SOC 194013

Food Science Technicians

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.

National Median

$49,430

per year

National Salary Overview

Median Annual

$49,430

Entry Level (10th pct)

$37,760

Experienced (90th pct)

$75,100

Total Employed

14,200

Salary Distribution

Salary percentiles show the range from entry-level (10th) to top earners (90th)

Salary by Experience Level

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range
Entry Level0-2 years experience	$37,760 - $43,990
Mid Career2-8 years experience	$43,990 - $60,940
Senior / Expert8+ years experience	$60,940 - $75,100

Highest Paying Locations for Food Science Technicians

Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

$104,600

+111.6% vs national

Fort Collins-Loveland, CO

$77,530

+56.8% vs national

Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC

$76,690

+55.1% vs national

Jacksonville, FL

$76,320

+54.4% vs national

Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX

$65,220

+31.9% vs national

Food Science Technicians Salary by Location

Compare salaries across 50 metropolitan areas

Metropolitan Area	Median Salary	Employed
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV	$104,600	190
Fort Collins-Loveland, CO	$77,530	50
Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC	$76,690	40
Jacksonville, FL	$76,320	40
Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX	$65,220	90
Syracuse, NY	$64,830	30
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN	$64,760	320
Mississippi	$64,600	30
Illinois	$63,730	390
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN	$63,710	50
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ	$63,390	50
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH	$62,590	90
St. Louis, MO-IL	$62,340	230
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA	$61,850	190
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA	$60,780	350
Columbus, OH	$60,670	70
Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA	$60,540	40
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI	$60,240	130
Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN	$59,580	140
Colorado	$59,450	190
Virginia	$59,110	240
Merced, CA	$58,880	220
Napa, CA	$58,300	200
Salt Lake City-Murray, UT	$57,890	40
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ	$57,790	710
Massachusetts	$57,400	130
North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous)	$56,780	40
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA	$56,640	80
Missouri	$55,830	310
Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area	$54,800	60
Coast Oregon nonmetropolitan area	$53,730	40
Michigan	$53,480	130
Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY	$53,360	90
Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area	$53,200	60
Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR	$53,020	60
Tennessee	$52,710	90
Lancaster, PA	$52,540	50
New York	$52,530	750
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD	$52,500	N/A
Kentucky	$52,410	160
New Jersey	$52,390	610
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO	$52,210	50
Rochester, NY	$52,070	90
Maryland	$51,690	270
Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area	$51,650	40
Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA	$51,450	160
Rochester, MN	$51,330	30
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA	$51,250	810
California	$50,960	4,000
Green Bay, WI	$50,900	40

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary for a Food Science Technicians?

The national median annual salary for Food Science Technicians is $49,430, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This means half of workers in this occupation earn more, and half earn less.

Where do Food Science Technicianss earn the most?

The highest-paying metro area for Food Science Technicianss is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV, with a median salary of $104,600.

How much can an experienced Food Science Technicians make?

Top-earning Food Science Technicianss (90th percentile) make $75,100 or more annually. This typically reflects workers with significant experience, specialized skills, or positions in high-paying regions.