Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
Long-term incentive is not shown for this role. Equity awards are only disclosed publicly for the named executive officers of public companies, so no market figure exists for most jobs. See executive pay disclosures.
Typical entry preparation: Bachelor's Degree and up to 2 years of related work experience, per O*NET occupational data. Advancement typically requires additional years in role.
Inspect food processing areas to ensure compliance with government regulations and standards for sanitation, safety, quality, and waste management.
Check raw ingredients for maturity or stability for processing, and finished products for safety, quality, and nutritional value.
Study methods to improve aspects of foods, such as chemical composition, flavor, color, texture, nutritional value, and convenience.
Develop food standards and production specifications, safety and sanitary regulations, and waste management and water supply specifications.
Stay up to date on new regulations and current events regarding food science by reviewing scientific literature.
Top skills:Reading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingActive LearningWritingSpeakingScience
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Food Scientists and Technologists pay by experience level
Entry level$55,000
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$71,000
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$92,000
Mid-career median pay
Senior$120,500
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$150,500
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
+6.5%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
1,200
projected openings per year
Growing about as fast as average
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Food Scientists and Technologists salary by industry
Food Manufacturing
6,330 workers
$94,500
Other Food Manufacturing
2,250 workers
$105,500
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
1,870 workers
$104,000
Management of Companies and Enterprises
1,610 workers
$117,000
Management of Companies and Enterprises
1,610 workers
$117,000
Scientific Research and Development Services
1,050 workers
$123,000
Dairy Product Manufacturing
980 workers
$86,500
Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods
970 workers
$108,500
Animal Slaughtering and Processing
870 workers
$77,000
Beverage and Tobacco Product Manufacturing
780 workers
$87,500
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
Typical duties and FLSA status
Core duties
Inspect food processing areas to ensure compliance with government regulations and standards for sanitation, safety, quality, and waste management.
Check raw ingredients for maturity or stability for processing, and finished products for safety, quality, and nutritional value.
Study methods to improve aspects of foods, such as chemical composition, flavor, color, texture, nutritional value, and convenience.
Develop food standards and production specifications, safety and sanitary regulations, and waste management and water supply specifications.
Stay up to date on new regulations and current events regarding food science by reviewing scientific literature.
FLSA classification (typical)
Typically Exempt · Professional, Administrative, or Executive exemption
Occupations in this SOC group are typically classified as Exempt when paid above the salary threshold, provided they satisfy the duties test for one of the FLSA exemption categories. Actual classification depends on the specific job duties, salary basis, and any applicable state or local rules. The current federal salary threshold for exemption is $684 per week ($35,568 per year), per the 2020 Department of Labor rule; the 2024 rule that would have raised the threshold was struck down by federal court in November 2024.
How this role compares
Food Scientists and Technologists pays 2% below the average across 66 roles in the Life, Physical, and Social Science job family (family average $100,500).
Similar-paying roles in Life, Physical, and Social Science
Related occupations from O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Food Scientists and Technologists make?
The average base salary for a Food Scientists and Technologists in the United States is $98,500 per year, or about $47.36 per hour.
What is the typical salary range?
Pay typically falls between $71,000 and $121,000 per year (25th to 75th percentile) depending on experience, location, industry, and organization size.
How does this compare with other Life, Physical, and Social Science roles?
The Life, Physical, and Social Science job family averages $100,500 across 66 roles tracked by WePayFairly.
Need a defensible market price for this role? WePayFairly data is compiled from published survey sources and maintained by compensation professionals.
Need Food Scientists and Technologists pay benchmarked for your organization, or defensible compensation analysis for a dispute or valuation? Grahall builds it from primary sources, backed by an expert who testifies.
