Food Scientist Salary in 2026
Food scientists study the chemical and biological composition of food, developing new products and improving food safety. They research preservation methods, nutrition, and manufacturing processes.
Median Salary
$78,000
$6,500/mo
Entry Level
$48,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$96,000
experienced
Job Growth
+6%
10-yr outlook
Food Scientist Overview
Food scientists study the chemical and biological composition of food, developing new products and improving food safety. They research preservation methods, nutrition, and manufacturing processes.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
1-3 years
Industry
Science
Total Jobs (US)
20K
5-Year Growth
+14%
Category
Science
Hourly Rate
$37.50/hr
Monthly Pay
$6,500
Food Scientist Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Food Scientist salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Food Scientist Salary
$80,000
$6,667/month · $3,077/biweekly · $38.46/hr
Food Scientist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Food Scientist field.
Entry-level Food Scientists earn around $48,000, while the top 10% earn $110,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Food Scientists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $92,000 | +$14,000 |
| New Jersey | $86,000 | +$8,000 |
| Illinois | $81,000 | +$3,000 |
| Minnesota | $80,000 | +$2,000 |
| Wisconsin | $74,000 | $-4,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Food Scientists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $98,000 | +$20,000 |
| Newark | $84,000 | +$6,000 |
| Chicago | $82,000 | +$4,000 |
| Minneapolis | $80,000 | +$2,000 |
| Milwaukee | $75,000 | $-3,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Food Scientist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Food Scientist from entry level to expert.
$48,000
0-2 years
$72,000
3-7 years
$96,000
8-14 years
$124,000
15+ years
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Food Scientist Salary FAQ
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