As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Food Safety Specialist in the United States is $79,425 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, a Food Safety Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Food Safety Specialist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Food Safety Specialist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Food Safety Specialist | $76,276 |
| Intermediate Level Food Safety Specialist | $76,563 |
| Senior Level Food Safety Specialist | $80,491 |
| Specialist Level Food Safety Specialist | $86,458 |
| Expert Level Food Safety Specialist | $86,884 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Food Safety Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Understanding how a Food Safety Specialist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Food Safety Specialist, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Inspection Services Manager | $114,009 | 44% |
| Senior Food Safety Specialist | $94,223 | 19% |
| Quality Control Analyst III | $98,857 | 24% |
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A Food Safety Specialist's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Food Safety Specialist earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Food Safety Specialist is $100,179.
The highest pay for Food Safety Specialist is $106,704.
The lowest pay for Food Safety Specialist is $61,106.
Ensures compliance with food safety standards and regulations by monitoring, auditing, and improving food handling and manufacturing processes. Executes and implements inspection programs, policies, and processes to verify adherence to company, industry, and regulatory food safety requirements. Conducts routine facility inspections, hazard analyses, and product evaluations to identify potential contamination or quality risks. Supports internal teams with corrective action plans and assists in developing employee training programs related to hygiene, sanitation, and safety practices. Maintains documentation and records of all food safety audits, programs, and compliance activities to support continuous improvement efforts. Requires a bachelor's degree. Requires Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP). Typically reports to a manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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