Occupations/19-4013.00
Food Science Technicians
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.
Usually a certificate, vocational program, or associate degree — not a bachelor’s.
AI automation risk
77%
Higher automation risk
Human characteristics
26%
Fewer uniquely human demands
Task orientation
71%
Higher automation risk
A day in this job
- Mostly routine
Maintain records of testing results or other documents as required by state or other governing agencies.
- Mostly routine
Monitor and control temperature of products.
- Mostly routine
Record or compile test results or prepare graphs, charts, or reports.
The tasks we can read here lean routine. That sits next to the AI risk rank — it is not a forecast that the job disappears.
Core tasks
- 01Taste or smell foods or beverages to ensure that flavors meet specifications or to select samples with specific characteristics.
- 02Measure, test, or weigh bottles, cans, or other containers to ensure that hardness, strength, or dimensions meet specifications.
- 03Maintain records of testing results or other documents as required by state or other governing agencies.
- 04Monitor and control temperature of products.
- 05Analyze test results to classify products or compare results with standard tables.
- 06Record or compile test results or prepare graphs, charts, or reports.
Model drivers (O*NET 1–5)
- Repeating same tasks4.49
- Degree of automation2.31
- Time sitting2.25
- Originality (ability)2.25
- Conflict situations2.46
- Hands-on objects/tools3.97
- Outdoors / weather1.29
- Disease exposure1.00
- Decision freedom4.15
Top abilities
- Near Vision3.88
- Written Expression3.75
- Written Comprehension3.75
- Oral Expression3.75
- Oral Comprehension3.75
- Inductive Reasoning3.62
- Deductive Reasoning3.62
- Problem Sensitivity3.50
Essential skills
- Reading Comprehension3.75
- Active Listening3.50
- Writing3.50
- Speaking3.50
- Mathematics2.75
- Science3.25
- Critical Thinking3.25
- Active Learning3.00
- Learning Strategies2.88
- Monitoring3.12
CIP matches
Schools offering related programs
12 of 84 shown
Earnings are College Scorecard medians for that program, 1 and 2 years after completion. A dash means the Department suppressed the cell or the campus is not in the field file.
| Institution | Program | Tuition | Admit | Grad 6-yr | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette, IN · Public | Food Science 01.1001 | $10,000 | 53% | 83% | 1 yr $67,164 2 yr — Bachelor's · CIP 01.10 |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, MA · Private nonprofit | Biology/Biological Sciences, General 26.0101 | $60,100 | 4% | 96% | 1 yr $66,915 2 yr $73,446 Doctoral · CIP 26.01 |
University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI · Public | Food Science 01.1001 | $11,200 | 49% | 89% | 1 yr $55,693 2 yr $58,673 Bachelor's · CIP 01.10 |
California State University-Long Beach Long Beach, CA · Public | Food Science 01.1001 | $7,100 | 40% | 74% | 1 yr $54,109 2 yr $48,667 Bachelor's · CIP 01.10 |
University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA · Public | Food Science 01.1001 | $14,800 | 11% | 93% | 1 yr $53,775 2 yr $52,107 Bachelor's · CIP 01.10 |
San Jose State University San Jose, CA · Public | Food Science 01.1001 | $8,200 | 77% | 71% | 1 yr $52,875 2 yr — Bachelor's · CIP 01.10 |
University of Massachusetts-Amherst Amherst, MA · Public | Food Science 01.1001 | $17,400 | 64% | 83% | 1 yr $52,733 2 yr $49,175 Bachelor's · CIP 01.10 |
Stanford University Stanford, CA · Private nonprofit | Biology/Biological Sciences, General 26.0101 | $62,400 | 4% | 96% | 1 yr $51,160 2 yr $25,194 Bachelor's · CIP 26.01 |
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus University Park, PA · Public | Food Science 01.1001 | $19,600 | 55% | 86% | 1 yr $50,856 2 yr $51,690 Bachelor's · CIP 01.10 |
Michigan State University East Lansing, MI · Public | Food Science 01.1001 | $16,100 | 88% | 82% | 1 yr $48,432 2 yr $45,221 Bachelor's · CIP 01.10 |
University of Iowa Iowa City, IA · Public | Food Science 01.1001 | $10,700 | 86% | 79% | 1 yr $48,041 2 yr $42,682 Bachelor's · CIP 01.10 |
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL · Public | Food Science 01.1001 | $17,500 | 45% | 85% | 1 yr $45,435 2 yr $45,127 Bachelor's · CIP 01.10 |