by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 125 U.S. colleges awarded 2,250 degrees and certificates in Food Science Technology. Bachelor’s degrees are the most popular award, at 46% of graduates. College Factual ranks 45 schools in its 2027 Best Food Science Technology Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $55,828 one year after completing, rising to $73,551 after four years.
Are you interested in coming up with new foods and flavors? Have you ever wondered why some foods are healthy while others aren't? You may be interested in a career in Food Science Technology.
Food Scientists know everything about food from growing and packaging to manufacturing, distributing, and eventually eating. Food Science Technology majors take classes in biology, chemistry, human physiology, and nutrition to understand agricultural products processing, food additives, food preparation and packaging, storage and shipment. Students also learn how food relates to human health and safety issues surrounding types of fertilizers and other chemicals.
While students have the option to major in Food Science in general, there is the option to specialize on the production process by studying Food Technology and Processing.
Studying Food Science Technology covers Food Science And Technology.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Nationwide, food science technology draws strong interest, with 2,250 degrees awarded annually. 125 colleges award food science technology degrees, an average of 18 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 113.
By level, the 2,250 awards include 48 certificates, 99 associate degrees, 1,028 bachelor’s degrees, 919 master’s degrees and 153 doctorates.
Women earned 60% of food science technology degrees and certificates in the latest year (1,354 of 2,250). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (1,082) and Hispanic or Latino (265), and international students earned 505.
College Factual ranks 45 schools in its 2027 Best Food Science Technology Schools ranking, including 33 for bachelor’s degrees, 17 for master’s degrees and 3 for doctorates. It also ranks food science technology schools within 28 states. In all, 125 colleges offer food science technology programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Food Science Technology Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common food science technology credential is the bachelor’s degree: 1,028 of the 2,250 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to food science technology call most for Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking and Speaking, and for knowledge of English Language, Food Production and Production and Processing, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Oral Expression, Oral Comprehension and Near Vision.
Successful food scientists are detail oriented and enjoy collecting and analyzing data. Some of their tasks may include testing food for nutrition and safety or engineering a new crop, so precision is important. Analytical and critical thinking will allow for advancement in this field. Strong science skills, especially in biology and chemistry, are also necessary.
Unlike many careers in agriculture, a career in Food Science Technology will typically have an average 40-hour workweek. Most graduates find work in laboratories, research offices, and in processing plants, which have typical work hours.
Although it is not necessary, an internship in Food Science Technology would be helpful. This will give you the opportunity to work with an established food scientist and experience gathering and analyzing data. It also allows the opportunity to experience the field and decide if this is the right career path.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long a food science technology degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 48 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 99 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 1,028 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 919 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 153 |
High school diploma or equivalent is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to food science technology, at 23.5%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 23.5% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 19.6% |
| Doctoral degree | 15.2% |
| Some college courses | 8.9% |
| Master’s degree | 8.0% |
| Post-doctoral training | 7.3% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 7.0% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 5.6% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 4.1% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.4% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 0.3% |
| First professional degree | 0.2% |
Source: O*NET Online.
8 occupations are related to Food Science Technology, with an average median salary of $61,799; the strongest outlook belongs to Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers, at 14.7% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Dry Starch Operator, Blender, Syrup Maker and Horticulture Manager.
Typically, Food Science majors work in research labs or in processing plants. Many students find themselves working for colleges, universities, and professional schools in their labs. Since this is a wide major, there are many career options available to graduates. You will be equipped with extensive knowledge on the chemical makeup of food and how it relates to human nutrition. This opens the possibility of working for both the public and private sector, testing, creating and processing various types of foods.
The occupation related to food science technology with the most projected jobs is Food Batchmakers, at 383,602.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Food Batchmakers | 383,602 | -3.6% |
| Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | 297,433 | 4.5% |
| Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers | 231,384 | 14.7% |
| Soil and Plant Scientists | 172,528 | 3.7% |
| Food Science Technicians | 135,157 | 7.3% |
| Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 132,731 | -4.5% |
| Food Scientists and Technologists | 76,219 | -4.2% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers | 33,611 | -0.6% |
Food Science Technology graduates earn a median $55,828 one year after completing their program, $73,551 after four years and $68,842 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $55,828 |
| 4 years | $73,551 |
| 5 years | $68,842 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to food science technology is Food Science Technicians, with a median salary of $100,898.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Food Science Technicians | $100,898 |
| Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers | $84,680 |
| Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | $66,903 |
| Soil and Plant Scientists | $59,587 |
| Food Scientists and Technologists | $55,930 |
| Food Batchmakers | $55,617 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers | $36,803 |
| Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $33,975 |
Food Science Technology includes 6 concentrations that together award 2,250 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are Food Science (1,570), Viticulture and Enology (241) and Food Science and Technology, Other (128). It has 18 similar majors in the Agriculture field, which together award 51,883 degrees a year; the largest are Agricultural Business and Management (8,920), Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians (8,916) and Animal Sciences (8,777). Browse all Agriculture majors or the full list of college majors.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Food Science | 1,570 |
| Viticulture and Enology | 241 |
| Food Science and Technology, Other | 128 |
| Brewing Science | 113 |
| Zymology/Fermentation Science | 100 |
| Food Technology and Processing | 98 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Agricultural Business and Management | 8,920 |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians | 8,916 |
| Animal Sciences | 8,777 |
| Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services | 4,242 |
| Veterinary Medicine | 3,882 |
| Agricultural Production Operations | 3,822 |
| Plant Sciences | 3,510 |
| Agriculture, General | 3,002 |
| Agricultural Mechanization | 1,491 |
| Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services | 1,217 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
