Food Scientists and Technologist Salary in 2026
How Much Do Food Scientists and Technologists Make?
Food Scientists and Technologists earn a median annual salary of $85,310 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $49,580 at the 10th percentile to $141,860 at the 90th percentile — a range of $92,280. The highest-paying state is New Jersey at $102,630.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $49,580 |
| 25th percentile | $65,240 |
| Median (50th) | $85,310 |
| 75th percentile | $111,700 |
| 90th percentile | $141,860 |
Food Scientists and Technologist Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| New Jerseytop | $102,630 |
| District of Columbia | $102,500 |
| Missouri | $101,570 |
| Alabama | $99,170 |
| Massachusetts | $99,140 |
| Washington | $96,020 |
| New York | $95,710 |
| Minnesota | $94,360 |
| Florida | $92,760 |
| Texas | $92,740 |
| Arkansas | $92,530 |
| Michigan | $86,690 |
| Colorado | $86,370 |
| Kansas | $86,040 |
| California | $85,480 |
| Pennsylvania | $82,390 |
| Virginia | $82,120 |
| Indiana | $81,060 |
| Illinois | $80,030 |
| Tennessee | $79,770 |
| Mississippi | $79,520 |
| Maryland | $79,220 |
| New Hampshire | $79,090 |
| Oregon | $77,610 |
| Wisconsin | $76,090 |
| Kentucky | $72,300 |
| South Carolina | $71,230 |
| Utah | $69,170 |
| Georgia | $69,050 |
| South Dakota | $68,270 |
| Idaho | $67,860 |
| Nebraska | $67,310 |
| North Carolina | $64,200 |
| Iowa | $63,450 |
| Ohio | $62,470 |
| Louisiana | $57,200 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Food Scientists and Technologists
Food Scientists and Technologist Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$49,580 – $65,240 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$85,310 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$111,700 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $141,860+ |
How to Earn More as a Food Scientists and Technologist
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Food Scientists and Technologists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA earn $105,670 — $20,360 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($111,700) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Food Scientists and Technologist Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Food Scientists and Technologistthis career | $85,310 |
| Biofuels Production Manager | $121,440 |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Manager | $167,740 |
| Agricultural Engineer | $84,630 |
| Chemical Engineer | $121,860 |
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SOC: 19-1012.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.