Science
Food science technician
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.
Median pay
$52,130
Growth to 2035
+5%
about as fast as average
Openings a year
3,000
Time to qualify*
2.5 years
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Food science technician
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Associate's degree
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Hazardous conditions
Food science technician: 35% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- 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.
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) · QC Tech (Quality Control Technician) · Quality Analyst
Outlook and AI
Food science technicians held 20,800 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 21,800 by 2035 (+5%, about as fast as average; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
- Food science technician vs. Food scientists and technologists
- Food science technician vs. Chemical technician
- Food science technician vs. Life, physical, and social science technicians, all other
- Food science technician vs. Agricultural technician
- Food science technician vs. Agricultural inspector
- Food science technician vs. Industrial production manager
- Food science technician vs. Calibration technologists and technicians
- Food science technician vs. Food and tobacco roasting, baking, and drying machine operators and tenders
- Food science technician vs. Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers
- Food science technician vs. Industrial engineering technologists and technicians