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Usda Food Inspector Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Martin Foods, L.P.

General Production

Houston, TX

$12/hr

Inspect products for quality and report defects or concerns * Follow all USDA, food safety, sanitation, and company policies * Maintain cleanliness of workstations and equipment * Properly handle raw ...

Martin Foods LP

General Production

Houston, TX · On-site

$12/hr

Inspect products for quality and report defects or concerns * Follow all USDA, food safety, sanitation, and company policies * Maintain cleanliness of workstations and equipment * Properly handle raw ...

Martin Foods

General Production

Houston, TX · On-site

$12/hr

Inspect products for quality and report defects or concerns * Follow all USDA, food safety, sanitation, and company policies * Maintain cleanliness of workstations and equipment * Properly handle raw ...

Martin Foods LP

Chicken Hand Cutter

Houston, TX · On-site

$13/hr

Inspect products for quality and food safety standards * Maintain consistent trimming speed to meet production line requirements * Follow all USDA, food safety, sanitation, and company policies

Martin Foods, L.P.

Chicken Hand Cutter

Houston, TX · On-site

$13/hr

Inspect products for quality and food safety standards * Maintain consistent trimming speed to meet production line requirements * Follow all USDA, food safety, sanitation, and company policies

Martin Foods

Chicken Hand Cutter

Houston, TX · On-site

$13 - $20/hr

Inspect products for quality and food safety standards * Maintain consistent trimming speed to meet production line requirements * Follow all USDA, food safety, sanitation, and company policies

Tay Ho

Food Production Equipment Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

Quality Control: * Inspect products for defects or deviations from specifications. * Record ... Ensure compliance with company policies, FDA, USDA, and OSHA regulations. Documentation and ...

Tay Ho

Food Production Equipment Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

Quality Control: * Inspect products for defects or deviations from specifications. * Record ... Ensure compliance with company policies, FDA, USDA, and OSHA regulations. Documentation and ...

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All JobsUsda Food Inspector JobsUsda Food Inspector Jobs in Houston, TX

Usda Food Inspector information

See Houston, TX salary details

$10.5K

$38.9K

$60.2K

How much do usda food inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for usda food inspector in Houston, TX is $38,948.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,800.00 and $41,500.00 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 sometimes working in challenging environments, but it is generally accessible to those with relevant qualifications and attention to detail.

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 usually undergo specialized training provided by the USDA, which can last several weeks to months, depending on the program and the specific inspection area.

How to become a USDA Food Inspector?

To become a USDA Food Inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant work experience, and must pass a written exam and a background check. Additional qualifications may include knowledge of food safety standards, inspection procedures, and sometimes specialized training or certifications. The USDA also offers training programs for new inspectors to ensure compliance with federal regulations.

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Usda Food Inspector jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Usda Food Inspector job openings:

Usda Food Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Usda Food Inspector job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,948 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

General Production

Martin Foods, L.P.

Houston, TX

$12/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Description

Objective


The General Production employee supports poultry manufacturing operations by performing a variety of tasks on the production line. This role is responsible for handling, processing, inspecting, packaging, and preparing poultry products while following all food safety, quality, and safety standards. The position requires the ability to work in a fast paced, cold environment and perform repetitive tasks.


Primary Job Duties

Employees are responsible for maintaining the general production process flow which includes:

  • Perform general production duties on the poultry processing line
  • Handle, trim, cut, sort, inspect, or package poultry products as assigned
  • Maintain consistent production speed to meet line requirements
  • Inspect products for quality and report defects or concerns
  • Follow all USDA, food safety, sanitation, and company policies
  • Maintain cleanliness of workstations and equipment
  • Properly handle raw and finished poultry products
  • Wear required PPE and follow safety procedures at all times
  • Work cooperatively with team members and supervisors
  • Report safety hazards, equipment issues, or quality concerns promptly
  • Perform other related duties as assigned

Requirements

Qualifications Required

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment
  • Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
  • Willingness to perform repetitive tasks
  • Willingness to work in cold, wet, or refrigerated conditions

Preferred

  • Previous poultry, meat processing, or manufacturing experience
  • Knowledge of food safety or USDA regulations
  • Experience working on a production line

Skill Requirements


Must be able to read and write numbers and be able to read written English instructions. Must have 3 months of work experience with one employer in the last 12 months and a minimum of 1 month's work experience scaling dry and wet ingredients for batch cooking in a manufacturing environment. Must be willing to work weekly overtime, and occasional weekends as needed.


Physical Requirements


Standing, walking, bending, stretching, climbing, pushing, pulling and reaching are required. Ability to perform repetitive motions. Ability to lift up to [25-50] pounds as needed. Ability to work in cold temperatures and wet environments. Ability to wear required PPE, including gloves, aprons, hairnets, and protective equipment.


Working Conditions


Poultry manufacturing or food processing facility. Exposure to cold temperatures, moisture, noise, and moving equipment. Strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, and safety protocols required.



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