Food science technicians
SOC Code: 19-4013Also known as:
Beer Brewer, Biotechnician, Bottle House QC Technician (Bottle House Quality Control Technician), Butter Fat Tester, Central Laboratory Technician (CLT)
Median Annual Salary
$49,430
+4.8% growth (2024-2034)
3K
Openings/Year
20K
Current Jobs
What Food science technicians 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.
💰 Salary
$49,430
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+4.8%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Associate's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
3K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
20,400
Projected Employment (2034)
21,300
Related Careers
Food scientists and technologists
$85,310 •
+6.5% growth
Agricultural technicians
$46,790 •
+4.3% growth
Chemical technicians
$57,790 •
+3.7% growth
Life, physical, and social science technicians, all other
$60,130 •
+3.5% growth
Agricultural inspectors
$50,990 •
+1.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Writing
Speaking
Science
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Conduct standardized tests on food, beverages, additives, or preservatives to ensure compliance with standards and regulations regarding factors such as color, texture, or nutrients.
- Train newly hired laboratory personnel.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Associate's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Food science technicians
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a food science technicians:
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
89,827 degrees awarded •
1,646 colleges offer this program
Chemistry, General
18,323 degrees awarded •
1,175 colleges offer this program
Biochemistry
9,737 degrees awarded •
591 colleges offer this program
Microbiology, General
2,646 degrees awarded •
107 colleges offer this program
Food Science
1,581 degrees awarded •
66 colleges offer this program
Agricultural and Food Products Processing
168 degrees awarded •
16 colleges offer this program
Food Science and Technology, Other
132 degrees awarded •
15 colleges offer this program
Brewing Science
118 degrees awarded •
17 colleges offer this program
Food Technology and Processing
96 degrees awarded •
22 colleges offer this program
Zymology/Fermentation Science
74 degrees awarded •
4 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Food science technicians
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become food science technicians.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do food science technicians make?
The median annual salary for food science technicians is $49,430.
What education do food science technicians need?
Most food science technicians positions require a associate's degree.
Common degree programs include Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Chemistry, General, Biochemistry.
Is becoming food science technicians a good career choice?
Food science technicians is projected to see +4.8% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 3,200 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for food science technicians?
Top colleges for aspiring food science technicians include
University of California-Los Angeles, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, The University of Texas at Austin, University of California-Irvine, University of California-San Diego.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to food science technicians?
Food science technicians may also be known as: Beer Brewer, Biotechnician, Bottle House QC Technician (Bottle House Quality Control Technician), Butter Fat Tester, Central Laboratory Technician (CLT), Cheese Tester, Cream Tester, Dairy and Food Laboratory Assistant (Dairy and Food Lab Assist), Dairy Laboratory Technician (Dairy Lab Tech), Dairy Technician (Dairy Tech), Dairy Technologist, Dairy Tester, Data Control Assistant, Fermentologist, Flavor Technician (Flavor Tech), Food Analyst, Food Products Tester, Food QC Technician (Food Quality Control Technician), Food Quality Technician (Food Quality Tech), Food Safety QA Tech (Food Safety Quality Assurance Technician).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.