Food Scientists and Technologists Salary in U.S.
Food Scientists and Technologists in U.S. make a median of $85,310 a year, or about $41.02 an hour. The range runs from $50K at the entry level to $142K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $85K get you in U.S.?
About food scientists and technologists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level food scientists and technologists (10th percentile) start around $50K. Mid-career wages sit at $85K.Top earners bring in $142K or more - a $92K spread from bottom to top.
Food Scientists and Technologists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $103K | +20% | 880 |
| District of Columbia | $103K | +20% | N/A |
| Missouri | $102K | +19% | 610 |
| Alabama | $99K | +16% | 50 |
| Massachusetts | $99K | +16% | N/A |
| Washington | $96K | +13% | 310 |
| New York | $96K | +12% | 880 |
| Minnesota | $94K | +11% | N/A |
| Florida | $93K | +9% | 150 |
| Texas | $93K | +9% | 780 |
| Arkansas | $93K | +8% | N/A |
| Michigan | $87K | +2% | 430 |
| Kansas | $86K | +1% | 310 |
| California | $85K | +0% | 2,350 |
| Pennsylvania | $82K | -3% | 430 |
Track food scientists and technologists 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 scientists and technologists make in U.S.?
The median is $85,310 a year - that works out to about $41.02 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $49,580, and experienced food scientists and technologists can clear $141,860. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $85K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,700/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 24.8% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a food scientists and technologists 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 scientists and technologists salary is worth about $85,310 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do food scientists and technologists 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.