Food scientists and technologists: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more
Food scientists and technologists use chemistry, biology, and other sciences to study the basic elements of food. They analyze the nutritional content of food, discover new food sources, and research ways to make processed foods safe and healthy. Food technologists generally work in product development, applying findings from food science research to develop new or better ways of selecting, preserving, processing, packaging, and distributing food. Some food scientists use problem-solving techniques from nanotechnologythe science of manipulating matter on an atomic scaleto develop sensors that can detect contaminants in food. Other food scientists enforce government regulations, inspecting food-processing areas to ensure that they are sanitary and meet waste management standards.
- Education Required
- Every state has at least one land-grant college that offers agricultural science degrees. Many other colleges and universities also offer agricultural science degrees or related courses. Degrees in related sciences, such as biology, chemistry, and physics, or in a related engineering specialty also may qualify people for many agricultural science jobs.
- Job Outlook
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The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 7% (As fast as average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.) - Licenses/Certifications
- Some states require soil scientists to be licensed to practice. Licensing requirements vary by state, but generally include holding a bachelors degree with a certain number of credit hours in soil science, working under a licensed scientist for a certain number of years, and passing an exam.
- Median pay: How much do Agricultural and Food Scientists make?
- $62,920 Annual Salary
- $30.25 per hour
Careers for Agricultural and Food Scientists
- Agricultural scientists
- Agriculturists
- Agronomists
- Animal geneticists
- Animal nutritionists
- Animal scientists
- Arboreal scientists
- Beef cattle nutritionists
- Crop nutrition scientists
- Dairy bacteriologists
- Dairy scientists
- Enologists
- Floriculturists
- Food preservation scientists
- Food processing scientists
- Food safety scientists
- Food scientists
- Food technologists
- Horticulturists
- Plant physiologists
- Plant scientists
- Pomologists
- Poultry scientists
- Soil fertility extension specialists
- Soil scientists
- Swine genetics researchers
- Viticulturists