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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.

Median salary

$49,430

Typical range

$38k – $75k

Job outlook

+5% (faster than average)

AI exposure

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Education

Typical entry: Associate degree

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Typical progression

  1. Junior Food Science Technicians

    Entry / Junior

    $37,760

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Food Science Technicians

    Established

    $49,430

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Food Science Technicians

    Senior

    $62,265

Key skills

A typical day

  • 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.

Fields of study

Any field

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