Food Science Technicians Salary in the United States
Median annual wage: $52,130 · Median hourly: $25.06 · Employment: 14,600
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $39,820 | $19.14 |
| 25th | $46,020 | $22.12 |
| Median | $52,130 | $25.06 |
| 75th | $63,270 | $30.42 |
| 90th | $78,820 | $37.89 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 19-4013
- Total U.S. employment: 14,600
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
The numbers in context
The median wage in this area is 0.0% below the national median — a difference of about $0 per year for a typical worker.
Pay spans a wide range: workers at the 10th percentile earn about $39,820, while those at the 90th percentile earn about $78,820 — a 2.0x gap between entry-level and top earners.
Food Science Technicians Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $40,940 | $19.68 | -21.5% | 30 |
| Arkansas | $46,810 | $22.50 | -10.2% | 140 |
| California | $54,200 | $26.06 | +4.0% | 3,990 |
| Colorado | $58,540 | $28.14 | +12.3% | 270 |
| Connecticut | $49,700 | $23.89 | -4.7% | 0 |
| Florida | $58,500 | $28.13 | +12.2% | 250 |
| Georgia | $53,150 | $25.55 | +2.0% | 260 |
| Idaho | $48,980 | $23.55 | -6.0% | 560 |
| Illinois | $60,820 | $29.24 | +16.7% | 290 |
| Indiana | $44,630 | $21.46 | -14.4% | 530 |
| Iowa | $50,740 | $24.40 | -2.7% | 420 |
| Kansas | $39,930 | $19.20 | -23.4% | 60 |
| Kentucky | $64,770 | $31.14 | +24.2% | 160 |
| Louisiana | $44,310 | $21.30 | -15.0% | 30 |
| Maryland | $57,880 | $27.83 | +11.0% | 280 |
| Massachusetts | $56,850 | $27.33 | +9.1% | 260 |
| Michigan | $52,130 | $25.06 | 0.0% | 250 |
| Minnesota | $57,940 | $27.86 | +11.1% | 380 |
| Mississippi | $51,460 | $24.74 | -1.3% | 50 |
| Missouri | $59,570 | $28.64 | +14.3% | 150 |
| Nebraska | $48,530 | $23.33 | -6.9% | 170 |
| Nevada | $59,070 | $28.40 | +13.3% | 110 |
| New Jersey | $56,730 | $27.28 | +8.8% | 590 |
| New Mexico | $46,500 | $22.36 | -10.8% | 120 |
| New York | $55,470 | $26.67 | +6.4% | 580 |
| North Carolina | $48,640 | $23.39 | -6.7% | 130 |
| Ohio | $57,060 | $27.43 | +9.5% | 230 |
| Oklahoma | $47,240 | $22.71 | -9.4% | 50 |
| Oregon | $50,590 | $24.32 | -3.0% | 820 |
| Pennsylvania | $48,060 | $23.11 | -7.8% | 590 |
| South Carolina | $39,480 | $18.98 | -24.3% | 40 |
| South Dakota | $48,760 | $23.44 | -6.5% | 100 |
| Texas | $47,760 | $22.96 | -8.4% | 900 |
| Utah | $45,110 | $21.69 | -13.5% | 80 |
| Vermont | $60,980 | $29.32 | +17.0% | 50 |
| Virginia | $65,360 | $31.42 | +25.4% | 150 |
| Washington | $62,070 | $29.84 | +19.1% | 660 |
| Wisconsin | $55,690 | $26.77 | +6.8% | 540 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES, May 2024 (updated April 2025)
Related Occupations
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers — $58,640/yr
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive — $47,540/yr
- Software Developers — $135,980/yr
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General — $49,590/yr
- Accountants and Auditors — $83,680/yr
- Nursing Assistants — $42,260/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for food science technicians?
The median annual wage for food science technicians is $52,130 ($25.06 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2024.
Which state pays food science technicians the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many food science technicians are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 14,600 food science technicians employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do food science technicians make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $25.06. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.