Food technologist vs quality control assistant

The differences between food technologists and quality control assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a food technologist has an average salary of $62,229, which is higher than the $37,836 average annual salary of a quality control assistant.

The top three skills for a food technologist include food safety, food preparation and regulatory compliance. The most important skills for a quality control assistant are product quality, quality checks, and lab equipment.

Food technologist vs quality control assistant overview

	Food Technologist	Quality Control Assistant
Yearly salary	$62,229	$37,836
Hourly rate	$29.92	$18.19
Growth rate	8%	3%
Number of jobs	103,677	81,401
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 57%	Bachelor's Degree, 52%
Average age	40	38
Years of experience	4	-

What does a food technologist do?

A food technologist is responsible for developing safe and healthy food products, managing convenient food manufacturing processes, and ensuring that the procedures adhere to internal guidelines and state regulations. Food technologists identify ways to improve food preservation methods, as well as strategizing in consumer-friendly packaging and distribution processes. They also research the current food trends and technology advancements according to public demands that would generate more revenue resources and increase the business' profits. A food technologist studies the product's reviews and analyzes techniques for more efficient product preparation.

What does a quality control assistant do?

Quality assurance technicians work as testers, samplers, and inspectors of quality control in the organizations. They are equipped with skills in visual inspection, written and verbal communication, and active listening. In carrying out their jobs, they are expected to work well and be detail-oriented. Working as a quality assurance technician involves problem-solving, decision making, and creative thinking. They see to it that products and services meet the quality standards for the entire organization.

Food technologist vs quality control assistant salary

Food technologists and quality control assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Food Technologist	Quality Control Assistant
Average salary	$62,229	$37,836
Salary range	Between $39,000 And $98,000	Between $26,000 And $53,000
Highest paying City	Chicago, IL	Washington, DC
Highest paying state	New York	Washington
Best paying company	LexisNexis Reed Tech	Sun Chemical
Best paying industry	Health Care	Construction

Differences between food technologist and quality control assistant education

There are a few differences between a food technologist and a quality control assistant in terms of educational background:

	Food Technologist	Quality Control Assistant
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 57%	Bachelor's Degree, 52%
Most common major	Food Science	Business
Most common college	Cornell University	Stanford University

Food technologist vs quality control assistant demographics

Here are the differences between food technologists' and quality control assistants' demographics:

	Food Technologist	Quality Control Assistant
Average age	40	38
Gender ratio	Male, 45.1% Female, 54.9%	Male, 41.8% Female, 58.2%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 12.0% White, 72.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%	Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 10.4% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	19%	8%

Differences between food technologist and quality control assistant duties and responsibilities

Food technologist example responsibilities.

Develop and process data and presentations and manage technical documents for FDA & USDA.
Organize schedules for employees and set payroll -Provide direction and solve employee problems -Be extremely personable & manage stock control
Train and supervise employees GMP and GHP.
Create process controls and preventative actions through HACCP system/principles.
Prepare and package foods according to USDA standards for consumer consumption
Maintain up to date knowledge of USDA regulations, policies and appropriate product technology.

Quality control assistant example responsibilities.

Develop procedures for testing equipment for safety and compliance to achieve FDA regulations for safety and manufacturing.
Help ensure compliance with GMP policies, HACCP, QMS, and good housekeeping throughout the plant.
Make sure co-worker follow safety rules and regulation and wearing PPE.
Create weekly PowerPoint data sheets for coaching staff to aid when writing prospective student athletes.
Work in aseptic gowning for ISO 5-8 and provide qualifications for personnel in aseptic gowning techniques.
Perform inspections of raw materials, supervise assembly of product, and inspect final product in an ISO certify sheltered workshop.

Food technologist vs quality control assistant skills

Common food technologist skills

Food Safety, 16%
Food Preparation, 8%
Regulatory Compliance, 5%
Cleanliness, 4%
Safety Standards, 4%
Laboratory Equipment, 4%

Common quality control assistant skills

Product Quality, 13%
Quality Checks, 11%
Lab Equipment, 10%
Safety Standards, 9%
Data Entry, 9%
GMP, 6%

Food Technologist vs. similar jobs

Food Technologist related careers

Food Technologist related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Life, Physical, and Social Science Industry
Food Technologist
Food Technologist vs Quality Control Assistant

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse life, physical, and social science jobs