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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Food Engineer in New Jersey is $99,335 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.
However, a Food Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Food Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $107,163 | $8,930 | $2,061 | $52 |
| Average | $99,335 | $8,278 | $1,910 | $48 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,177 | $7,348 | $1,696 | $42 |
CONAGRA - MENOMONIE, WI
Lane Enterprises Inc - BEALETON, VA
ABR Employment Services - WEST SALEM, WI
Gordon Food Service - ATLANTA, GA
A Food Engineer'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 Engineer'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Workforce... Level Food Engineer | $83,411 |
| Food Engi... Level Food Engineer | $101,660 |
| Workforce... Level Food Engineer | $117,588 |
| Workforce... Level Food Engineer | $121,500 |
| Workforce... Level Food Engineer | $190,473 |
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 Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Food Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 75% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Food Engineer positions in Financial Services or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Food Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $134,102 | $64.0 | 35% |
| Biotechnology | $129,135 | $62.0 | 30% |
| Insurance | $124,169 | $60.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $119,202 | $57.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $119,202 | $57.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Food Engineer'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $107,163 | $8,930 | $2,061 | $52 |
| Average | $99,335 | $8,278 | $1,910 | $48 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,177 | $7,348 | $1,696 | $42 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Food Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
GE Vernova
WILMINGTON, NC
GE Vernova
UPPER UNION, NY
Exelon
AVONDALE, IL
Exelon
KENNETT SQUARE, PA
Exelon
FOX VALLEY FACILITY, IL
Marriott
LAHAINA, HI
Marriott | LAHAINA, HI
Marriott is seeking a Part-Time Food Runner to support our restaurant team and deliver exceptional guest experiences. In this role, you’ll quickly and accu... more
2 Days Ago
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