How much does a farm inspector make?
a year · about $24 an hour
A typical farm inspector in the United States makes $49,940 a year, about $24 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They may visit farms or food plants to check animals, crops or food and the cleanliness of work areas, sometimes taking samples for lab tests. They record findings and explain problems or needed fixes to workers.
Did you know? Some U.S. meat inspectors use their noses as well as their eyes and hands: smell can help them notice abnormal odors during inspections.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $37,020 and $79,580How do you become one?
In the U.S., many jobs ask for a high-school diploma/GED and on-the-job training. USDA entry-level food inspectors must pass a written test and qualify with a science-related bachelor's degree or one year of food-industry experience.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can vary with experience, training or credentials, and whether the employer is the government or a business. Location, tougher or more responsible inspection work, and hours or shifts can matter too.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Minnesota ($77,150), lowest in Wyoming ($36,670).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $37,020 | $49,940 | $79,580 | about 14,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | $77,150 | about 180 |
| New York | $73,920 | about 340 |
| Ohio | $69,280 | about 210 |
| Michigan | $65,730 | about 320 |
| Vermont | $63,630 | about 60 |
Official definition: Inspect agricultural commodities, processing equipment, and facilities, and fish and logging operations, to ensure compliance with regulations and laws governing health, quality, and safety.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/45-2011.00
- www.fsis.usda.gov/careers/career-profiles/food-inspector
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes452011.htm
- www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media_file/documents/FIAP-Food-Inspector-A
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY