  • Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, Biology, Quality Assurance, or a related field preferred.
  • Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Experience

  • Minimum of five (5) years of Quality Control/Quality Assurance experience in a food processing or meat processing facility.
  • Minimum of five (5) years working with USDA-regulated food manufacturing operations.
  • Experience working in Ready-to-Eat (RTE) or meat processing facilities is highly preferred.

Required Knowledge and Skills

Candidates must possess strong knowledge of:

  • USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) regulations
  • HACCP Principles
  • GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)
  • SSOP (Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures)
  • Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)
  • Preventive Controls for Human Food (PCQI knowledge preferred)
  • Allergen Control Programs
  • Food Defense Programs
  • Environmental Monitoring Programs
  • Product Traceability and Recall Procedures
  • Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Actions (CAPA)
  • Internal Auditing Techniques
  • Food Safety Documentation
  • Laboratory Sampling Procedures
  • Quality Management Systems
  • Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Preferred Certifications

The following certifications are highly desirable:

  • HACCP Certification
  • PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual)
  • SQF Practitioner Certification
  • ServSafe Food Protection Manager
  • Internal Auditor Certification
  • Food Defense Certification

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
  • Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
  • Comfortable working in refrigerated and frozen environments.
  • Ability to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • Ability to work around food manufacturing equipment.

Core Competencies

  • Strong attention to detail
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Effective written and verbal communication
  • Organizational and time management skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively
  • High ethical standards and integrity
  • Commitment to food safety and regulatory compliance

Work Environment

This position is performed primarily in a food manufacturing environment and requires frequent exposure to refrigerated production areas, production equipment, sanitation chemicals, noise, and varying temperatures. Strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, and USDA regulations is required at all times.

Preferred Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate has at least five years of experience in Quality Control/Quality Assurance within a USDA-regulated food processing or meat manufacturing facility, with demonstrated expertise in USDA compliance, HACCP implementation, GMPs, SSOPs, food safety audits, regulatory inspections, corrective actions, and continuous quality improvement. The candidate should possess excellent documentation skills, a proactive approach to food safety, and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams to maintain the highest standards of product quality and regulatory compliance.