How much does a Food Scientist make?

The average salary for a Food Scientist is $71,020 per year in United States. Salaries estimates are based on 714 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Food Scientist employees in United States.

The highest salary for a Food Scientist in United States is $91,174 per year.

The lowest salary for a Food Scientist in United States is $55,754 per year.

If you are thinking of becoming a Food Scientist or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and salary trajectory of a Food Scientist.

Food scientists earn pay similar to animal scientists, conservation scientists, forest scientists, and agricultural managers. Food scientists working in research and development for physical, engineering and life sciences generally earn the highest pay. Candidates who chose to work for colleges or universities generally earn the lowest pay. Food scientists with advanced degrees, such as a doctoral degree, or candidates with extensive experience are often highly paid.

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Aspects that help qualify food scientist salaries as good include a master's degree, relevant years of experience, and the potential to earn up to $10,149.67 in additional annual income. According to anonymous food scientists who left ratings on Glassdoor, 67% of them are satisfied.

As you move forward along the typical food scientist career path, you can earn more money. Salary as a food scientist may rise as professionals gain experience, complete their master's degrees, and learn to excel in the industry's most in-demand skills. Across all levels of experience, salary ranges between $44,879.01 and $113,618.63, with the average food scientist earning a salary of $60,876.95.

Whether you're seeking a higher-paying position or a promotion, you'll make a higher salary as a food scientist by improving marketable skills. Employers hiring for in-demand positions seek these skills at the highest level, including developing new and highly marketable flavorful food products, handling quality control, controlling costs, improving food production, and the ability to evaluate smell, texture, and taste among varying foods. Pursue mastery in as many of these skill areas as you can. Seek out regular feedback on your work so you can continue improving at all stages of your career, and know where you're most valuable — food scientists are paid significantly higher in certain areas and industries.

After an initial food scientist job offer, keep in mind that you're potentially competing against hundreds of others for the role and the same level of pay. It's vital to know what responsibilities are expected of you and how your professional experience fits in. If you have years of experience in similar roles, then your negotiating power is already strong, and you have a reasonable request for higher pay and/or better benefits. For experienced professionals seeking a raise, make it clear that you're willing to work for it by tackling more responsibilities, such as leading a team or taking charge of a particular product.

About 67.26% of Food Scientist professionals feel satisfied with their salary, according to anonymous Glassdoor ratings. An additional $10,150 in potential pay per year, among other factors, can qualify the annual pay of a Food Scientist in United States as a good salary.

Food Scientist professionals in United States have a wide total pay range, between $44,879 and $113,619 depending on experience, with an estimated total pay of $71,027 following the average career path of a Food Scientist.