Description
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.
Interests
- Realistic
- Conventional
- Investigative
Work Values
- Support
- Relationships
- Achievement
Work Styles
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Independence
- Integrity
- Adaptability/Flexibility
Tasks
- Taste or smell foods or beverages to ensure that flavors meet specifications or to select samples with specific characteristics.
- Measure, test, or weigh bottles, cans, or other containers to ensure that hardness, strength, or dimensions meet specifications.
- Maintain records of testing results or other documents as required by state or other governing agencies.
- Monitor and control temperature of products.
- Analyze test results to classify products or compare results with standard tables.
Work Activities
- Training and Teaching Others
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Working with Computers
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Documenting/Recording Information
Detailed Work Activities
- Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Technology Skills
- Data base user interface and query software
- Presentation software
- Electronic mail software
- Application server software
- Spreadsheet software
Abilities
- Near Vision
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Comprehension
- Written Expression
Skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
Knowledge
- Food Production
- Production and Processing
- Chemistry
- English Language
- Biology
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Certified Food ScientistCertifying Organization
Institute of Food Technologists
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
AMSA Food Safety & Science CertificationCertifying Organization
American Meat Science Association
Type
Core
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $37,618 |
| Median (50%) | $46,216 |
| High (90%) | $61,718 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $45,488 |
| Mid Level | $55,704 |
| Senior Level | $57,750 |
| Expert Level | N/A |
Employability
There are currently 25,100 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 26,900 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 7%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 7%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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