How much does a food science technicians make?

The median food science technicians salary in the United States is $52,130 per year ($25.06/hour). Salaries range from $39,820 (10th percentile) to $78,820 (90th percentile). There are 14,600 food science technicians jobs in the U.S. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS.

Which state pays food science technicianss the most?

The highest paying state for food science technicianss is Virginia at $65,360 median salary.

Is food science technicians a good career?

Food Science Technicians employment is projected to grow 4.8% from 2024 to 2034 (as fast as average). There are approximately 3,200 job openings per year. Typical education required: Associate's degree.

Food Science Technicians Salary

The median food science technicians salary in the United States is $52,130 per year ($25.06/hour). Salaries range from $39,820 at the entry level to $78,820+ for the top 10% of earners. There are 14,600 food science technicians jobs nationwide. Employment is projected to grow 4.8% through 2034.

Last updated: June 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Median Salary

$52,130

per year

Hourly Rate

$25.06

per hour

Employment

14,600

jobs in the U.S.

Salary Distribution

10th percentile

$39,820

25th percentile

$46,020

Median

$52,130

75th percentile

$63,270

90th percentile

$78,820

Job Growth (2024-2034)

+4.8%

As fast as average

Annual Openings

3,200

jobs/year (growth + replacements)

Education Required

Associate's degree

Training Needed

Moderate-term on-the-job training

Food Science Technicians Salary by State

Best Cities (cost-adjusted) →

Salary Map — Click a state for details

$39K

$65K■ No data

Top Paying States

Vertical line = national median. Click a state for full details.

State	Median	vs. National	Employment
Virginia	$65,360	+25.4%	150
Kentucky	$64,770	+24.2%	160
Washington	$62,070	+19.1%	660
Vermont	$60,980	+17.0%	50
Illinois	$60,820	+16.7%	290
Missouri	$59,570	+14.3%	150
Nevada	$59,070	+13.3%	110
Colorado	$58,540	+12.3%	270
Florida	$58,500	+12.2%	250
Minnesota	$57,940	+11.1%	380

Showing 1–10 of 38

Food Science Technicians Salary by Metro Area

Metro Area	Median	vs. National
Columbus, OH	$86,300	+65.5%
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN	$84,320	+61.7%
Jacksonville, FL	$83,030	+59.3%
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA	$79,850	+53.2%
Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI	$73,030	+40.1%
Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC	$72,950	+39.9%
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN	$66,630	+27.8%
St. Louis, MO-IL	$66,230	+27.0%
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA	$64,620	+24.0%
Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN	$64,480	+23.7%

Showing 1–10 of 73

Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). Data reflects the most recent annual survey.

How does this compare to pro athletes?

A food science technicians earning $52,130/year would need 1143 years to match Stephen Curry's NBA salary, or 1228 yearsto match Patrick Mahomes' NFL contract.

See all sports & celebrity salaries →

📈 See how food science technicians salaries have changed over the past decade.

View Food Science Technicians salary trend (2011–2024) →