Food Scientist
Agricultural and food scientists research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural establishments and products. Food scientists use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study food composition, processes, and ways to improve food products.
$77,630
Median Salary
$83,064
Mean Salary
22,400
Total Employment
8%
Job Growth
Faster than average
Bachelor's degree
Education
2,464
Openings/Year
Salary Distribution
10th Percentile $46,578
25th Percentile $60,551
Median $77,630
75th Percentile $99,366
90th Percentile $130,418
Salary Map
Lower Mid Higher
Top Employing States
California 2,199
Texas 2,125
New York 1,335
Florida 1,055
Illinois 856
Salary by State
| # | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawaii | $167,532 |
| 2 | District of Columbia | $131,841 |
| 3 | California | $125,104 |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $117,467 |
| 5 | New York | $111,266 |
| 6 | Connecticut | $108,349 |
| 7 | Alaska | $108,209 |
| 8 | Washington | $103,847 |
| 9 | Colorado | $100,491 |
| 10 | Vermont | $98,333 |
| 11 | Delaware | $93,956 |
| 12 | Maryland | $93,334 |
| 13 | New Jersey | $91,212 |
| 14 | Minnesota | $89,984 |
| 15 | Pennsylvania | $87,977 |
| 16 | Florida | $87,617 |
| 17 | Utah | $86,690 |
| 18 | Georgia | $84,538 |
| 19 | Rhode Island | $82,679 |
| 20 | New Hampshire | $82,277 |
| 21 | Oregon | $81,283 |
| 22 | North Carolina | $79,917 |
| 23 | Ohio | $79,132 |
| 24 | Virginia | $78,267 |
| 25 | Idaho | $77,722 |
| 26 | Nevada | $76,842 |
| 27 | South Dakota | $76,606 |
| 28 | Illinois | $75,224 |
| 29 | Indiana | $74,818 |
| 30 | Louisiana | $74,108 |
| 31 | Michigan | $72,842 |
| 32 | Maine | $72,777 |
| 33 | Oklahoma | $72,444 |
| 34 | Wisconsin | $71,319 |
| 35 | Montana | $71,215 |
| 36 | North Dakota | $69,290 |
| 37 | Arizona | $69,159 |
| 38 | Kentucky | $67,000 |
| 39 | Tennessee | $66,943 |
| 40 | Texas | $66,257 |
| 41 | Alabama | $66,009 |
| 42 | Wyoming | $65,464 |
| 43 | New Mexico | $63,898 |
| 44 | West Virginia | $62,942 |
| 45 | Arkansas | $62,503 |
| 46 | South Carolina | $62,262 |
| 47 | Iowa | $60,743 |
| 48 | Missouri | $60,435 |
| 49 | Nebraska | $60,182 |
| 50 | Kansas | $60,042 |
| 51 | Mississippi | $55,942 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Food Scientist?
The median salary for a Food Scientist is $77,630 per year nationally. Salaries range from $46,578 (10th percentile) to $130,418 (90th percentile).
What education do you need to become a Food Scientist?
A Food Scientist typically requires a bachelor's degree.
What is the job outlook for Food Scientists?
Employment of food scientists is projected to grow 8% — faster than average. About 2,464 openings are expected each year.
Which state pays Food Scientists the most?
Hawaii pays the highest median salary for food scientists at $167,532 per year.