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Food Science Technicians Salary in U.S. (2024)

Food Science Technicians in U.S. make a median of $49,430 a year, or about $23.76 an hour. The range runs from $38K at the entry level to $75K for experienced workers.

Updated

AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024

$49K
Median annual
$23.76/hr
Hourly rate
$38K
Entry level (10th %)
$75K
Senior level (90th %)

So what does $49K get you in U.S.?

Estimated monthly take-home$3,480/mo
Median 2BR rent-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home40.6% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$49,430/yr
Monthly remaining after rent$2,068/mo
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About food science technicians

U.S. employed: 14,200
Category: Science
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Compensation breakdown

Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.

Bar chart showing Food Science Technicians salary percentiles in U.S.: 10th percentile $37,760, 25th percentile $43,990, median $49,430, 75th percentile $60,940, 90th percentile $75,100. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.10th$38K25th$44KMedian$49K75th$61K90th$75K
Bar chart showing Food Science Technicians salary percentiles in U.S.: 10th percentile $37,760, 25th percentile $43,990, median $49,430, 75th percentile $60,940, 90th percentile $75,100. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Entry-level food science technicians (10th percentile) start around $38K. Mid-career wages sit at $49K.Top earners bring in $75K or more - a $37K spread from bottom to top.

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Food Science Technicians pay across states

Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure

StateMedian salaryvs. nationalEmployment
Mississippi$65K+31%30
Illinois$64K+29%390
Virginia$59K+20%240
Massachusetts$57K+16%130
Missouri$56K+13%310
Michigan$53K+8%130
Tennessee$53K+7%90
New York$53K+6%750
Kentucky$52K+6%160
New Jersey$52K+6%610
Maryland$52K+5%270
California$51K+3%4,000
Minnesota$50K+2%340
Wisconsin$50K+1%550
Vermont$50K+1%40

Track food science technicians salary changes

BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when U.S. numbers change.

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Frequently asked questions

How much do food science technicians make in U.S.?

The median is $49,430 a year - that works out to about $23.76 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $37,760, and experienced food science technicians can clear $75,100. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.

Is $49K enough to live in U.S.?

On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,480/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 40.6% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.

How far does a food science technicians salary go in U.S.?

U.S. has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median food science technicians salary is worth about $49,430 in national-average purchasing power.

Where do food science technicians get paid the most?

The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.

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