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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 (BLS)

$52,130

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$40k – $79k

Job outlook

+5% (faster than average)

AI exposure

Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $119,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.

Plan a path to Food Science Technicians

Qualification costsStack incomeBest cities/statesSchool ROIJob-posting fitTailored resume

Education

Typical entry: Associate degree

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How to qualify

Estimate

Cost to qualify

$8,000–$22,000

Time to qualify

2 yr

Renewal

—

  1. 1

    Associate degree (community college)

    Degree

    Two years at in-district rates — average published tuition & fees ≈ $4,050/yr, plus ~$1,200/yr books & supplies.

    $8,000–$22,000 · 2 years source

Estimated typical U.S. route for "Food Science Technicians" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.

Typical progression

  1. Junior Food Science Technicians

    Entry / Junior

    $39,820

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Food Science Technicians

    Established

    $52,130

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Food Science Technicians

    Senior

    $65,475

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

Top colleges for Science

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Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.