Food Science Technician

Explore This Path

Ideal for those passionate about food safety and innovation in the food industry.
Ensure food quality and safety, impacting public health and consumer satisfaction.
Explore the science behind flavors and textures in food products.

💰 Earn $45K-$62K

📚 Associate Degree

⏱️ 12–24 MONTH TRAINING

📈 7.3% JOB GROWTH

Find Training

What You’ll 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.

Record or compile test results or prepare graphs, charts, or reports.
Conduct standardized tests on food, beverages, additives, or preservatives to ensure compliance with standards and regulations regarding factors such as color, texture, or nutrients.
Maintain records of testing results or other documents as required by state or other governing agencies.
Taste or smell foods or beverages to ensure that flavors meet specifications or to select samples with specific characteristics.
Monitor and control temperature of products.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Associate Degree

Career Prospects

Excellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training Time

1 to 2 years

Job Openings

3,900 Annually

Median Earnings

$50,330 in California

$49,090 Nationally

$25K

$50K

$75K

$100K

$125K

$150K

$175K

$200K

$225K

$250K

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Thinking and problem solving
Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Operations Monitoring
Reading Comprehension

You value 🙏

Accomplishing things
Having support
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Food Science Technician

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years