Food Products and Processing

Median Annual Income

$165,370

Projected Job Growth

+6 %

Career Cluster(s)

Energy & Natural Resources

Most Common Education Level

Bachelor's degree

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

Median Annual Income

$88,750

Projected Job Growth

+8 %

Career Cluster(s)

Agriculture

Most Common Education Level

Bachelor's degree

Apply knowledge of engineering technology and biological science to agricultural problems concerned with power and machinery, electrification, structures, soil and water conservation, and processing of agricultural products.

Median Annual Income

$112,100

Projected Job Growth

+10 %

Career Cluster(s)

Agriculture

Most Common Education Level

Bachelor's degree

Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.

Median Annual Income

$70,140

Projected Job Growth

+8 %

Career Cluster(s)

Agriculture

Most Common Education Level

Bachelor's degree

Conduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals.

Median Annual Income

$68,240

Projected Job Growth

+7 %

Career Cluster(s)

Energy & Natural Resources

Most Common Education Level

Bachelor's degree

Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.

Median Annual Income

$85,470

Projected Job Growth

+7 %

Career Cluster(s)

Energy & Natural Resources

Most Common Education Level

Bachelor's degree

Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.

Median Annual Income

$84,680

Projected Job Growth

+8 %

Career Cluster(s)

Advanced Manufacturing

Most Common Education Level

Bachelor's degree

Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.

Median Annual Income

$43,180

Projected Job Growth

+6 %

Career Cluster(s)

Agriculture

Most Common Education Level

Associate's degree

Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition. Set up or maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens or record data to assist scientists in biology or related life science experiments. Conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects.

Median Annual Income

$49,090

Projected Job Growth

+7 %

Career Cluster(s)

Agriculture

Most Common Education Level

Associate's degree

Work with food scientists or technologists to perform standardized qualitative and quantitative tests to determine physical or chemical properties of food or beverage products. Includes technicians who assist in research and development of production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and use of foods.

Median Annual Income

$58,350

Projected Job Growth

+6 %

Career Cluster(s)

Advanced Manufacturing

Most Common Education Level

Associate's degree

Conduct tests to determine quality of raw materials, bulk intermediate and finished products. May conduct stability sample tests.