Food Scientist
(Technologist)
Description and Responsibilities
Food scietists use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study food processing and decay; analyze food content to determine levels of nutrients, fat, sugar, and protein; discover new food sources; research ways to make processed foods safe, tasteful, and healthful; and apply food science knowledge to determine the best ways to process, package, preserve, store, and distribute food.
Education, Salary, and Place of Employment
North Carolina State University
Most food science jobs call for bachelor's degrees, and some companies want their top researchers to hold master's degree or even PhDs.
Yearly Average Salary
Average Annual Wage $51,220 Entry Annual Wage $31,230
Food Lab
Food Scientists can be hired at practically any food lab location, as their role is vital in producing and testing new foods.
Government Agencies
Government agencies hire about one third of all food scientists and technologists.
Universities
Universities hire food scientists and technologists, and they may either teach or work directly with food.