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.
Food Science Technicians
SOC: 19-4013 O*NET: 19-4013.00
Median Salary
$49,430
per year
Job Growth
📈 4.8%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
3.2
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
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 does a Food Science Technicians do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$37,760
10th percentile
Early Career
$43,990
25th percentile
Median
$49,430
50th percentile
Experienced
$60,940
75th percentile
Top Earners
$75,100
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$37,760
25th
$43,990
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$49,430
Mean: $54,400
75th
$60,940
90th
$75,100
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $37,340 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $43,990 and $60,940
- •Salary spread is 34.3% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 14,200 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:20,400
Top Industries
Manufacturing73.6%
Food Manufacturing61.8%
Dairy Product Manufacturing15.4%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+4.8%
Annual Openings:3,200
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)20,400
Current
2034 (Projected)21,300
+4.8%
+1,000
Employment Change
+4.8%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Food Science Technicians professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 35 locations
California
4,000 jobs$50,9602.40x
Texas
970 jobs$46,1700.76x
New York
750 jobs$52,5300.85x
New Jersey
610 jobs$52,3901.56x
Pennsylvania
580 jobs$49,0501.06x
Oregon
570 jobs$48,8403.17x
Wisconsin
550 jobs$50,0802.04x
Georgia
500 jobs$41,8401.12x
Indiana
430 jobs$48,0601.48x
Iowa
400 jobs$47,6102.81x
Illinois
390 jobs$63,7300.70x
Ohio
360 jobs$46,8300.71x
Minnesota
340 jobs$50,3801.28x
Washington
340 jobs$47,4201.05x
Idaho
320 jobs$45,2304.17x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Reading Comprehension
100%
#2
Writing
94%
#3
Active Listening
86%
#4
Speaking
80%
#5
Science
74%
#6
Critical Thinking
66%
#7
Coordination
60%
#8
Monitoring
54%
#9
Quality Control Analysis
46%
#10
Complex Problem Solving
40%
Skills Overview
Reading Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Writing
advanced4.7
94%
Active Listening
intermediate4.3
86%
Speaking
intermediate4.0
80%
Science
intermediate3.7
74%
Critical Thinking
intermediate3.3
66%
Coordination
intermediate3.0
60%
Monitoring
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Writing
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Science
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Coordination
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Monitoring
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Quality Control Analysis
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Quality Control Systems Managers82%
5 shared skills
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks73%
5 shared skills
Accountants and Auditors67%
5 shared skills
Airfield Operations Specialists67%
5 shared skills
Anesthesiologists67%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Writing
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
Learn on the Job:
- →Coordination
- →Monitoring
- →Critical Thinking
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Writing
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Reading Comprehension
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Writing
- ★Active Listening
- ★Speaking
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Science
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Food Science Technicians
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
SAS
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SQL Server
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechLinux
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Visio
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
SAS
Microsoft Access
Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft Outlook
SAP software
Microsoft Office software
Linux
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Visio
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
CONSTANT TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy constant team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
16
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (7)Planning & Development (2)Documentation & Record-Keeping (3)Analysis & Evaluation (1)Operations & Execution (1)Training & Development (1)Management & Supervision (1)
1
Conduct standardized tests on food, beverages, additives, or preservatives to ensure compliance with standards and regulations regarding factors such as color, texture, or nutrients.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Provide assistance to food scientists or technologists in research and development, production technology, or quality control.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development97% perform98%
3
Compute moisture or salt content, percentages of ingredients, formulas, or other product factors, using mathematical and chemical procedures.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Record or compile test results or prepare graphs, charts, or reports.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping91% perform94%
5
Analyze test results to classify products or compare results with standard tables.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation88% perform92%
6
Taste or smell foods or beverages to ensure that flavors meet specifications or to select samples with specific characteristics.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Examine chemical or biological samples to identify cell structures or to locate bacteria or extraneous material, using a microscope.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Mix, blend, or cultivate ingredients to make reagents or to manufacture food or beverage products.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Measure, test, or weigh bottles, cans, or other containers to ensure that hardness, strength, or dimensions meet specifications.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Order supplies needed to maintain inventories in laboratories or in storage facilities of food or beverage processing plants.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •44% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Food Science Technicians
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Food Science Technicians professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Food Science Technicians
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.69
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.43
Independence
Very ImportantIndependence
Importance Level4.33
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.27
Adaptability/Flexibility
Very ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.17
Analytical Thinking
ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level3.91
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.7
Dependability
4.4
Independence
4.3
Integrity
4.3
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.2
Analytical Thinking
3.9
Cooperation
3.8
Initiative
3.8
Stress Tolerance
3.7
Self-Control
3.6
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Food Science Technicians.
Browse Training Programs →