Median pay
$49,430
Median annual pay for Food Science Technicians.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Science
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.
10-year growth
4.8%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings
3,200
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment
20,400
Estimated U.S. employment for Food Science Technicians in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost
+1,000
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation
Associate's degree
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile
What the work involves
Strongest O*NET signals first.
Essential skills
- 1Reading Comprehension
- 2Active Listening
- 3Speaking
- 4Writing
- 5Critical Thinking
- 6Science
Knowledge areas
- 1Food Production
- 2Production and Processing
- 3Chemistry
- 4English Language
- 5Computers and Electronics
- 6Biology
Abilities
- 1Near Vision
- 2Oral Comprehension
- 3Oral Expression
- 4Written Comprehension
- 5Written Expression
- 6Deductive Reasoning
Career interests
- 1Realistic
- 2Conventional
- 3Investigative
- 4Enterprising
- 5Social
- 6Artistic
Work styles
- 1Attention to Detail
- 2Dependability
- 3Cautiousness
- 4Integrity
- 5Achievement Orientation
- 6Cooperation
Work activities
- 1Training and Teaching Others
- 2Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- 3Working with Computers
- 4Documenting/Recording Information
- 5Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- 6Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Work context
- 1Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- 2Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- 3Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- 4E-Mail
- 5Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- 6Contact With Others
Representative tasks
- 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.
- Perform regular maintenance of laboratory equipment by inspecting, calibrating, cleaning, or sterilizing.
- Examine chemical or biological samples to identify cell structures or to locate bacteria or extraneous material, using a microscope.
Software and tools
Microsoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft Word · in demandMicrosoft Excel · in demandMicrosoft Outlook · in demandMicrosoft PowerPoint · in demandSAP software · hot technologyMicrosoft Visio · hot technologyMicrosoft SQL Server · hot technologyLinux · hot technologyMicrosoft Access · hot technologySAS · hot technologyRed Hat WildFly
Sources
BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.