Food Science Technicians
Agricultural and food science technicians help scientists with testing and research related to plants, animals, fibers, and food and beverage products.
Is food science technicians a good career?
It scores 16/100 and ranks #453 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Tracked in official BLS wage and projection data, so the numbers here are verifiable
Possible tradeoffs
- Pays below the U.S. median wage ($52,130 vs $61,390)
What food science technicians earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. food science technicians earn between $46,020 and $63,270 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live food science technicians jobs
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- Typical education
- Associate's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow faster than average through 2034.
Education
High school students interested in becoming an agricultural or food science technician should take science and math classes such as biology, chemistry, physics, and statistics.
Although entry requirements vary, agricultural and food science technicians typically need an associate’s degree. Some agricultural and food science technicians enter the occupation with a high school diploma or the equivalent and related work experience. Others may need a bachelor’s degree.
Common fields of degree include biology, a physical science such as chemistry, and agriculture. Students may choose to major in a specific concentration within agriculture, such as animal, crop, or food science.
Students may pursue internships and other opportunities to gain practical experience while still in school.
Training
Agricultural and food science technicians typically receive training on the job after they are hired. For example, they may work alongside a more experienced technician or scientist while learning how to collect samples, operate equipment, and do other tasks. Training also might cover topics such as production techniques and sanitation procedures.
Important qualities
Analytical skills. Agricultural and food science technicians must synthesize information from a variety of test results and samples.
Communication skills. Agricultural and food science technicians must understand and give clear instructions, convey information in presentations or reports, and, occasionally, write reports.
Decision-making skills. Agricultural and food science technicians use reasoning and judgment to reach conclusions, such as for determining how to improve food quality.
Detail oriented. Agricultural and food science technicians must conduct and record observations and measurements with precision and accuracy.
Interpersonal skills. Agricultural and food science technicians collaborate with others, including scientists and agricultural and food processing workers.
Physical stamina. Agricultural and food science technicians may need to stand for long periods, lift objects, and perform physical labor.
Related occupations
How much do food science technicians make?
The national median wage is $52,130 a year, with the middle half earning between $46,020 and $63,270 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is food science technicians a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 16 of 100 and ranks #453 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +4.8% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a food science technician?
The typical entry-level education is associate's degree.
Where do food science technicians earn the most?
Among states, Virginia pays the highest median ($65,360). Local pay for every state and metro is below.