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Food Science Technician

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What Does it Take to Be a Food Science Technician?

Food Science Technician Job Description Perform standardized qualitative and quantitative tests to determine physical or chemical properties of food or beverage products.

A Day in the Life of a Food Science Technician

  • Compute moisture or salt content, percentages of ingredients, formulas, or other product factors, using mathematical and chemical procedures.
  • Examine chemical or biological samples to identify cell structures or to locate bacteria or extraneous material, using a microscope.
  • Conduct standardized tests on food, beverages, additives, or preservatives to ensure compliance with standards and regulations regarding factors such as color, texture, or nutrients.
  • Provide assistance to food scientists or technologists in research and development, production technology, or quality control.
  • Train newly hired laboratory personnel.
  • Order supplies needed to maintain inventories in laboratories or in storage facilities of food or beverage processing plants.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Food Science Technician?

Below is a list of the skills most Food Science Technicians say are important on the job.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

  • Food Taster
  • Fermentologist
  • Technician
  • Quality Control
  • Food Safety Technician

Job Demand for Food Science Technicians

In the United States, there were 27,500 jobs for Food Science Technician in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,700 new jobs for Food Science Technician by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 3,000 job openings in this field each year.

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The states with the most job growth for Food Science Technician are Nevada, Utah, and Idaho. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Hawaii, or Delaware. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Do Food Science Technicians Make A Lot Of Money?

Food Science Technicians make between $26,980 and $64,020 a year.

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Food Science Technicians who work in New Jersey, Massachusetts, or New York, make the highest salaries.

How much do Food Science Technicians make in each U.S. state?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $37,960
Arizona $42,000
Arkansas $40,800
California $45,400
Colorado $45,670
Florida $40,230
Georgia $41,780
Hawaii $44,730
Idaho $38,510
Illinois $41,750
Indiana $44,190
Iowa $49,940
Kansas $43,210
Kentucky $44,720
Louisiana $37,510
Maine $36,430
Maryland $40,390
Massachusetts $54,500
Michigan $38,010
Minnesota $42,580
Mississippi $37,800
Missouri $46,660
Montana $43,650
Nebraska $39,140
New Jersey $58,440
New Mexico $41,170
New York $51,940
North Carolina $43,380
North Dakota $49,640
Ohio $42,360
Oklahoma $33,970
Oregon $43,040
Pennsylvania $40,950
South Dakota $29,370
Tennessee $39,440
Texas $46,390
Utah $36,940
Vermont $44,810
Virginia $38,130
Washington $41,830
West Virginia $53,260
Wisconsin $39,730

What Tools & Technology do Food Science Technicians Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Food Science Technicians may use on a daily basis:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Access
  • Word processing software
  • Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Database software
  • SAS
  • Linux
  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • Graphics software
  • SAP software
  • Presentation software
  • IBM WebSphere
  • IBM Lotus Notes
  • Apache Struts
  • Red Hat WildFly

How to Become a Food Science Technician

What kind of Food Science Technician requirements are there?

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What work experience do I need to become a Food Science Technician?

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Where Food Science Technicians Are Employed

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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References:

Image Credit: Muhammad Irshad Ansari via CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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