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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Food Science Technician in California is $79,075 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, a Food Science Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Food Science Technician Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $86,021 | $7,168 | $1,654 | $41 |
| Average | $79,075 | $6,590 | $1,521 | $38 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,019 | $6,085 | $1,404 | $35 |
TecHOUNDS - Rancho Cucamonga, CA
California State Jobs - La Honda, CA
California State Jobs - Napa, CA
California State Jobs - San Luis Obispo, CA
A Food Science Technician'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.
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 Science Technicians. 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 Science Technician roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and MFG Durable sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Food Science Technician positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Food Science Technician as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $102,797 | $49.0 | 30% |
| MFG Durable | $94,890 | $46.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $86,982 | $42.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Food Science Technician'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 | $86,021 | $7,168 | $1,654 | $41 |
| Average | $79,075 | $6,590 | $1,521 | $38 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,019 | $6,085 | $1,404 | $35 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Food Science Technician job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
California State Jobs
Coalinga, CA
California State Jobs | Coalinga, CA
Job Posting. This position is located at Coalinga State Hospital. $19.20 min - $24.01 max per hour. Assists with the preparation, portioning, distribution,... more
4 Days Ago
California State Jobs
Norwalk, CA
California State Jobs | Norwalk, CA
Job Title. Metropolitan State Hospital-Located in Norwalk, Los Angeles County. This position is limited term for 12 months. This position may be terminated... more
6 Days Ago
Walmart Stores
Compton, CA
Walmart Stores | Compton, CA
Walmart Stores | Medical, Dental, Vision, Rx + 401(k) with match + PTO + 100% Reimbursement of Tuition & Books | 2100 North Long Beach Boulevard | Responsi... more
5 Days Ago
Deibel Laboratories Inc
Manteca, CA
Deibel Laboratories Inc | Manteca, CA
Science you can trust from concept to consumer.Since 1967, Deibel Laboratories has operated several private food testing facilities providing services in b... more
2 Days Ago
Walmart Stores
Milpitas, CA
Walmart Stores | Milpitas, CA
Walmart Stores | Medical, Dental, Vision, Rx + 401(k) with match + PTO + 100% Reimbursement of Tuition & Books | 301 Ranch Drive | Responsibilities: Mainta... more
2 Days Ago
Walmart Stores
San Diego, CA
Walmart Stores | San Diego, CA
Walmart Stores | Medical, Dental, Vision, Rx + 401(k) with match + PTO + 100% Reimbursement of Tuition & Books | 3412 College Avenue | Responsibilities: Ma... more
3 Days Ago
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