Food Scientists and Technologists Salary in the United States
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for food scientists and technologists in the United States was $88,720 ($42.65 per hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $52,920 | $25.44 |
| 25th | $68,810 | $33.08 |
| Median | $88,720 | $42.65 |
| 75th | $116,650 | $56.08 |
| 90th | $145,280 | $69.85 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 19-1012
- Total U.S. employment: 13,060
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
What the data says
The mean wage of $95,360 sits 7.5% above the median — the typical worker earns close to the median, while a smaller group of higher earners pulls the average up.
At $42.65 per hour, a full-time schedule (2,080 hours per year) works out to roughly $88,712 — in line with the reported median annual wage of $88,720.
Food Scientists and Technologists 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 | $97,480 | $46.87 | +9.9% | 60 |
| Arizona | $90,450 | $43.49 | +1.9% | 0 |
| Arkansas | $84,330 | $40.54 | -4.9% | 310 |
| California | $93,950 | $45.17 | +5.9% | 2,210 |
| Colorado | $99,580 | $47.87 | +12.2% | 320 |
| Florida | $101,160 | $48.64 | +14.0% | 170 |
| Georgia | $86,050 | $41.37 | -3.0% | 560 |
| Idaho | $77,440 | $37.23 | -12.7% | 140 |
| Illinois | $94,340 | $45.35 | +6.3% | 780 |
| Indiana | $69,350 | $33.34 | -21.8% | 300 |
| Iowa | $82,010 | $39.43 | -7.6% | 380 |
| Kansas | $85,130 | $40.93 | -4.0% | 380 |
| Kentucky | $98,710 | $47.46 | +11.3% | 170 |
| Maine | $89,480 | $43.02 | +0.9% | 30 |
| Maryland | $93,330 | $44.87 | +5.2% | 270 |
| Massachusetts | $103,580 | $49.80 | +16.7% | 420 |
| Michigan | $76,940 | $36.99 | -13.3% | 430 |
| Minnesota | $99,280 | $47.73 | +11.9% | 670 |
| Missouri | $105,930 | $50.93 | +19.4% | 390 |
| Montana | $52,230 | $25.11 | -41.1% | 30 |
| Nebraska | $72,230 | $34.72 | -18.6% | 230 |
| Nevada | $80,580 | $38.74 | -9.2% | 50 |
| New Jersey | $104,340 | $50.16 | +17.6% | 630 |
| New Mexico | $79,130 | $38.04 | -10.8% | 30 |
| New York | $94,070 | $45.23 | +6.0% | 660 |
| North Carolina | $79,840 | $38.38 | -10.0% | 230 |
| Ohio | $76,780 | $36.92 | -13.5% | 270 |
| Oklahoma | $84,750 | $40.74 | -4.5% | 50 |
| Oregon | $81,660 | $39.26 | -8.0% | 270 |
| Pennsylvania | $83,380 | $40.09 | -6.0% | 400 |
| Rhode Island | $87,970 | $42.29 | -0.8% | 40 |
| South Carolina | $108,660 | $52.24 | +22.5% | 90 |
| South Dakota | $71,330 | $34.29 | -19.6% | 90 |
| Tennessee | $81,760 | $39.31 | -7.8% | 70 |
| Texas | $90,610 | $43.56 | +2.1% | 840 |
| Utah | $73,280 | $35.23 | -17.4% | 120 |
| Virginia | $93,590 | $44.99 | +5.5% | 70 |
| Washington | $94,990 | $45.67 | +7.1% | 250 |
| Wisconsin | $83,020 | $39.91 | -6.4% | 410 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Related Occupations
- Human Resources Specialists — $75,940/yr
- Receptionists and Information Clerks — $38,010/yr
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists — $78,760/yr
- Management Analysts — $101,860/yr
- Food Preparation Workers — $35,320/yr
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners — $35,510/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for food scientists and technologists?
The median annual wage for food scientists and technologists is $88,720 ($42.65 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2025.
Which state pays food scientists and technologists 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 scientists and technologists are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 13,060 food scientists and technologists employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do food scientists and technologists make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $42.65. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.