Food Science Technicians

Also Called: Central Lab Technician (CLT), Quality Assurance Analyst (QA Analyst), Quality Control Technician (QC Technician)

Associate's Degree

usually needed

Not Available
(Students Only)
Match Percentage

$37,290

Entry Salary

Average

Job outlook

What Food Science Technicians do

Work with food scientists or technologists to perform standardized qualitative and quantitative tests to determine physical or chemical properties of food or beverage products. Includes technicians who assist in research and development of production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and use of foods.

  • Record or compile test results or prepare graphs, charts, or reports.
  • Conduct standardized tests on food, beverages, additives, or preservatives to ensure compliance with standards and regulations regarding factors such as color, texture, or nutrients.
  • Maintain records of testing results or other documents as required by state or other governing agencies.
Industry Areas:

Renewable Resources and Energy

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Work With Work Group or Team
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

Tools

  • Laboratory mechanical convection ovens
  • Viscosimeters
  • pH meters
  • Handheld thermometer
  • Extracting equipment for laboratories

Technology

Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access
Microsoft SQL Server
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Electronic mail software
IBM Lotus Notes
Microsoft Outlook

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Active Listening
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Speaking
  • Writing
  • Critical Thinking

Knowledge

Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
manufacture and distribution of products
food production
Business
customer service
administrative services
Math and Science
chemistry
Arts and Humanities
English language

Education

  • 32% High school diploma or equivalent
  • 17% Bachelor's degree
  • 14% Master's degree

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

What are some related occupations at different educational levels?


Job Training Match

Pharmacy Technicians

Educational Level

High School Diploma or Equivalent

 Job Training Match

Security & Fire Alarm Systems Installers

Educational Level

Post-secondary, non-degree

Food Science Technicians Currently Selected

Educational Level

Associate's Degree

 Job Training Match

Biological Technicians

Educational Level

Bachelor's Degree

 Job Training Match

Agricultural Technicians

Educational Level

Advanced Degree

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Advanced Training

There are currently no advanced training opportunities for this career.

ACT & College

  • Appalachian State University

    Boone, NC

  • Arkansas State University-Main Campus

    Jonesboro, AR

Apprenticeships

Earn while you learn. Apprenticeships combines paid training & specialized classes to help workers enter highly skilled occupations. Click here for to locate an apprenticeship near you.

Military

The Military offers exciting career opportunities that align with your interests. Click here to explore military careers and find a recruiter near you.

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

    • Conventional (Organizer)
    • Investigative (Thinker)
    • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Attention to Detail
  • Integrity
  • Dependability
  • Cooperation
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Initiative

Values

  • Support
  • Relationships
  • Achievement

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Ideas and Logic
  • Math

This is what Food Science Technicians across the country typically make.

$17.93 / hour
$37,290 /year

Entry Level

$23.60 / hour
$49,090 /year

Median Level

$35.88 / hour
$74,630 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Average

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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