Food Scientists and Technologists Salary
The median food scientists and technologists salary in the United States is $88,720 per year ($42.65/hour). Salaries range from $52,920 at the entry level to $145,280+ for the top 10% of earners. There are 13,060 food scientists and technologists jobs nationwide. Employment is projected to grow 6.5% through 2034.
Last updated: June 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Median Salary
$88,720
per year
Hourly Rate
$42.65
per hour
Employment
13,060
jobs in the U.S.
Salary Distribution
10th percentile
$52,920
25th percentile
$68,810
Median
$88,720
75th percentile
$116,650
90th percentile
$145,280
Job Growth (2024-2034)
+6.5%
Faster than average
Annual Openings
1,200
jobs/year (growth + replacements)
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
Food Scientists and Technologists Salary by State
Best Cities (cost-adjusted) →Salary Map — Click a state for details
$52K$109K■ No data
Top Paying States
South Carolina
$109K
+22%
Missouri
$106K
+19%
New Jersey
$104K
+18%
Massachusetts
$104K
+17%
Florida
$101K
+14%
Colorado
$100K
+12%
Minnesota
$99K
+12%
Kentucky
$99K
+11%
Alabama
$97K
+10%
Washington
$95K
+7%
Vertical line = national median. Click a state for full details.
| State | Median | vs. National |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | $108,660 | +22.5% |
| Missouri | $105,930 | +19.4% |
| New Jersey | $104,340 | +17.6% |
| Massachusetts | $103,580 | +16.7% |
| Florida | $101,160 | +14.0% |
| Colorado | $99,580 | +12.2% |
| Minnesota | $99,280 | +11.9% |
| Kentucky | $98,710 | +11.3% |
| Alabama | $97,480 | +9.9% |
| Washington | $94,990 | +7.1% |
Showing 1–10 of 39
Food Scientists and Technologists Salary by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Median | vs. National |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $113,350 | +27.8% |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $110,810 | +24.9% |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $108,200 | +22.0% |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $107,970 | +21.7% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $105,420 | +18.8% |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $105,350 | +18.7% |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $104,200 | +17.4% |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $103,580 | +16.7% |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $103,300 | +16.4% |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $101,760 | +14.7% |
Showing 1–10 of 64
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 scientists and technologists earning $88,720/year would need 672 years to match Stephen Curry's NBA salary, or 721 yearsto match Patrick Mahomes' NFL contract.
See all sports & celebrity salaries →📈 See how food scientists and technologists salaries have changed over the past decade.
View Food Scientists and Technologists salary trend (2011–2024) →