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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Food Science Technicians

Median Salary
49,090
Job Outlook
+7%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of agricultural and food science technicians is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 6,900 openings for agricultural and food science technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$25,890

10%

$49,090

Median

$61,640

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    32%

  • Associate's degree

    23%

  • High school

    16%

  • Some college

    12%

  • Master's degree

    12%

  • Doctoral degree

    1%

  • Post-doctoral training

    1%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Food Science
  • Biology/Biological Sciences, General
  • Chemistry, General
  • Microbiology, General
  • Biochemistry
  • Food Science and Technology, Other
  • Food Technology and Processing
  • Brewing Science
  • Agricultural and Food Products Processing
  • Zymology/Fermentation Science

Skills and Interest

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Chemistry
  • Production and Processing
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Biology
  • Food Production

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.