Food Science Technicians
Food science technicians perform standardized tests on food and beverage products to check their physical and chemical properties. They work in laboratories, production facilities, or research settings alongside food scientists, helping with quality control, product development, packaging, and processing. The role combines hands-on testing with documentation and analysis.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against food science technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A food science technician might spend a morning running pH tests on a new sauce formula, documenting results in a database. The afternoon could involve inspecting packaging integrity, observing production lines for consistency issues, or preparing samples for shelf-life testing. Tasks rotate between laboratory work at benches, reviewing quality control data, troubleshooting processing problems, and occasionally visiting production floors to collect samples.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to prefer hands-on, structured work with clear procedures and measurable outcomes. You're detail-oriented and systematic, comfortable following established protocols while spotting deviations, and you find satisfaction in concrete results—whether that's data that meets standards or identifying why a batch failed.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold an associate degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $60,490 | $65,360 | $72,950 | 150 |
| Kentucky | $52,640 | $64,770 | $80,490 | 160 |
| Washington | $48,740 | $62,070 | $79,850 | 660 |
| Vermont | $49,360 | $60,980 | $61,000 | 50 |
| Illinois | $50,730 | $60,820 | $81,090 | 290 |
| Missouri | $46,560 | $59,570 | $83,570 | 150 |
| Nevada | $53,170 | $59,070 | $62,870 | 110 |
| Colorado | $55,750 | $58,540 | $64,850 | 270 |
| Florida | $46,120 | $58,500 | $82,350 | 250 |
| Minnesota | $48,190 | $57,940 | $63,020 | 380 |
| Maryland | $50,900 | $57,880 | $68,250 | 280 |
| Ohio | $48,060 | $57,060 | $66,050 | 230 |
All 38 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- AMSA Food Safety & Science Certification — American Meat Science Association
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against food science technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 19-4013.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.