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Career overview · SOC 19-4013

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.

Also called: Central Laboratory Technician (CLT) · Food Science Tech (Food Science Technician) · Laboratory Assistant (Lab Assistant) · Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech) · QA Lab Tech (Quality Assurance Lab Technician) · QC Tech (Quality Assurance Technician)

Median pay (national)
$49,430
$37,760–$75,100 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
14,200
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+4.8%
~3,200 openings/yr
Typical entry
Associate's degree

What the numbers say

Refit analysis ·Pay for food science technicians shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $75,100 versus $37,760 at the bottom 10% — 2.0x. The median of $49,430 leaves roughly 52% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +4.8% from 2024 to 2034 — faster than the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 3,200 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 36 states with released data, Mississippi pays the most for this role (median $64,600, +31% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $34,320 — a 88% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint as in-demand technologies for this role.

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Top skills employers ask for

Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
  • Speaking
  • Science
  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring
  • Active Learning
  • Learning Strategies
  • Mathematics

What they actually do

Core O*NET tasks for this role.

  • 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.
  • Train newly hired laboratory personnel.
  • Provide assistance to food scientists or technologists in research and development, production technology, or quality control.

Tools & technology

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • Linux
  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • Microsoft Visio
  • SAP software
  • SAS
  • Apache JMeter
  • Apache Struts
  • Database software
  • Graphical user interface GUI design software
  • Graphics software
  • IBM Lotus Notes

Knowledge areas

  • Food Production
  • Production and Processing
  • Chemistry
  • English Language
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Biology
  • Mathematics
  • Administrative