Testers and Graders in Food and Beverage Processing
(NOC 9465)
in All Manufacturing and UtilitiesWorkers in this group test or grade ingredients and finished food or beverage products to ensure conformance to company standards. They are employed in fruit and vegetable processing plants, dairies, flour mills, bakeries, sugar refineries, fish plants, meat plants, breweries and other food and beverage processing and packaging plants.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
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Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Testers and Graders in Food, Beverage, and Associated Products Processing most commonly work full-time hours. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 22% of Testers and Graders in Food, Beverage, and Associated Products Processing who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $49,355. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$12.55
Minimum$15.06
Median$20.10
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,357
Minimum$18,320
Median$56,213
MaximumCompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
Hourly Pay
$12.55
Minimum$18.75
Median$30.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,056
Minimum$30,111
Median$70,518
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Workers in this group test or grade ingredients and finished food or beverage products to ensure conformance to company standards. They are employed in fruit and vegetable processing plants, dairies, flour mills, bakeries, sugar refineries, fish plants, meat plants, breweries and other food and beverage processing and packaging plants.
Job duties
Testers and graders perform some or all of the following duties:
- Take samples of products at various stages of processing.
- Examine ingredients or finished products by sight, touch, taste and smell or weigh materials to ensure conformance to company standards.
- Conduct routine tests for product specifications such as colour, alcohol content, carbonation, moisture content, temperature, fat content and packaging.
- Grade or sort raw materials or finished products.
- Ensure hygiene and sanitation practices conform to policies and regulations.
- Advise supervisors of ingredient or product deficiencies.
Sample job titles
- beverage inspector
- food and beverage processing grader
- meat grader
- process control checker - food and beverage processing
- produce grader - food and beverage processing
- product tester - food and beverage processing
- wine tester
Skills
To work in these jobs, you should be responsible, alert, and in good physical health. Coordination, agility, and a mechanical aptitude are important. You must also be able to take direction and carry out instructions given by a supervisor.
Job requirements
- Completion of high school may be required.
- On-the-job training is usually provided.
Other considerations
Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Southern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
North Shore
Halifax
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Food and Beverage Product Manufacturing
Wholesale Trade
Other Industries
Agriculture
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
45-54
35-44
65+
25-34
15-24
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
High school
$13,601 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$19,799 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$15,798 median annual incomeLess than high school
$9,674 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
N/ACompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
High school
$28,358 median annual incomeLess than high school
$21,011 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$36,968 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$37,356 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$36,852 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
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