Food Science Technicians

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.

$48,480

Median Annual Pay

Jobs growth:

+5% projected 2024–2034

Associate's degree

Typical Entry-Level Education

What They Do

Food science technicians work alongside food scientists in laboratories, production facilities, and quality control environments to test and analyze food and beverage products. They conduct standardized tests to measure physical properties like texture, color, and viscosity, as well as chemical properties such as pH levels, moisture content, and nutritional composition. Their daily work involves preparing samples, operating specialized laboratory equipment, recording precise measurements, and documenting results according to strict protocols.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Biology(masters)Johns Hopkins University, MD

Biology(doctoral)Rutgers University-New Brunswick, NJ

Biology(doctoral)Rutgers University-Newark, NJ

Biology(doctoral)Johns Hopkins University, MD

Food Science and Technology(masters)Michigan State University, MI

Biology(masters)Salisbury University, MD

Biology(masters)University of Maryland-College Park, MD

Biology(masters)University of Maryland-Baltimore County, MD

Biology(masters)Hood College, MD

Food Science and Technology(masters)Kansas State University, KS

Food Science and Technology(masters)University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL

Biology(doctoral)Northwestern University, IL

Food Science and Technology(masters)Brigham Young University, UT

Food Science and Technology(masters)Chapman University, CA

Food Science and Technology(masters)Ohio State University-Main Campus, OH

Food Science and Technology(masters)Alabama A & M University, AL

Food Science and Technology(masters)Colorado State University-Fort Collins, CO

Food Science and Technology(masters)North Dakota State University-Main Campus, ND

Food Science and Technology(masters)Oklahoma State University-Main Campus, OK

Food Science and Technology(masters)Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College, LA

Food Science and Technology(masters)Mississippi State University, MS

Food Science and Technology(masters)Clemson University, SC

Food Science and Technology(masters)Mount Mary University, WI

Food Science and Technology(masters)North Carolina State University at Raleigh, NC

Food Science and Technology(masters)California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, CA

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