2025 Market Overview of Food Safety Jobs

The Centers for Disease Control reports that 48 million people contract foodborne illness yearly, resulting in 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that the economic burden for these illnesses now exceeds $17 billion annually.food safety jobs

As food supply globalization increases consumers’ health risks, food safety jobs have become more important than ever. These in-demand professionals employ protocols to promote safety and compliance at every level of the food supply chain. 

To keep Americans healthy, food safety jobs are expected to increase in number over the next decade. This guide outlines common industry roles and the qualifications you need to turn a passion for quality and integrity into your next career opportunity.

Food Safety Industry Overview 

The food safety industry is expected to expand by 27% in the coming years. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that food safety jobs, such as food science technicians, may grow by 7% by 2033, nearly twice the rate of all occupations.

This expansion comes at a time when high-profile food poisoning cases are growing. For example, in late 2024, McDonald’s experienced a multi-state E. coli outbreak linked to slivered onions on its Quarter Pounder burgers. 

Earlier that year, deli meat manufacturer Boar’s Head recalled millions of pounds of product after a listeria outbreak at the company’s Jarratt, Virginia, plant.

Recognizing that food is essential to everyone, food safety jobs are growing to meet the challenging demand of balancing quality and convenience with protecting the health and safety of the general public.

Common Food Safety Roles: From Entry-Level to Executive

Whether you’re new to the industry or climbing the ladder to senior leadership, understanding what you need to be successful in this industry can help you plan for a solid and lasting career.

Entry-Level Roles

food safety jobs

Common entry-level roles in the food safety industry include:

  • Quality assurance (QA) Technician
  • Sanitation Technician
  • Food Inspector
  • Food Safety Intern
  • Lab Assistant

These food safety jobs often require an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in food science, biology, microbiology, or nutrition. You may also need introductory Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification and a grasp of allergen handling and food sanitation basics. 

As the FDA explains, “HACCP is a management system in which food safety is addressed through the analysis and control of biological, chemical, and physical hazards from raw material production, procurement and handling, to manufacturing, distribution and consumption of the finished product.” 

Mid-Level Roles

Mid-level roles like these are typically for those who have some industry experience:food safety jobs

  • Food Safety Coordinator
  • Quality Control Supervisor
  • HACCP Auditor
  • SQF Practitioner
  • Regulatory Compliance Specialist

Mid-level food safety jobs may necessitate a Bachelor’s degree in food science, chemistry, agricultural engineering, or environmental health. It is also beneficial to have advanced HACCP certification, which focuses on skills to validate HACCP systems.

Many organizations also require a Safe Quality Food (SQF) credential, Preventive Controls for Human Food (PCHF) training, and Internal Audit Practitioner training.

Executive-Level Roles

Candidates for executive roles must be strategic thinkers who can design systems and protocols for manufacturing and compliance processes. These include jobs like:

  • Food Safety Director
  • Head of Food Safety and Compliance
  • Chief Quality Officer 
  • VP of Food Safety
  • Director of Regulatory Affairs 

Executive food safety jobs require a Bachelor’s or Master’s in food science, public health, or regulatory affairs. In some instances, high-level QA professionals also carry PhDs in fields like microbiology and toxicology. 

Food safety executives also require a full suite of HACCP, SQF, and PCHF certifications. On top of technical training, you must possess standard leadership skills like crisis management, strategic thinking, team building, and change management. 

Where Food Safety Talent Is Most in Demandfood safety jobs

Due to simple human biology, the food safety industry will always be a great place to find work. As McKinsey & Company explains, “the $5 trillion [food and agribusiness] industry represents 10 percent of global consumer spending, [and] 40 percent of employment”

While the food production and agriculture industries are always evolving, there are some key trends you can follow in pursuing food safety jobs: 

Food safety is critical in these high-volume categories because a single contamination event can affect a large number of consumers. Not only does this put people’s health and safety at risk, but it is also bad business for food producers. 

Tips for Candidates Entering the Food Safety Field

If you are interested in food safety jobs, you’re well-advised to get as much educational and practical experience as possible. 

In addition to a degree in food science, biology, microbiology, chemistry, or a related field, consider how you can gain practical experience through internships or QA training roles. These can often be stepping stones to more advanced roles. 

To ensure a competitive resume, include quantifiable metrics to demonstrate material impact, including audit scores or recall reduction percentages. You may also want to consider working with a specialized food safety recruiter like Mac & Fulton Talent Partners to help you find roles that best align with your skills and talents.

Start Working Towards an Impactful Food Safety Career Today

The food manufacturing industry is a great place to work. Food safety jobs offer the opportunity to protect public health, ensure regulatory compliance, and contribute to a safer global food supply.

M&F Talent connects driven candidates with top employers in agriculture, food production, and related technologies. 

Contact us to start your job search!