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Usda Meat Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jensen Meat

QA Supervisor

Riverside, CA · On-site

$32 - $35/hr

... USDA regulated meat production divisions. This position plays a critical role in maintaining ... Dual inspection experience preferred) • Strong knowledge of GMP, HACCP, FSMA, SQF, USDA/FDA ...

JBS USA

QA/FOOD SAFETY SUPERVISOR

Green Bay, WI

... Supervision, USDA (meat), and all employeesEnsures food safety, human resources, and safety ... inspectors regarding product, employees, safety, etc. Ensure compliance to HACCP plan for all ...

Curtze Food Service

2nd Shift Meat Packer

Erie, PA

Conform to all relevant USDA standards as they apply to the position * Conduct operations in a ... Perform daily inspection checks of machinery, following all appropriate safety procedures * Perform ...

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How much do usda meat inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for usda meat inspector in the United States is $22.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a USDA Meat Inspector, you need a solid understanding of food safety regulations, animal anatomy, and the ability to identify health hazards, typically supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or USDA certification. Familiarity with inspection tools, data entry systems, and sanitation monitoring devices is important. Attention to detail, integrity, and strong communication skills help inspectors enforce standards and collaborate with plant staff. These abilities ensure the safety and quality of meat products, protecting public health and maintaining regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by USDA Meat Inspectors in their daily work?

USDA Meat Inspectors often face challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to safety and sanitation standards in fast-paced processing environments. They must stay vigilant to identify potential hazards or violations while balancing the need to keep production lines moving efficiently. Inspectors also navigate regular communication with plant management and workers, sometimes needing to enforce regulations that impact operations. Successfully managing these responsibilities requires strong attention to detail, resilience under pressure, and effective interpersonal skills.

What is the highest salary of a food inspector?

The highest salary for a USDA meat inspector can reach around $70,000 to $80,000 annually, especially with experience, advanced certifications, and supervisory roles. Salaries vary based on location, level of experience, and specific agency or employer, with some inspectors earning higher through overtime and specialized duties.

Is it hard to become a food inspector?

Becoming a USDA meat inspector requires completing specific training, passing written and practical exams, and often obtaining relevant certifications. The process involves understanding food safety regulations and may include on-the-job training, making it a competitive but structured career path.

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

AspectUsda Meat InspectorFood Safety Inspector
CertificationsUSDA certification, HACCP knowledgeVaries by agency, often HACCP and food safety certifications
Work EnvironmentMeat processing plants, slaughterhousesFood production facilities, regulatory agencies
Employer & IndustryUSDA, meat and poultry industryFederal, state, or local agencies across food sectors

The USDA Meat Inspector primarily focuses on inspecting meat and poultry products in processing plants to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. Food Safety Inspectors have a broader scope, overseeing various food industries to ensure public health standards are met. While both roles require similar certifications and work environments, their specific responsibilities and industry focus differ.

What do you need to be a meat inspector?

To become a USDA meat inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant work experience in meat processing or food safety, and must pass a written exam and a background check. Certification from the USDA or equivalent state agency is also required, along with training on food safety standards and inspection procedures.

What do meat inspectors make?

Meat inspectors working for the USDA typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $60,000, depending on experience and location. Salaries can increase with experience, certifications, and supervisory roles, and inspectors often work full-time in processing plants with regular schedules. Benefits may include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave.

What are USDA Meat Inspectors?

USDA Meat Inspectors are trained professionals employed by the United States Department of Agriculture to ensure that meat and poultry products are safe, wholesome, and properly labeled for human consumption. They inspect animals before and after slaughter to check for signs of disease or contamination and enforce federal regulations regarding food safety and sanitation in processing plants. Their work helps protect public health by preventing unsafe or contaminated products from reaching consumers.
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Usda Meat Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Usda Meat Inspector job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,697 per year, or $22.5 per hour.
Food Safety Quality & Regulatory Supervisor

Food Safety Quality & Regulatory Supervisor

NationsBenefits, LLC

Pembroke Pines, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

NationsBenefits rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

286th of 451 rated business services

Job description

NationsBenefits is recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in America and a Healthcare Fintech provider of supplemental benefits, flex cards, and member engagement solutions. We partner with managed care organizations to provide innovative healthcare solutions that drive growth, improve outcomes, reduce costs, and bring value to their members.

Through our comprehensive suite of innovative supplemental benefits, fintech payment platforms, and member engagement solutions, we help health plans deliver high-quality benefits to their members that address the social determinants of health and improve member health outcomes and satisfaction.

Our compliance-focused infrastructure, proprietary technology systems, and premier service delivery model allow our health plan partners to deliver high-quality, value-based care to millions of members.

We offer a fulfilling work environment that attracts top talent and encourages all associates to contribute to delivering premier service to internal and external customers alike. Our goal is to transform the healthcare industry for the better! We provide career advancement opportunities from within the organization across multiple locations in the US, South America, and India.

ROLE:

The Food Safety Quality & Regulatory (FSQR) Supervisor leads the day-to-day execution of the facility's food safety and quality systems to ensure compliance with SQF, FDA Seafood HACCP (21 CFR 123), USDA FSIS (9 CFR), and FSMA/21 CFR 117 for applicable processes. This role will primarily supervise our Labeling & Regulatory Compliance Programs and support FSQ Monitors across USDA and FDA processing areas, champion GMPs and sanitation performance, oversee HACCP/Preventive Controls monitoring and verification, and partner with Operations, Sanitation, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to deliver safe, compliant, and customer specified products on time.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILIES:

  • Review, verify, and approve all product labels, ingredient statements, allergen declarations, and nutritional information for compliance with:
  • USDA FSIS requirements (9 CFR 317 & 381) for meat and poultry
  • FDA labeling regulations (21 CFR 101) for seafood and non-USDA items.
  • Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) and species identification for seafood.
  • Ensure labels meet regulatory standards for mandatory components, including product names, net weight, inspection legends, safe handling instructions, storage conditions, and address lines.
  • Validate and approve formulations, processing categories, and standards of identity to ensure correct regulatory classification and label compliance.
  • Maintain version control of packaging/label artwork, ensuring alignment with specifications, HACCP plans, and customer requirements.
  • Coordinate submissions of labels requiring FSIS sketch approval, including documentation, support, and corrective actions when changes are required.
  • Verify marketing claims (e.g., natural, no preservatives, wild caught, no added hormones, gluten-free, sustainability claims) for regulatory compliance and proper substantiation.
  • Establish procedures & expectations with Packaging Vendors.

HACCP, Preventive Controls & SQF System Execution:

  • Lead daily HACCP and Preventive Controls monitoring/verification activities across FDA seafood and USDA meat & poultry processes, ensuring CCP, PC, and SSOP adherence and complete, legible records.
  • Conduct preop and operational verification, including sanitation verification, equipment/start-up checks.
  • Maintain and update SQF modules, HACCP plans, hazard analyses, process flows, and prerequisite programs in collaboration with the FSQ Manager/Director.
  • Facilitate internal audits, weekly GMP audits, and environmental monitoring trend reviews; drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) and document effectiveness checks.
  • Supervise in-house testing (e.g., ATP, pH, Protein Swabs, temperature, organoleptic) and coordinate third-party microbiological and chemical analyses.
  • Review and approve production batch records, labels/packaging, and pre-shipment review for USDA lots as applicable.
  • Provide on-the-floor coaching to Production and Sanitation on GMPs, hygienic zoning, allergen changeovers, cross-contact prevention, foreign material mitigation, and equipment hygiene.

SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Hands-on experience with HACCP, SSOPs, GMPs, allergens, environmental monitoring, and sanitation validation/verification.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and QA systems (e.g., ERP/MES, LIMS, electronic QA records).
  • Strong root cause analysis, CAPA, and audit skills; statistical literacy (SPC) a plus.
  • Excellent communication, attention to detail, urgency, ability to influence cross-functionally, and comfort working in regulated, fast-paced environments.
  • Multilingual English/Spanish/Haitian Creole a plus.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Animal Science, Fisheries Science, Biology, or related; equivalent experience considered.
  • Experience: 35+ years in food manufacturing FSQ with direct exposure to USDA Meat & Poultry and FDA Seafood operations;13+ years in a lead or supervisory role preferred.
  • Certifications/Training (required or obtained within 6 months):
  • HACCP (Seafood HACCP for 21 CFR 123; Meat & Poultry HACCP preferred).
  • PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) preferred for 21 CFR 117.
  • SQF Practitioner eligible or strong working knowledge of SQF Code.
  • Knowledge of thermal processing, chilling, brining, marination, and packaging controls (MAP/vacuum).
  • Experience with customer audits (GFSI/SQF, major foodservice chains) and retailer specifications/portals.

NationsBenefits is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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