Food Scientists and Technologists
Food scientists and technologists apply chemistry, microbiology, and engineering to understand how foods are processed, preserved, and deteriorate over time. They work in laboratories, manufacturing facilities, and research centers for food companies, government agencies, and universities, analyzing food composition and developing safer, more nutritious products.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against food scientists and technologists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A food scientist might spend morning hours in a lab analyzing samples for nutrient content, measuring vitamins, fats, sugars, and proteins using specialized equipment. Afternoons often involve reviewing test results, troubleshooting production issues on factory floors, consulting with product development teams, and documenting findings. The work cycles between hands-on testing, data analysis, and collaborative problem-solving to improve food safety and quality.
Who this work suits
Holland code IRC. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy investigating how things work and solving concrete, measurable problems. You're comfortable with lab work, data analysis, and practical applications of science, and you're drawn to tangible results—whether that's a safer food product or a newly developed ingredient with real-world impact.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist · Indian Health Service · Browning, Montana · $71709–$93227
- Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist · Veterans Health Administration · Richmond, Virginia · $69228–$110090
- Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist · Veterans Health Administration · West Haven, Connecticut · $88945–$115625
- Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Mammography) · Veterans Health Administration · Hampton, Virginia · $78985–$102686
- Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) · Veterans Health Administration · Seattle, Washington · $93564–$121640
- Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT or MRI) Recruitment/Relocation Incentive and EDRP Authorized · Veterans Health Administration · Fort Worth, Texas · $79955–$103948
- Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist · Veterans Health Administration · Battle Creek, Michigan · $72890–$94762
- Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist · Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System · Bastrop, Texas · $54466–$74361
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | $70,310 | $108,660 | $152,250 | 90 |
| Missouri | $78,630 | $105,930 | $126,680 | 390 |
| New Jersey | $80,020 | $104,340 | $132,150 | 630 |
| Massachusetts | $87,480 | $103,580 | $149,830 | 420 |
| Florida | $73,380 | $101,160 | $118,230 | 170 |
| Colorado | $74,830 | $99,580 | $130,830 | 320 |
| Minnesota | $80,810 | $99,280 | $134,370 | 670 |
| Kentucky | $70,850 | $98,710 | $122,320 | 170 |
| Alabama | $82,730 | $97,480 | $113,640 | 60 |
| Washington | $77,170 | $94,990 | $128,890 | 250 |
| Illinois | $72,470 | $94,340 | $129,500 | 780 |
| New York | $75,790 | $94,070 | $113,220 | 660 |
All 39 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- AMSA Food Safety & Science Certification — American Meat Science Association
- Food Safety Manager Certification — National Registry of Food Safety Professionals
- Certified Professional - Food Safety (CP-FS) — National Environmental Health 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 scientists and technologists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 19-1012.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.