Life, Physical & Social Science
Food Science Technicians
Also called: Central Laboratory Technician (CLT), Food Science Tech (Food Science Technician), Laboratory Assistant (Lab Assistant), Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech)
US median pay
$52,130
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+4.8%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
3,000
20,800 employed
Typical entry education
Associate's degree
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
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.
What they do day to day
- 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.
- Record or compile test results or prepare graphs, charts, or reports.
- Perform regular maintenance of laboratory equipment by inspecting, calibrating, cleaning, or sterilizing.
- Examine chemical or biological samples to identify cell structures or to locate bacteria or extraneous material, using a microscope.
- Conduct standardized tests on food, beverages, additives, or preservatives to ensure compliance with standards and regulations regarding factors such as color, texture, or nutrients.
- Train newly hired laboratory personnel.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Quality Control Analysis3.1/5
- Coordination3.1/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.1/5
- Time Management3.0/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.0/5
- Instructing3.0/5
- Social Perceptiveness2.9/5
- Operations Monitoring2.8/5
Knowledge
- Food Production3.8/5
- Production and Processing3.7/5
- Chemistry3.5/5
- English Language3.4/5
- Computers and Electronics3.1/5
- Biology3.1/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.
Typical entry education (BLS): Associate's degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Bachelor's degree32%
- Associate's degree23%
- High school diploma16%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.