Food Scientists and Technologists
Use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods; analyze food content to determine levels of vitamins, fat, sugar, and protein; discover new food sources; research ways to make processed foods safe, palatable, and healthful; and apply food science knowledge to determine best ways to process, package, preserve, store, and distribute food.Salary by State
| State Name | Employment | Annual Salary | Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 40 | $74,640 | $35.89 | |
| Arkansas | 310 | $81,000 | $38.94 | |
| California | 1,760 | $83,420 | $40.10 | |
| Colorado | 320 | $103,520 | $49.77 | |
| Connecticut | $97,410 | $46.83 | ||
| Florida | 230 | $62,590 | $30.09 | |
| Georgia | 430 | $57,930 | $27.85 | |
| Idaho | 90 | $75,160 | $36.14 | |
| Illinois | 1,100 | $94,480 | $45.43 | |
| Indiana | 270 | $82,470 | $39.65 | |
| Iowa | 240 | $73,320 | $35.25 | |
| Kansas | 490 | $101,250 | $48.68 | |
| Kentucky | $85,590 | $41.15 | ||
| Maryland | 280 | $88,970 | $42.77 | |
| Massachusetts | 170 | $81,390 | $39.13 | |
| Michigan | 440 | $71,630 | $34.44 | |
| Minnesota | 930 | $96,170 | $46.24 | |
| Missouri | 130 | $69,310 | $33.32 | |
| Montana | 70 | $59,350 | $28.54 | |
| Nebraska | 120 | $64,650 | $31.08 | |
| New Hampshire | 50 | $90,130 | $43.33 | |
| New Jersey | $95,780 | $46.05 | ||
| New Mexico | 30 | $49,160 | $23.64 | |
| New York | 660 | $91,310 | $43.90 | |
| North Carolina | 360 | $52,480 | $25.23 | |
| Ohio | 570 | $96,280 | $46.29 | |
| Oklahoma | 60 | $84,190 | $40.48 | |
| Oregon | 370 | $83,980 | $40.37 | |
| Pennsylvania | 540 | $82,410 | $39.62 | |
| Rhode Island | 30 | $81,770 | $39.31 | |
| South Carolina | 50 | $81,730 | $39.29 | |
| South Dakota | 80 | $67,500 | $32.45 | |
| Tennessee | 40 | $69,890 | $33.60 | |
| Texas | 830 | $82,530 | $39.68 | |
| Utah | 170 | $61,940 | $29.78 | |
| Vermont | 30 | $83,420 | $40.10 | |
| Washington | 150 | $65,670 | $31.57 |
Education
The programs listed below are typically the education paths that can land you this kind of job.
A program that focuses on the general principles and practice of agricultural research and production and that may prepare individuals to apply this knowledge to the solution of practical agricultural problems. Includes instruction in basic animal, plant, and soil science; animal husbandry and plant cultivation; soil conservation; and agricultural operations such as farming, ranching, and agricultural business.
A program that focuses on the application of agricultural management and scientific principles to the problems of global food production and distribution, and to the study of the agricultural systems of other countries. Includes instruction in agricultural economics; comparative agricultural systems; international agribusiness and law; third-world development studies and economic development; and global applications of climate, soil, water resources, ecological and environmental studies, and animal and plant sciences.
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 application of scientific and agribusiness principles to the production of grapes, the making of wine, and the wine business. Includes instruction in grapes and wines of the world; grape production; winemaking technology; plant biology; chemistry; food science, safety, and packaging; soil science; pest management; and marketing and business management.
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 program that focuses on the blending of food science and the culinary arts and that prepares individuals to work as research chefs and related research and development positions in the food industry. Includes instruction in culinary arts, food chemistry, food safety and quality, food processing, nutrition, and business management.
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$84,150 per yearNational average salaryModerateJob growth rate
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Bachelor's degreeTypical education requirement
Educational Attainment
The following chart shows the highest education level completed by those working as food scientists and technologists.
- Less than high school 0%
- High school graduate 0%
- College dropout 0%
- Associate’s degree 0%
- Bachelor’s degree 60%
- Master’s degree 27%
- Doctorate degree 13%
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