What does a Food Technologist do?

Food technologists study the physical, chemical, and biological composition of foods to develop methods for safely processing, preserving, and packaging them. They seek ways to improve food's flavors and nutritional values and conduct tests to ensure they meet industry and government standards. They conduct their research to improve agriculture, processing, production, storage, and shipment of food.

Food technologists often work in product development or hold positions with food product suppliers; they travel to visit farms or food processing plants to conduct their work. They work toward better food preservation and processing and packaging procedures and improved storage and delivery processes. They research harmful food additives and develop substitutes to improve the safety and nutritional values of food. Some food technologists work for the government and assist with food labeling or visit restaurants and food processing plants to ensure they are staying up to sanitation code and safety regulations. Food technologists need a bachelor's degree in agricultural science or related fields.

Education--
Work/Life Balance
3.4 ★
Total Pay--
Career Opportunity
3.4 ★
Avg. Experience2-4 years

How much does a Food Technologist make near United States?

Confident
$75,092 /yr
Total Pay
$63,867
 /yr

Base Pay

+
$11,224
 /yr

Additional Pay

$75,092

 / yr
$47K$122K
Most Likely Range
Possible Range
See More Insights

Food Technologist Career Path

Learn how to become a Food Technologist, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.

Food Technologist

Years of Experience Distribution

0 - 1
10%
2 - 4
55%
5 - 7
31%
8+
4%
Not including years spent in education and/or training

Food Technologist Insights

Read what Food Technologist professionals have to say about their job experiences and view top companies for this career.
OracleOracle
Applications Technologist
Jan 19, 2022

“A good place to start your career and learn the software/cloud business.”

Jetro Cash & CarryJetro Cash & Carry
Food Science Technologist
May 25, 2023

“Good people to work with”

US ArmyUS Army
92 Golf/Food Specialist
Mar 3, 2022

“great job to work for”

GMT2GMT2
Food Technologist
Jan 17, 2022

“doesn't have any opportunities to polish your career”

Food Empire HoldingsFood Empire Holdings
Food Technologist
Jul 12, 2022

“No career progression”

Concord FoodsConcord Foods
Food Technologist
Mar 3, 2022

“good work life balance”

Speedway LLCSpeedway LLC
Food Specialist
May 21, 2021

“Great schedule for school moms.”

KalSal Enterprise
Food Technologist
May 31, 2021

“You find kalsal a good learning opportunity.”

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Food Technologist Interviews

Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Food Technologist

The most similar professions to Food Technologist are:
  • Quality Control Chemist
  • Research Scientist
  • Food Scientist
  • Chemist

Related Careers

Quality Control Chemist
$68,646
No skills overlap
Research Scientist
$126,821
No skills overlap
Food Scientist
$71,020
No skills overlap
Chemist
$69,959
No skills overlap

Food Technologist Jobs