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 make sure they meet company standards. They work 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
average
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Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow moderately over the next few years, which will likely provide some additional opportunities for employment. 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 and Beverage Processing most commonly work full-time hours. Also, a average 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 and Beverage 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
$15.30
Minimum$19.55
Median$21.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,357
Minimum$18,320
Median$56,213
MaximumCompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$23.91
Median$35.04
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 make sure they meet company standards. They work 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:
- Take samples of products at various stages of processing.
- Examine ingredients or finished products by sight, touch, taste and smell or weigh materials to make sure they meet company standards.
- Carry out routine tests for product specifications like colour, alcohol content, carbonation, moisture content, temperature, fat content and packaging.
- Grade or sort raw materials or finished products.
- Make sure hygiene and sanitation practices follow 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
- You should be responsible, alert, and in good physical health. Coordination, agility, and mechanical skills are important. You must also be able to take direction and carry out instructions given by a supervisor.
Job requirements
- High school may be required.
- On-the-job training is usually provided.
Other considerations
- Movement to supervisor 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
$16,824 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$20,507 median annual incomeCape Breton
$15,892 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$24,459 median annual incomeHalifax
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Manufacturing
Wholesale trade
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
55-64
15-24
25-34
35-44
65+
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
High school
$10,706 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$17,973 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$25,510 median annual incomeLess than high school
$12,987 median annual incomeBachelor
$30,314 median annual incomeCompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
High school
$28,505 median annual incomeLess than high school
$19,224 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$38,781 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$43,975 median annual incomeBachelor
$39,715 median annual incomeEducation & training
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.