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What is a food science technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a food science technician. For example, did you know that they make an average of $17.69 an hour? That's $36,799 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 6% and produce 1,800 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreFood Science TechnicianUS Average
Salary
2.9

Avg. Salary $36,799

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.6

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
9.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.91%

Asian 6.88%

Black or African American 10.01%

Hispanic or Latino 13.61%

Unknown 4.23%

White 64.37%

Gender

female 47.62%

male 52.38%

Age - 41
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 41
Stress level
6.6

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.6

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.1

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a food science technician

  1. Explore food science technician education requirements

    Most common food science technician degrees

    Bachelor's

    69.6 %

    Master's

    17.4 %

    Associate

    10.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific food science technician skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Food Safety25.57%
    Product Quality19.94%
    Sensory Evaluation19.45%
    Culinary12.20%
    Lab Equipment8.47%
  3. Complete relevant food science technician training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New food science technicians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a food science technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real food science technician resumes.
  4. Research food science technician duties and responsibilities

    • Develop and process data and presentations and manage technical documents for FDA & USDA.
    • Inspect plant for microbiological contamination and drive cleaning/resolution to improve public safety and company image.
    • Used Autocad for topographic/bathymetric cross-sections.
  5. Prepare your food science technician resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your food science technician resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a food science technician resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable food science technician resume templates

    Build a professional food science technician resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your food science technician resume.
    Food Science Technician Resume
    Food Science Technician Resume
    Food Science Technician Resume
    Food Science Technician Resume
    Food Science Technician Resume
    Food Science Technician Resume
    Food Science Technician Resume
    Food Science Technician Resume
    Food Science Technician Resume
  6. Apply for food science technician jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a food science technician job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first food science technician job

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Average food science technician salary

The average food science technician salary in the United States is $36,799 per year or $18 per hour. Food science technician salaries range between $27,000 and $48,000 per year.

Average food science technician salary
$36,799 Yearly
$17.69 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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