Shigoto Zukan
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How to become food science technicianseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Engineering & Science Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$52,130
25th–75th pct. $46,020–$63,270
Top pay (est.)
$102,500
Top 10% $78,820
Pay in 5 years
$60,200est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$69,500est.
$59,800–$80,700
Outlook score
60/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
54%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
+4.8%
3,000 openings / yr

How to become food science technicians

Typical education
Associate's degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Food Science Technicians

Key skills

Reading Comprehension
3.9
Speaking
3.4
Critical Thinking
3.4
Writing
3.4
Science
3.2
Mathematics
3.1
Active Listening
3.1
Coordination
3.1

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Chemistry
4.3
Production and Processing
4.3
Computers and Electronics
4.0
Biology
3.8
Food Production
3.7
English Language
3.7
Mathematics
3.7
Administrative
3.2

What the work involves

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeTraining and Teaching OthersMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsDocumenting/Recording Information

Important abilities

Oral ComprehensionOral ExpressionNear VisionWritten ExpressionWritten ComprehensionDeductive Reasoning

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree
32%
Associate's degree
23%
High school diploma
16%
Master's degree
13%
Some college
12%
Doctoral degree
1%
Post-doctoral training
1%

Training before entry

Up to 1 month
37%
1–3 months
21%
3–6 months
15%
1–2 years
13%
None / short demo
12%
2–4 years
1%
6–12 months
1%

Related work experience

6–12 months
37%
6–8 years
16%
None
14%
2–4 years
13%
3–6 months
11%
Up to 1 month
4%
1–2 years
3%
1–3 months
2%
4–6 years
1%

Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as food science technicians

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.