Food Safety Officer

A Food Safety Officer ensures food production standards are adhered to in the manufacturing industry. You’ll ensure correct procedures are followed during processing, packaging and transport activities. Food Safety Officers might conduct tests to check food quality and fill out necessary compliance paperwork.

Food Safety Officers should have excellent observational skills and keen attention to detail. You’ll need to be safety focused and able to work to correct procedures. Food Safety Officers must be able to work as part of a team and be able to communicate clearly. It’s important you are organised and can manage your time well.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $67,600
Skill level Advanced

How do I become a food safety officer?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended

Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Food Technology)
On Campus
12 months
$9,120 - $16,323
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Food Safety Officer Food Technologist Food Chemist
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Food Safety Officer Food Technologist Food Chemist
FBP40421

Certificate IV in Food Science and Technology
Blended, On Campus
12 - 18 months
$0 - $15,229
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Food Production Manager Food Production Supervisor Food Safety Officer
Food Tester Food Scientist Food Technologist Laboratory Technician
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Food Production Manager Food Production Supervisor Food Safety Officer Food Tester Food Scientist Food Technologist Laboratory Technician + 4 more
AMP40415

Certificate IV in Meat Processing (Quality Assurance)
Traineeship
24 months
$3,200
  • Completed Certificate III in Meat Processing (Quality Assurance) or equivalent qualifications
Additional requirements may apply.
Quality Assurance (Abattoir) Worker Food Safety Officer Compliance Officer
  • Completed Certificate III in Meat Processing (Quality Assurance) or equivalent qualifications
Additional requirements may apply.
Quality Assurance (Abattoir) Worker Food Safety Officer Compliance Officer
AMP30316

Certificate III in Meat Processing (Meat Safety)
Traineeship
24 months
$4,400
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Meat Inspector Meat Processor Butcher
Food Safety Officer Food Safety Supervisor Meat Packer
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Meat Inspector Meat Processor Butcher Food Safety Officer Food Safety Supervisor Meat Packer + 3 more
MAR30320

Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Marine Cookery)
Blended
6 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Chief Cook Cook Chef de Partie
Catering Assistant Food Safety Officer Food Service Supervisor
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Chief Cook Cook Chef de Partie Catering Assistant Food Safety Officer Food Service Supervisor + 3 more
HLTSS00066

Infection control Skill Set (Food Handling)
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online
25 hours
$0 - $120
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Food Process Worker Fast Food Assistant Food Production Worker
Waiter Food Service Worker Catering Assistant Food Safety Officer Food Safety Supervisor
+ 5 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Food Process Worker Fast Food Assistant Food Production Worker Waiter Food Service Worker Catering Assistant Food Safety Officer Food Safety Supervisor + 5 more
AMP30216

Certificate III in Meat Processing (Food Services)
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
24 - 48 months
$0 - $4,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Food Safety Officer Meat Processor Butcher
Food Service Worker Meat Packer
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Food Safety Officer Meat Processor Butcher Food Service Worker Meat Packer + 2 more

Bachelor of Science (Food Science)
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$0 - $76,320
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Food Microbiologist Food Safety Officer Food Technologist
Food Scientist Food Chemist
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Food Microbiologist Food Safety Officer Food Technologist Food Scientist Food Chemist + 2 more

Bachelor of Food Science and Nutrition
On Campus, Online
3 years
$29,414 - $29,598
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Nutritionist Public Health Nutritionist Food Scientist
Food Technologist Food Safety Officer
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Nutritionist Public Health Nutritionist Food Scientist Food Technologist Food Safety Officer + 2 more
AMP50221

Diploma of Meat Processing
Traineeship
12 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Meat Inspector Abattoir Supervisor Production Manager
Butcher Food Safety Officer Compliance Officer
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Meat Inspector Abattoir Supervisor Production Manager Butcher Food Safety Officer Compliance Officer + 3 more
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Food Production Worker

A Food Production Worker handles tasks in food and drink production, including preparing ingredients, quality checking, packaging, and cleaning while adhering to hygiene standards.

Avg yearly income $62,400
Skill level Beginner

Food Process Worker

A Food Process Worker prepares ingredients and participates in the production, quality control, and packaging of food and drink products while ensuring safety and hygiene.

Avg yearly income $59,800
Skill level Beginner

Food Production Manager

A Food Production Manager oversees food manufacturing, ensuring production targets and safety standards are met while managing quality and packaging.

Avg yearly income $99,996
Skill level Advanced

Food Production Supervisor

A Food Production Supervisor manages a team in a processing facility, ensuring production quality and safety standards while handling staff training and rostering.

Avg yearly income $88,920
Skill level Advanced

Food Technologist

A Food Technologist develops and tests food products, ensuring safety, quality, and compliance with industry standards while working in a team.

Avg yearly income $77,480
Skill level Advanced

Common questions

How much does a Food Safety Officer earn?

In Australia, a full time Food Safety Officer generally earns $1,300 per week ($67,600 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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What are the job opportunities for a Food Safety Officer?

This industry has seen a strong increase in employment numbers over the last five years. There are currently 33,000 people working in this field in Australia and many of them specialise as a Food Safety Officer. Food Safety Officers may find work across all regions of Australia, particularly larger towns and cities.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

How do I become a Food Safety Officer?

If you’re interested in a career as a Food Safety Officer, consider enrolling in a Certificate IV in Food Science and Technology. You’ll cover a range of topics including food safety audits, performing food tests, documenting food processes and procedures and controlling food contamination and spoilage.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

Choosing a security licence course in Australia: A step-by-step guide for jobseekers

10th November 2023

Do I need a Certificate IV In Work Health and Safety?

22nd October 2019

What can you do with a Certificate II in Security Operations?

5th January 2022

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