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.
Food Scientists and Technologists
SOC: 19-1012 O*NET: 19-1012.00
Median Salary
$85,310
per year
Job Growth
📈 6.5%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
1.2
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
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.
Overview
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Distribution by Percentile
Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.
10th
$51,186
25th
$68,248
50th (Median)
$85,310
75th
$102,372
90th
$127,965
Percentile Explained: If you're in the 75th percentile, you earn more than 75% of workers in this occupation. Entry-level positions typically fall in the 10th-25th percentile range, while experienced professionals often reach the 75th-90th percentile.
Typical Benefits Package
Health & Wellness
- ✓Health Insurance
- ✓Dental Insurance
- ✓Vision Insurance
- ✓Mental Health Support
- ✓Wellness Programs
Financial Benefits
- ✓401(k) Retirement Plan
- ✓Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
- ✓Profit Sharing
- ✓Stock Options
- ✓Performance Bonuses
Work-Life Balance
- ✓Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
- ✓Paid Sick Leave
- ✓Flexible Work Arrangements
- ✓Remote Work Options
- ✓Parental Leave
Professional Development
- ✓Tuition Reimbursement
- ✓Professional Certifications
- ✓Conference Attendance
- ✓Training Programs
- ✓Mentorship Opportunities
Note: Benefits vary widely by employer, company size, and location. Large corporations and tech companies often offer more comprehensive packages, while small businesses may offer fewer benefits but more flexibility. Always review the complete compensation package, not just base salary.
Job Market Intelligence
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:15,200
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+6.5%
Annual Openings:1,200
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)15,200
Current
2034 (Projected)16,200
+6.5%
+1,000
Employment Change
+6.5%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
Top Skills
✓
Active Learning
Active Learning
✓
Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
✓
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
✓
Speaking
Speaking
✓
Active Listening
Active Listening
✓
Complex Problem Solving
Complex Problem Solving
✓
Judgment and Decision Making
Judgment and Decision Making
✓
Science
Science
✓
Writing
Writing
✓
Systems Evaluation
Systems Evaluation
Key Knowledge Areas
✓
Production and Processing
✓
Food Production
✓
Chemistry
✓
English Language
✓
Mathematics
✓
Engineering and Technology
✓
Biology
✓
Computers and Electronics
✓
Administration and Management
✓
Customer and Personal Service
Education & Training
Education Required
Bachelor's degree or higher
Experience Required
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Job Training
Significant preparation with related work experience