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
$88,720
$7,393/mo
Entry Level
$54,600
starting pay
Senior Level
$109,200
experienced
Job Growth
+6%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Food Scientists and Technologists (SOC 19-1012) at a national median of $88,720 per year (mean $95,360), or $42.65 per hour, with 13,060 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
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)
13K
5-Year Growth
+14%
Category
Science
Hourly Rate
$42.65/hr
Monthly Pay
$7,393
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
$91,000
$7,583/month · $3,500/biweekly · $43.75/hr
Food Scientist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Food Scientist field.
Entry-level Food Scientists earn around $54,600, while the top 10% earn $125,100 or more.
Top Paying States for Food Scientists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $105,000 | +$16,280 |
| New Jersey | $98,000 | +$9,280 |
| Illinois | $92,000 | +$3,280 |
| Minnesota | $90,000 | +$1,280 |
| Wisconsin | $84,000 | $-4,720 |
Top Paying Cities for Food Scientists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San FranciscoBLS metro | $98,930 | +$10,210 |
| NewarkBLS metro | $98,930 | +$10,210 |
| Chicago | $93,000 | +$4,280 |
| Minneapolis | $91,000 | +$2,280 |
| Milwaukee | $85,000 | $-3,720 |
Rows marked BLS metro are the BLS OEWS May 2025 median annual wage for Food Scientists and Technologists in that city's metropolitan statistical area (2 of 5); the remaining rows are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier.
Food Scientist Salary by City
Published city-level wage and take-home pay guides for Food Scientist.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Food Scientist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Food Scientist from entry level to expert.
$54,600
0-2 years
$82,000
3-7 years
$109,200
8-14 years
$141,000
15+ years
Related Science Jobs
Food Scientist Salary FAQ
How much does a Food Scientist make in 2026?
The median salary for a Food Scientist in the United States is $88,720 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Food Scientists and Technologists (SOC 19-1012); the mean is $95,360. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $54,600, senior professionals around $109,200, and top earners at $141,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Food Scientist?
A Food Scientist typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 1-3 years of experience. Key skills include Food Chemistry, Quality Control, FDA Regulations. Relevant certifications such as IFT Certification or SQF Practitioner can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Food Scientists?
The job market for Food Scientists is projected to grow by 6% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 13K Food Scientist positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 14%, reflecting steady demand for this role.
Which states pay Food Scientists the most?
The highest-paying states for Food Scientists include California, Illinois, New Jersey. In California, the median salary is approximately $105,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Food Scientist salary?
To increase your Food Scientist salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Food Chemistry and Quality Control. Pursue certifications such as IFT Certification. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like San Francisco. With 1-3 years of experience, you can progress from $54,600 to $109,200 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Food Scientist Salary
How we calculate Food Scientist salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Food Scientists and Technologists (SOC 19-1012), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $88,720, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Food Scientists and Technologists; BLS mean $95,360; BLS hourly median $42.65.
- Entry-level ($54,600) and senior-level ($109,200) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +6% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 13,060 Food Scientists and Technologists jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 14% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Science sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $88,720; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Food Scientist compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Food Scientist job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Science
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Food Scientist salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Food Chemistry, Quality Control, FDA Regulations), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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