How Much Does a Food Product Development Scientist make?

Food Product Development Scientist made a median salary around $63,190 in April, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $70,467 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $55,474. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Check out Food Product Development Scientist jobs in Montana

Technician, Product Field Testing

Hunter Engineering Company - BRIDGETON, MO

Product Safety Scientist

Sally Beauty Holdings - DENTON, TX

Product Manager, Data Platform (Beeswax)

Comcast Corporation - NEW YORK, NY

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Best-Paying Cities for Food Product Development Scientist

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Food Product Development Scientist profession are Gardiner , Rexford , Saint Regis , Saltese , Stryker .
Gardiner, MT $67,714
Rexford, MT $67,708
Saint Regis, MT $67,708
Saltese, MT $67,708
Stryker, MT $67,708

Best-Paying States for Food Product Development Scientist

The states and districts that pay Food Product Development Scientist the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $74,106) , California (around $73,825) , Massachusetts (around $72,841) , Washington (around $72,574) , and New Jersey (around $72,547) .
District of Columbia $74,106
California $73,825
Massachusetts $72,841
Washington $72,574
New Jersey $72,547

What is the Career Path of Food Product Development Scientist?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Food Product Development Scientist, the first career path typically starts with a Food Product Development Scientist II position , and then progresses to Food Product Development Scientist III.

Additionally, the second career path typically starts with a Product Development Analyst II position , and then progresses to Chief Product Development Officer.

Besides, Food Product Development Scientist can also turn to other related jobs, including Food Product Development Scientist I , Food Product Development Scientist II , Food Product Development Scientist III and Food Scientist I .

Frequently Asked Questions for Food Product Development Scientist

Q: What is the salary range of Food Product Development Scientist in Montana?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Food Product Development Scientist in Montana earned an average annual salary of $55,474 , while the highest-paid made $70,467.
Q: What is the salary for a Food Product Development Scientist in California?
A: Food Product Development Scientist employed in California earned an average salary of $73,825 in 2025.

Average Food Product Development Scientist Pay vs. Other Jobs

Food Product Development Scientist earned an average salary of $63,190 in 2025. Other jobs related to Food Product Development Scientist earned the following average salary in April, 2025. Food Product Development Scientist I made $66,649 , Food Product Development Scientist II made $70,440 , Food Product Development Scientist III and Food Scientist I made $95,656 and $66,650 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Food Product Development Scientist

Food Product Development Scientist I - Average Salary $66,649
Performs food product development activities including testing of prototypes, competitive products, and production samples. Studies the chemical, biological, and physical properties of food items or ingredients to assess the composition, quality, and safety of food products. Develops and refines the processing of ingredients into food products and determines nutritional values. Documents ingredients, formulations, processes, and the testing involved with new product research and development or enhancements to existing products. Participates in sensory evaluations and trials of products and determines areas of improvement. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
Food Product Development Scientist II - Average Salary $70,440
Performs food product development activities including testing of prototypes, competitive products, and production samples. Studies the chemical, biological, and physical properties of food items or ingredients to assess the composition, quality, and safety of food products. Develops and refines the processing of ingredients into food products and determines nutritional values. Documents ingredients, formulations, processes, and the testing involved with new product research and development or enhancements to existing products. Participates in sensory evaluations and trials of products and determines areas of improvement. Requires a bachelor's degree. 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.
Food Product Development Scientist III - Average Salary $95,656
Performs food product development activities including testing of prototypes, competitive products, and production samples. Studies the chemical, biological, and physical properties of food items or ingredients to assess the composition, quality, and safety of food products. Develops and refines the processing of ingredients into food products and determines nutritional values. Documents ingredients, formulations, processes, and the testing involved with new product research and development or enhancements to existing products. Participates in sensory evaluations and trials of products and determines areas of improvement. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience.
Food Scientist I - Average Salary $66,650
The Food Scientist I documents ingredients, formulations, processes, and testing involved with new product research and development or enhancements to existing products. Performs food product development activities including testing of prototypes, competitive products, and production samples. Being a Food Scientist I requires a bachelor's degree. Participates in sensory evaluations and trials of products. In addition, Food Scientist I typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Being a Food Scientist I work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Working as a Food Scientist I typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
Food Scientist III - Average Salary $95,690
The Food Scientist III studies the chemical, biological, and physical properties of food items or ingredients to assess the composition, quality, and safety of food products. Performs food product development activities including testing of prototypes, competitive products, and production samples. Being a Food Scientist III documents ingredients, formulations, processes, and the testing involved with new product research and development or enhancements to existing products. Develops and refines the processing of ingredients into food products and determines nutritional values. In addition, Food Scientist III participates in sensory evaluations and trials of products and determines areas of improvement. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Being a Food Scientist III work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Working as a Food Scientist III typically requires 4-7 years of related experience.