As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Food Scientist II in the United States is $83,783 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.
However, a Food Scientist II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Food Scientist II's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Food Scientist II's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Food Scientist I | 0-2 years | $70,973 |
| Food Scientist II | 2-4 years | $83,783 |
| Food Scientist III | 4-7 years | $101,274 |
| Food Scientist IV | 7+ years | $128,806 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Food Scientist IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Understanding how a Food Scientist II's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Food Scientist II, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacokinetics Scientist III | $111,136 | 33% |
| Bioinformatics Analyst III | $110,699 | 32% |
| Biochemist III | $83,423 | 0% |
| Biophysicist | $76,885 | -8% |
Salaries for a Food Scientist II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $97,073 in 2023 to around $97,368 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Food Scientist II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $97,073 |
| 2024 | $97,776 |
| 2025 | $97,368 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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A Food Scientist II's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Food Scientist II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Food Scientist II is $105,675.
The highest pay for Food Scientist II is $106,105.
The lowest pay for Food Scientist II is $70,542.
Conducts scientific research activities to create, improve, and evaluate food products, ingredients, and processing methods. Studies the chemical, biological, and physical properties of food items or ingredients. Performs experiments involving food chemistry, microbiology, sensory science, and physical analysis to assess the composition, quality, nutritional value, and safety of food products. Develops formulations that meet taste, texture, nutritional, and regulatory requirements. Collaborates with manufacturing teams to transition laboratory concepts into scalable production processes. Documents research findings, maintains accurate testing records, and prepares technical reports for internal stakeholders. Requires a bachelor's degree in food science. Typically reports to a manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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