Food and Drug Inspector

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Work Tasks

• Check places that make and store food and drugs
• Look for product labels that are incorrect or things that could make the product unsafe
• Send product samples to labs to be tested; report their findings
• Work for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state and local governments
• Work in offices and travel to the places they are inspecting
• Work with food, drugs, portable scales, cameras, ultraviolet lights, sampling devices, thermometers, chemical testing kits, and radiation monitors

Salary, Size & Growth

• $52,500 average per year ($25.25 per hour)
• A large occupation (217,600 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow rapidly (3.0% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: 30 hours of college science courses
• Employers Prefer: A 4-year degree in food science or a related field and related work experience
• Skills/Courses: Training in relevant laws and inspection procedures
• Certification/Licensing: A license may be required.