1

Usda Inspector Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Meat Cutter / Meat Processor

Austin, TX

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Inspect meat for quality, freshness, and proper texture before and after cutting. * Maintain clean and sanitary work areas in compliance with food safety regulations (USDA, HACCP). * Follow ...

Assists in preparing property for inspections by regulatory agencies * Performs Preventive ... USDA, RD, LIHTC, HOME and other state and local programs. * Perform other duties, as assigned.

... load Inspection forms Performs product consolidations and BIN transfers, using forklift when ... SOPs, GMPs, Safety, PPE, and all rules prescribed by the USDA and FDA Performs other related duties ...

... load Inspection forms Performs product consolidations and BIN transfers, using forklift when ... SOPs, GMPs, Safety, PPE, and all rules prescribed by the USDA and FDA Performs other related duties ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Usda Inspector information

See Austin, TX salary details

$24.3K

$54.5K

$98.1K

How much do usda inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for usda inspector in Austin, TX is $54,456.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,200.00 and $62,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectUsda InspectorFood Safety Inspector
CertificationsUSDA certifications, food safety trainingFood safety certifications, possibly USDA training
Work EnvironmentInspecting farms, processing plants, slaughterhousesInspecting food facilities, restaurants, processing plants
Employer & IndustryUSDA, federal government, agriculture & food industryLocal/state agencies, federal agencies, food industry

Both roles focus on food safety and require similar certifications. USDA Inspectors primarily work within the agricultural and processing sectors, ensuring compliance with federal standards. Food Safety Inspectors may work in various food-related environments, including restaurants and local facilities, often with overlapping certifications. The main difference lies in their specific work settings and regulatory focus.

How many years does it take to be a food inspector?

Becoming a USDA food inspector typically requires a bachelor's degree in a related field such as food science, biology, or agriculture, which takes about four years to complete. Additionally, applicants often need to complete on-the-job training and pass certification exams, which can add several months to a year depending on the program and position.

What are USDA Inspectors?

USDA Inspectors are professionals employed by the United States Department of Agriculture responsible for ensuring that food products, especially meat, poultry, and eggs, meet federal safety and quality standards. They conduct inspections at processing plants, slaughterhouses, and other facilities to verify compliance with regulations. Their duties include checking for contamination, proper labeling, and adherence to sanitation protocols. By enforcing these standards, USDA Inspectors help protect public health and maintain consumer confidence in the nation's food supply.

How much do food safety inspectors make in the US?

Food safety inspectors, including USDA inspectors, typically earn a median annual salary of around $45,000 to $60,000 in the US. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and level of certification, with some inspectors earning over $70,000 annually. The role often requires knowledge of food safety standards and inspection procedures.

What are the requirements to be an USDA inspector?

To become an USDA inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant work experience in food safety or inspection, and must pass written and practical exams. Additional certifications or training in food science, agriculture, or related fields are often required, along with the ability to work in various environments and adhere to strict safety standards.

What are some common challenges USDA Inspectors face in their daily work, and how are they typically addressed?

USDA Inspectors often encounter challenges such as managing a high volume of inspections, adapting to changing regulations, and maintaining objectivity under pressure from producers or facility staff. To address these, inspectors rely on thorough training, ongoing professional development, and clear communication with both team members and facility personnel. Support from supervisors and standardized protocols also help ensure that inspectors can uphold food safety and quality standards consistently, even when facing difficult situations.

Can you be a food inspector without a degree?

Becoming a USDA food inspector typically requires at least a high school diploma or equivalent, but many positions prefer or require some college coursework or a degree in food science, agriculture, or a related field. Certification and experience in food safety or inspection procedures are also important for employment in this role.

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

To thrive as a USDA Inspector, you need a solid understanding of food safety regulations, inspection procedures, and often a degree in agriculture, food science, or a related field. Familiarity with inspection tools, laboratory testing methods, and USDA compliance systems is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and integrity help inspectors identify safety issues and work effectively with facility staff. These skills ensure public health and regulatory compliance by maintaining high standards of food quality and safety.
What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Usda Inspector jobs? Cities near Austin, TX with the most Usda Inspector job openings:
Infographic showing various Usda Inspector job openings in Austin, TX as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,456 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Food Safety and Quality Assurance Supervisor

SOUTHSIDE MASTER

Elgin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

The QA Supervisor leads the implementation of plant-wide food safety and quality programs. They are responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance and protecting public health by preventing contamination. The QA Supervisor works closely with plant management and reports directly to the Quality Assurance Manager.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
  • Regulatory Compliance: Maintains rigorous compliance with USDA/FSIS or FDA regulations (sauces/spices.) Acts as the primary on-site liaison during government inspections and audits.
  • Program Oversight: Oversees food safety and quality systems, plans, programs, and policies including HACCP, GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices), and SSOPs (Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures).
  • Team Leadership: Hires, trains, schedules, and mentors quality assurance technicians and operations floor inspectors.
  • Quality Monitoring: Conducts daily facility walkthroughs, pre-operational inspections, and product evaluations to ensure correct product specifications, packaging, and labeling.
  • Corrective Actions: Investigates customer complaints, identifies non-conformance issues, and initiates corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) or product holds when standards are not met.
  • Documentation: Maintains accurate records of testing results, sanitation logs, production audits, and the hold program. Reviews Daily Production records created by the Operations Teams to ensure consistency and fidelity with all food safety and quality programs.
  • Traceability: Ensures daily accuracy of input into the traceability system.

Qualifications & Requirements
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Meat Science, Microbiology, or a closely related field.
  • Experience: 1 to 3 years of progressive quality control or QA experience in the food manufacturing or meat processing industry.
  • Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of USDA/FSIS guidelines, HACCP principles, and sanitation processes.
  • Certifications: HACCP certification is mandatory.
  • Skills: Excellent attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong written/verbal communication skills. Ability to analyze microbiological or testing data and manage digital quality systems.

Work Environment & Physical Demands
  • Requires the ability to work in a plant environment with varying temperatures (including cold storage and freezers) and wet or humid conditions.
  • Must be able to stand for extended periods, walk on wet or slick surfaces, and lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Spanish speaking is preferred.

Full Time Benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program- up to 100% paid college tuition
  • 25% Employee Discount on Restaurant food purchases, 10% Discount on Market and Merchandise items
  • Shift meal discount of $8.75 per day
  • 401K - Southside Market & Barbeque will match the team member contributions 100% (dollar-for-dollar) on your Salary Deferrals up to 3% of compensation; plus, a 50% matching contribution on any additional Salary Deferrals above 3% up to 5% of compensation.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Employee Referral Bonus Program
  • Focused Leadership Development Program
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short- term and Long- term Disability
  • 1 week Vacation pay/year - accrual starts on day 1
  • 1 week Sick pay/year - accrual starts on day 1
  • ALL COMPANY HOLIDAY Closures Paid - Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter - if normally scheduled for day it occurs on
  • Full time set Schedules