Shigoto Zukan
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How to become food scientists and technologistseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Engineering & Science Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$88,720
25th–75th pct. $68,810–$116,650
Top pay (est.)
$188,900
Top 10% $145,280
Pay in 5 years
$102,500est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$118,400est.
$101,800–$137,500
Outlook score
60/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
56%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
+6.2%
1,000 openings / yr

How to become food scientists and technologists

Typical education
Bachelor's degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
None

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 Scientists and Technologists

Key skills

Reading Comprehension
4.6
Critical Thinking
4.5
Active Learning
4.1
Active Listening
4.1
Writing
4.1
Speaking
4.0
Quality Control Analysis
3.9
Complex Problem Solving
3.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Chemistry
5.2
Production and Processing
4.7
Food Production
4.4
Mathematics
4.3
Biology
4.3
Administrative
4.2
Education and Training
4.2
Engineering and Technology
4.0

What the work involves

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersProcessing InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsGetting InformationHandling and Moving Objects

Important abilities

Oral ComprehensionProblem SensitivityWritten ComprehensionOral ExpressionDeductive ReasoningNear Vision

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree
82%
Post-secondary certificate
9%
Master's degree
5%
Associate's degree
5%

Training before entry

6–12 months
23%
Up to 1 month
23%
1–2 years
14%
1–3 months
14%
None / short demo
9%
2–4 years
9%
3–6 months
9%

Related work experience

None
32%
1–2 years
23%
2–4 years
9%
6–12 months
9%
3–6 months
9%
Over 10 years
5%
Up to 1 month
5%
4–6 years
5%
6–8 years
5%

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

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

Career path and how to earn more as food scientists and technologists

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.