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Food Science Technician

Overview and Key Facts

young woman standing in front of a laboratory bench
Education
Education
Median Pay
Median Pay
$48,480
Job Growth
Job Growth
4.60%
(US Average)
Jobs in 2034
Jobs in 2034
40,700

What Do They Do?

A food science technician could....

 
chocolate
Help develop a delicious new candy bar.
label for a cereal box
Test cereal to make sure the nutrition labels are filled out correctly.
scientist testing food
Check for bacterial contamination in meat to prevent food poisoning.
salad dressing
Mix ingredients to make a tempting salad dressing.
 
chocolate label for a cereal box scientist testing food salad dressing

Overview Listen to this section

Good taste, texture, quality, and safety are all very important in the food industry. Food science technicians test and catalog the physical and chemical properties of food to help ensure these aspects.
Watch this interview with food scientist Corey Scott to find out what he enjoys about his job.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rv22EtyFkSA

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Food Science Technician?


  1. Reading Comprehension: ?
  2. Writing: ?
  3. Active Listening: ?
  4. Speaking: ?
  5. Critical Thinking: ?
More skills...

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Food Science Technician might do:
  • Taste or smell foods or beverages to ensure that flavors meet specifications or to select samples with specific characteristics.
  • Measure, test, or weigh bottles, cans, or other containers to ensure that hardness, strength, or dimensions meet specifications.
  • Maintain records of testing results or other documents as required by state or other governing agencies.
  • Monitor and control temperature of products.
  • Analyze test results to classify products or compare results with standard tables.
  • Record or compile test results or prepare graphs, charts, or reports.
  • Perform regular maintenance of laboratory equipment by inspecting, calibrating, cleaning, or sterilizing.
  • Examine chemical or biological samples to identify cell structures or to locate bacteria or extraneous material, using a microscope.
  • Conduct standardized tests on food, beverages, additives, or preservatives to ensure compliance with standards and regulations regarding factors such as color, texture, or nutrients.
  • Train newly hired laboratory personnel.
  • Provide assistance to food scientists or technologists in research and development, production technology, or quality control.
  • Supervise other food science technicians.
  • Compute moisture or salt content, percentages of ingredients, formulas, or other product factors, using mathematical and chemical procedures.
  • Order supplies needed to maintain inventories in laboratories or in storage facilities of food or beverage processing plants.

Salary & Job Openings

Median Salary (Yearly Pay)

Tap or scroll over map to see median salaries for each state
No data available for some states (white on the map)

Future Jobs

Blast-Off:

How Will Food Science Technician Jobs Grow by 2034?
Projected % Growth
Rapid growth
(10% or higher)
Much faster than average
(7% - 10%)
Faster than average
(5% - 7%)
About as fast as average
(3% - 5%)
Slower than average
(0% - 3%)
Decreasing
Average of all U.S. jobs (5.3%)
Food Science Technician jobs (4.60%)
Source: https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm

Steps to Get There: Becoming a Food Science Technician

High School Subjects to Study

Aim to study the yellow-shaded subjects.
Math
Algebra 1
Geometry
Algebra 2
Pre-Calculus
Calculus
Statistics
Science
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Environmental Science
Physiology
Bio-Medical / Biotech
IT &
Engineering
Computer Science
Applied Technology
Drafting & CAD Training
Core
English
Foreign Language
Business
Psychology / Sociology

Career Pathway Listen to this section

Most jobs in this career track require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Education- Typical Degree Needed After High School Listen to this section

Degree
Post
high school credential
AA
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctoral or Professional Degree

Typical degree for an entry-level position: ? Types of Degrees and Credentials

Many employers prefer applicants who have at least 2 years of specialized training or an associate degree in applied science or science-related technology.

People interested in becoming food science technicians should take as many high school science and math courses as possible. Science courses taken beyond high school, in an associate or bachelor's degree program, should be laboratory-oriented, with an emphasis on bench skills. A solid background in applied chemistry, biology, and math is vital.

Whatever their education, food science technicians usually begin work as trainees under the direct supervision of a scientist or a more-experienced technician. As they gain experience, technicians take on more responsibility and carry out assignments under only general supervision, and some eventually become supervisors.

Companies That Hire Food Science Technicians

Try it Out with an Activity or Project

STEM Activities

STEM activities are fun hands-on explorations that usually take from 10 minutes to one hour and use readily available household or classroom materials while introducing you to STEM concepts common in this career.

Science Project Ideas

Project Ideas are in-depth STEM explorations that have a strong focus on controlling variables, taking accurate measurements, and analyzing data suitable for investigating the scientific method or the engineering design process.

On the Job

Nature of the Work

Food science technicians assist food scientists and technologists in research and development, production technology, and quality control. For example, food science technicians may conduct tests on food additives and preservatives to ensure compliance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations regarding color, texture, and nutrients. These technicians analyze, record, and compile test results; order supplies to maintain laboratory inventory; and clean and sterilize laboratory equipment.

Work Environment

Most food science technicians work indoors, often in laboratories, and have regular hours. Some occasionally work irregular hours to monitor experiments that cannot be completed during regular working hours. Technicians directly involved in food production may work in 8-hour shifts around the clock.

Advances in automation and information technology require technicians to operate more-sophisticated laboratory equipment. Food science technicians are likely to make extensive use of computers, electronic measuring equipment, and traditional experimental apparatus.

More Information

Ask Questions

Do you have a specific question about a career as a Food Science Technician that isn't answered on this page? Post your question on the Science Buddies Ask an Expert Forum.

Additional Resources

Sources

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