How Much Does a Food Scientist make?

Food Scientist made a median salary around $67,913 in December, 2024. The best-paid 25 percent made $75,734 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $59,619. 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.
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Best-Paying Cities for Food Scientist

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Food Scientist profession are Hopkins , Mendota , Minneapolis , Minnetonka , Saint Paul .
Hopkins, MN $70,435
Mendota, MN $70,435
Minneapolis, MN $70,435
Minnetonka, MN $70,435
Saint Paul, MN $70,435

Best-Paying States for Food Scientist

The states and districts that pay Food Scientist the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $73,887) , California (around $73,224) , New Jersey (around $72,759) , Alaska (around $72,294) , and Massachusetts (around $72,228) .
District of Columbia $73,887
California $73,224
New Jersey $72,759
Alaska $72,294
Massachusetts $72,228

What is the Career Path of Food 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 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 Top Product Development Executive.

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

Frequently Asked Questions for Food Scientist

Q: What is the salary range of Food Scientist in Minnesota?
A: In 2024 , the lowest-paid Food Scientist in Minnesota earned an average annual salary of $59,619 , while the highest-paid made $75,734.
Q: What is the salary for a Food Scientist in California?
A: Food Scientist employed in California earned an average salary of $73,224 in 2024.

Average Food Scientist Pay vs. Other Jobs

Food Scientist earned an average salary of $67,913 in 2024. Other jobs related to Food Scientist earned the following average salary in December, 2024. Food Scientist I made $67,340 , Food Scientist III made $107,990 , Food Scientist II and Associate Food Scientist made $83,790 and $66,705 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Food Scientist

Food Scientist I - Average Salary $67,340
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 $107,990
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.
Food Scientist II - Average Salary $83,790
The Food Scientist II 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 II requires a bachelor's degree. Participates in sensory evaluations and trials of products. In addition, Food Scientist II typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Being a Food Scientist II occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Working as a Food Scientist II typically requires 2 -4 years of related experience.
Associate Food Scientist - Average Salary $66,705
There is currently no job description for Associate Food Scientist, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Associate Food Scientist.
Senior Food Scientist - Average Salary $70,658
There is currently no job description for Senior Food Scientist, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Senior Food Scientist.