Food Science Technicians
Work with food scientists or technologists to perform standardized qualitative and quantitative tests to determine physical or chemical properties of food or beverage products. Includes technicians who assist in research and development of production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and use of foods.Salary by State
| State Name | Employment | Annual Salary | Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 2,170 | $49,170 | $23.64 | |
| Colorado | 150 | $56,690 | $27.26 | |
| Connecticut | 50 | $54,290 | $26.10 | |
| Florida | 260 | $41,710 | $20.06 | |
| Georgia | 440 | $56,560 | $27.19 | |
| Idaho | 90 | $49,990 | $24.04 | |
| Illinois | 190 | $53,420 | $25.69 | |
| Indiana | 110 | $43,530 | $20.93 | |
| Iowa | 370 | $42,640 | $20.50 | |
| Kansas | 120 | $48,760 | $23.44 | |
| Kentucky | 190 | $55,710 | $26.79 | |
| Louisiana | 40 | $45,830 | $22.03 | |
| Maryland | 120 | $51,040 | $24.54 | |
| Massachusetts | 70 | $57,560 | $27.67 | |
| Michigan | 110 | $49,390 | $23.75 | |
| Minnesota | 510 | $45,200 | $21.73 | |
| Missouri | 130 | $63,470 | $30.52 | |
| Nebraska | 280 | $44,410 | $21.35 | |
| Nevada | 60 | $45,290 | $21.77 | |
| New Hampshire | $48,820 | $23.47 | ||
| New Jersey | 490 | $54,120 | $26.02 | |
| New Mexico | 80 | $40,810 | $19.62 | |
| New York | 360 | $45,520 | $21.88 | |
| North Carolina | 70 | $49,500 | $23.80 | |
| Ohio | 200 | $58,830 | $28.28 | |
| Oklahoma | 150 | $49,580 | $23.84 | |
| Oregon | 430 | $44,200 | $21.25 | |
| Pennsylvania | 580 | $46,570 | $22.39 | |
| South Carolina | 30 | $42,080 | $20.23 | |
| South Dakota | 150 | $35,770 | $17.20 | |
| Tennessee | $48,380 | $23.26 | ||
| Texas | 1,390 | $42,960 | $20.65 | |
| Utah | 170 | $48,530 | $23.33 | |
| Vermont | 60 | $47,700 | $22.93 | |
| Virginia | 100 | $52,000 | $25.00 | |
| Washington | 520 | $46,880 | $22.54 | |
| Wisconsin | 930 | $46,600 | $22.40 |
Education
The programs listed below are typically the education paths that can land you this kind of job.
A program that prepares individuals to receive, inspect, store, process, and package agricultural products in the form of human food consumables, animal or plant food, or other industrial products. Includes instruction in the nutrient and industrial properties of various agricultural products; logistics and storage procedures; chemical and mechanical processing operations; packaging; safety and health requirements; and related technical and business principles.
A program that focuses on the application of biological, chemical, and physical principles to the study of converting raw agricultural products into processed forms suitable for direct human consumption, and the storage of such products. Includes instruction in applicable aspects of the agricultural sciences, human physiology and nutrition, food chemistry, agricultural products processing, food additives, food preparation and packaging, food storage and shipment, and related aspects of human health and safety including toxicology and pathology.
A program that focuses on the application of chemical, physical, and engineering principles to the development and implementation of manufacturing, packaging, storage, and distribution technologies and processes for food products. Includes instruction in food engineering, food preservation and handling, food preparation, food packaging and display, food storage and shipment, and related equipment and facilities design, operation, and maintenance.
A program that focuses on the business, science, and technology of beer brewing operations. Includes instruction in biology, biochemistry, brewing, entrepreneurship, fermentation, malting, marketing, microbiology, quality control, and sanitation.
A program that focuses on the business, science, and technology of fermented food production. Includes instruction in biology, biochemistry, brewing, entrepreneurship, fermentation, marketing, microbiology, quality control, and sanitation.
Any instructional program in food sciences and technology not listed above.
A general program of biology at the introductory, basic level or a program in biology or the biological sciences that is undifferentiated as to title or content. Includes instruction in general biology and programs covering a variety of biological specializations.
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the chemistry of living systems, their fundamental chemical substances and reactions, and their chemical pathways and information transfer systems, with particular reference to carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Includes instruction in bio-organic chemistry, protein chemistry, bioanalytical chemistry, bioseparations, regulatory biochemistry, enzymology, hormonal chemistry, calorimetry, and research methods and equipment operation.
A program that focuses on the scientific study of unicellular organisms and colonies, and subcellular genetic matter and their ecological interactions with human beings and other life. Includes instruction in microbial genetics, cell biology, cell physiology, virology, pathogenic microbiology, environmental microbiology, immunology, biostatistics, bioinformatics, and laboratory methods including microscopy.
A general program that focuses on the scientific study of the composition and behavior of matter, including its micro- and macro-structure, the processes of chemical change, and the theoretical description and laboratory simulation of these phenomena.
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$47,870 per yearNational average salaryModerateJob growth rate
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Associate's degreeTypical education requirement
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Moderate-term on-the-job trainingTypical on-the-job training requirement
Educational Attainment
The following chart shows the highest education level completed by those working as food science technicians.
- Less than high school 10%
- High school graduate 25%
- College dropout 21%
- Associate’s degree 15%
- Bachelor’s degree 23%
- Master’s degree 4%
- Doctorate degree 2%
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