Food handler vs associate food scientist

The differences between food handlers and associate food scientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an associate food scientist has an average salary of $43,865, which is higher than the $32,581 average annual salary of a food handler.

The top three skills for a food handler include basic math, customer service and math. The most important skills for an associate food scientist are quality food, food products, and customer service.

Food handler vs associate food scientist overview

	Food Handler	Associate Food Scientist
Yearly salary	$32,581	$43,865
Hourly rate	$15.66	$21.09
Growth rate	14%	14%
Number of jobs	171,731	160,215
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 47%	Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Average age	23	23
Years of experience	-	-

Food handler vs associate food scientist salary

Food handlers and associate food scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Food Handler	Associate Food Scientist
Average salary	$32,581	$43,865
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $39,000	Between $35,000 And $54,000
Highest paying City	Syracuse, NY	New York, NY
Highest paying state	Washington	New Hampshire
Best paying company	Syracuse University	Emory University
Best paying industry	Finance	Health Care

Differences between food handler and associate food scientist education

There are a few differences between a food handler and an associate food scientist in terms of educational background:

	Food Handler	Associate Food Scientist
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 47%	Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Food handler vs associate food scientist demographics

Here are the differences between food handlers' and associate food scientists' demographics:

	Food Handler	Associate Food Scientist
Average age	23	23
Gender ratio	Male, 43.2% Female, 56.8%	Male, 48.7% Female, 51.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 6.9% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 6.5% White, 57.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 6.9% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 6.5% White, 57.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between food handler and associate food scientist duties and responsibilities

Food handler example responsibilities.

Set up and operate point of sales (POS) cash registers, receive money and return proper change.
Record patient information to gain knowledge of special allergies and special diets to promote better safety and health management.
Enter orders into POS system, report daily sales to managers, conduct monthly inventory, and perform heavy cash flow.
Monitor and maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and organization of assign station and service areas.
Maintain clean work areas including display cases, walk-in coolers, fryers and other cooking equipment.
Prepare and serve food samples using small appliances such as microwaves, fryers, skillets, coffee makers and knives.

Associate food scientist example responsibilities.

Maintain cleanliness in food preparation and dining areas in accordance with establish standards.
Carry out groceries, check customers out, bag groceries, stock shelves, close
Collect the necessary raw material stock from the culinary personnel and prepare the ordered dish.
Utilize and operate cutting utensils such as knives, slicers and weighing equipment following menu portion guidelines.
Train team members on advance culinary techniques and how to produce in quantity while still maintaining exemplary food quality.
Clean and operate a variety of equipment including grills, fryers, fridge and freezers, ovens, and beverage machines.

Food handler vs associate food scientist skills

Common food handler skills

Basic Math, 23%
Customer Service, 21%
Math, 14%
Food Service, 6%
Kitchen Equipment, 6%
Food Orders, 4%

Common associate food scientist skills

Quality Food, 36%
Food Products, 32%
Customer Service, 8%
Quality Customer Service, 5%
Groceries, 5%
Quality Standards, 3%

Food Handler vs. similar jobs

Food Handler related careers

Food Handler related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Food Preparation and Restaurant Industry
Food Handler
Food Handler vs Associate Food Scientist

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse food preparation and restaurant jobs