Food Science Technicians
SOC code 19-4013 · O*NET-SOC 19-4013.00 · Medium preparation needed · Science and engineering
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Food Science Technicians pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$52,130
a year
Hourly
$25.06
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$56,660
$27.24 per hour
Middle 50%
$46,020 – $63,270
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$39,820 – $78,820
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
14,600
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $39,820
- $19.14/hr
- 25th percentile
- $46,020
- $22.12/hr
- Median percentile
- $52,130
- $25.06/hr
- 75th percentile
- $63,270
- $30.42/hr
- 90th percentile
- $78,820
- $37.89/hr
What does a food science technician do?
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.
The tasks that matter most day to 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.
- Record or compile test results or prepare graphs, charts, or reports.
- Prepare or incubate slides with cell cultures.
- Perform regular maintenance of laboratory equipment by inspecting, calibrating, cleaning, or sterilizing.
How to become a food science technician
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 32% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree32%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree23%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)17%
- Master's Degree13%
Common questions
How much does a food science technician earn?
The national median is $52,130 a year. The full range runs from $39,820 at the 10th percentile to $78,820 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a food science technician without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension3.8/5
- Active Listening3.5/5
- Writing3.5/5
- Speaking3.5/5
- Science3.3/5
- Critical Thinking3.3/5
- Monitoring3.1/5
Knowledge areas
- Food Production3.8/5
- Production and Processing3.7/5
- Chemistry3.5/5
- English Language3.4/5
- Computers and Electronics3.1/5
- Biology3.1/5
- Mathematics3.0/5
- Administrative2.6/5
Transferable strengths: Coordination, Complex Problem Solving, Quality Control Analysis.