How to become a tester or grader
Official title: Testers and graders, food and beverage processing
Also called: Ham grader, Beef grader, Beer tester, Fish grader, Lamb grader, Meat grader, Milk grader, Pork grader, Veal grader, Wine tester, Bacon grader, Bread tester
Testers and graders in food and beverage processing 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 plants.
Main tasks
- 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
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Experience as a machine operator or labourer in the food or beverage processing industry may be required. On-the-job training is usually provided.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $48,750 a year The middle half earn $39,000 to $59,280.
- About 8,700 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 9,500 are projected by 2033. (+9.2%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Process control and machine operators, food and beverage processing
- Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers
- Fish and seafood plant workers
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Questions people ask
How do I become a tester or grader?
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Experience as a machine operator or labourer in the food or beverage processing industry may be required. On-the-job training is usually provided.
How much does a tester or grader earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $48,750 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $39,000 to $59,280.
Is a tester or grader a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 9% by 2033, from about 8,700 to about 9,500 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a tester or grader?
Not always. 26% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03