Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
Bachelor's degree
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These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Based on skills, knowledge, and work activities, these occupations are the closest match to your current career.
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
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Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Food scientists and technologists work at the intersection of science, problem solving, and innovation. Nationally, this occupation employs about 15,000 people, with a projected employment growth rate of 6.5%. There are an estimated 1,000 annual openings, indicating ongoing movement and hiring in the field. Typical entry into this career is based on a bachelor’s degree, supported by strong skills in science, mathematics, critical and analytical thinking, and computers and information technology. Communication abilities, including writing, reading, speaking, and listening, also play an important role, along with project management, leadership, and decision making. National median pay is $85,310 per year, with some states and metro areas offering higher typical salaries. Individuals interested in related paths might also consider careers such as bioengineers and biomedical engineers, physical scientists, materials engineers, marine engineers and naval architects, or geoscientists. Overall, this role combines technical knowledge, creativity, and structured problem solving for people drawn to science-focused careers.
Food scientists and technologists earn a national median annual salary of $85,310. Pay levels differ across states and metro areas. Among the top states by CareerGPS opportunity score, median salaries range from $93,950 in California to $103,580 in Massachusetts. New York, Colorado, and Washington also show median earnings between roughly the mid-$90,000s and just under $100,000. At the metro level, several areas report higher median salaries than their surrounding states. The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro stands out with a median salary of $113,350, followed by San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA at $110,810 and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ at $104,200. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH also show six-figure or near six-figure medians. These figures indicate that earnings can vary substantially by location, with certain metros offering higher typical pay than the national median.
Food scientists and technologists have a national employment level of about 15,000 workers. Employment in this occupation is projected to grow by 6.5%, suggesting a positive forward trend. In addition, there are an estimated 1,000 annual openings. These openings reflect a combination of new positions created and positions that become available as people change roles or leave the workforce. The combination of projected growth and recurring openings suggests that individuals entering this occupation can expect an active job market rather than a static or declining one. Several states and metro areas show the same 6.5% growth rate, indicating that this projected expansion is not limited to a single region. People considering this career can factor in both the overall growth rate and the absolute number of openings when assessing long-term prospects.
Location plays a significant role in both opportunity and pay for food scientists and technologists. Among states, California has the highest employment at 2,210 and a median salary of $93,950, with a CareerGPS opportunity score of 67.38. Massachusetts offers a higher median salary of $103,580 but a smaller employment base of 420, paired with an opportunity score of 65.87. New York combines a median salary of $94,070 with 660 employed and a similar opportunity score of 65.78. Colorado and Washington show moderate employment levels (320 and 250, respectively) with median salaries close to or just under $100,000 and mid-50s opportunity scores. At the metro level, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ have the highest opportunity scores, both above 77, with median salaries above $104,000. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV offers the highest listed metro median salary at $113,350, while San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH also provide strong salary and opportunity combinations.
The typical education requirement for food scientists and technologists is a bachelor’s degree. Success in this field is closely tied to a strong foundation in science and mathematics, which support evidence-based analysis and quantitative work. Critical and analytical thinking, along with problem solving and decision making, are central to evaluating information and reaching sound conclusions. Creativity and innovation add value by helping professionals generate new ideas and approaches. Communication skills are also important. Writing and reading support clear documentation and understanding of technical information, while speaking and listening enable effective collaboration. Project management and leadership skills help coordinate tasks, timelines, and teams. Competence with computers and information technology underpins much of the modern work environment in this occupation. Collectively, these skills, built on a bachelor’s-level education, shape a profile that combines technical depth, analytical ability, and organized, collaborative work practices.
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