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Entry Level Food Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

House-Autry Mills

Food Scientist

Four Oaks, NC · On-site

... science, Food Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related scientific field required. * 2-5+ years of experience in food product development, food chemistry, or food manufacturing (entry-level ...

Oregonstate

Beaver Classic Retail Manager

Corvallis, OR

$59K - $74K/yr

Food Science & Technology Special Instructions to Applicants: To ensure full consideration ... Experience supervising and mentoring entry-level employees and/or students. * Ability to work ...

Actalent

Quality

Saint Louis, MO

$22 - $24/hr

Knowledge of GMPs, quality systems, inspections, or documentation practices OR Option 2: Entry-Level Science Graduate * Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Food Science ...

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How much do entry level food science jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level food science in the United States is $22.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Food Science vs Entry Level Food Technologist?

AspectEntry Level Food ScienceEntry Level Food Technologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Food Science, Chemistry, or related fieldBachelor's in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, production facilities, research settingsManufacturing plants, quality control labs, R&D departments
Employer & Industry UsageFood companies, research institutions, government agenciesFood manufacturing, processing companies, quality assurance teams
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Food Science and Entry Level Food Technologist roles often overlap in education and work environment, focusing on food safety, quality, and product development. The main difference lies in terminology used by employers and industry preferences, but both positions serve as foundational roles in food industry careers.

What is an entry level food science job?

Entry level food science jobs are positions for individuals who are new to the field of food science, often requiring a bachelor's degree in food science or a related field. These roles typically involve assisting with product development, quality assurance, food safety, laboratory testing, or regulatory compliance in food production environments. Common job titles include food technologist, quality assurance technician, and laboratory assistant. These positions provide foundational experience and training, preparing employees for more advanced roles within the food industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level food scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Food Scientist, you generally need a bachelor’s degree in food science or a related field, along with foundational knowledge in chemistry, microbiology, and food safety. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, quality assurance protocols, and software for data analysis such as Excel or specialized lab management systems is typical. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help individuals excel in team environments and manage project tasks efficiently. These competencies are vital for ensuring product safety, quality, and regulatory compliance within the food industry.

What type of jobs can you get with an entry level food science degree?

Entry level food science graduates can pursue roles such as quality assurance technician, food safety analyst, product development assistant, or production technician. These positions often involve laboratory work, food testing, and ensuring compliance with safety standards, requiring knowledge of food regulations and basic laboratory skills.

What are typical projects or tasks an entry level food scientist can expect to work on during their first year?

As an entry-level food scientist, you will often assist with product development, quality assurance testing, and sensory evaluations. Your daily tasks may include preparing samples, running basic laboratory tests, documenting results, and supporting senior scientists with research projects. You may also participate in cross-functional meetings with marketing, production, and regulatory teams to ensure product safety and compliance. This hands-on exposure helps you gain a solid understanding of the food production process and prepares you for more advanced responsibilities as you progress in your career.

Where would you start as an entry level food science job in the food industry?

Entry level food science positions typically start in roles such as laboratory technician, quality control analyst, or production assistant. These roles involve tasks like sample testing, data recording, and assisting with product development, often requiring basic knowledge of food safety standards and laboratory equipment. Starting in these positions provides foundational experience for advancing in the food science industry.

How to start a career in food science?

To start a career in food science, obtain a bachelor's degree in food science, chemistry, biology, or a related field. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or entry-level positions and developing skills in laboratory techniques and food safety are important steps. Certifications such as HACCP or SQF can also enhance job prospects.
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What states have the most Entry Level Food Science jobs?

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Entry Level Food Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Food Science job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $46,976 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Food Scientist

House-Autry Mills

Four Oaks, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

House-Autry is a dynamic and growing food company that has flourished for over 200 years. Our expansion into new markets and new product lines is providing exciting new employment opportunities that offer rewarding work and comprehensive training, along with competitive pay and benefits. Our growing business provides plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement, allowing you to create a fulfilling career as a part of our team. Join the House-Autry family and be part of our exciting future!

We are looking for a Food Chemist/Food Scientist who is responsible for the research, development, formulation, and improvement of food products while ensuring quality, safety, regulatory compliance, and scalability. This role applies principles of chemistry, biology, and food science to develop innovative, safe, and high-quality products that meet business goals, regulatory requirements, and consumer expectations.

This is an onsite position.


Duties & Responsibilities

  • Project proposals meeting Quality and Production policies and programs
  • Conformity of the raw materials and finished goods to established quality and specification standards.
  • Ensure proper testing procedures are in place and are being properly utilized.
  • Compliance with production specifications for all developed products.
  • Develop new products for retail, food service, and industrial applications
  • Identify the proper ingredients and proportion thereof for new formulas based on knowledge of the properties, interactions and reactions of various ingredients.
  • Distinguish the processing procedures and times to result in proper texture and usage of new products.
  • Develop new formulas to match taste and performance while minimizing cost
  • Provide product samples to sales team and end customers.
  • Manage feedback and process requested changes.
  • Work with customers to identify procedures used for preparing food products during new product development and aid customer food preparation processes.
  • Maintain current and create new product information data sheets
  • Use FDA and other rules and regulations regarding food products to maintain compliance on product nutritional information and labeling guidelines
  • Manage production formulas and control access to formulas for updates and adjustments.
  • Provide product information to production, QA and warehouse to ensure products meet quality requirements.
  • Provide financial department formulation for costing.
  • Test competitor finished products and new ingredients.
  • Perform physical and chemical analyses of competitor products.
  • Perform tolerance testing to determine weakness and strengths of HA products compared to competitors.
  • Perform physical and chemical analyses on new ingredients for new supplier approval and cost management opportunities.
  • Assist in resolution of internal non-conforming products and customer product complaints.
  • Assist Sales Team with sample submissions for new customer accounts and grow existing accounts.
  • Other duties as assigned.


Qualifications & Education Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in food science, Food Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related scientific field required.
  • 2–5+ years of experience in food product development, food chemistry, or food manufacturing (entry-level candidates considered with strong internships or co-op experience)
  • Working knowledge of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, and food processing
  • Familiarity with FDA regulations, food labeling, and basic food safety principles
  • Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills
  • Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
  • Education may be substituted by experience.
  • Experience with sensory evaluation, shelf-life testing, and statistical analysis
  • Hands-on experience with specific product categories (e.g., beverages, baked goods, dairy, snacks, sauces) is a plus.
  • Knowledge and understanding of quality standards and or culinary techniques and training.
  • Assessment techniques of examining, questioning, evaluating and reporting food performance and flavor issues.
  • Additional skills required for project management, such as planning, organizing, communicating, directing and problem solving
  • Must be able to work evenings and weekends when, and if, workload dictates the need.
  • Some travel may be required to assist with customer concerns, meet suppliers, participate in research studies (focus groups, sensory panels) or attend trade shows.



About Us:

Delivering Southern Crafted Goodness® Since 1812, House-Autry Mills has been a staple Southern food brand for over 200 years. We offer over two-dozen products for consumers to use at home and craft specialty blends for the Food Service industry. Our full product line-up includes traditionally seasoned coatings, breading mixes, and sauces. We pride ourselves on opening our doors to a diverse team of different experiences and backgrounds and we are always looking for new talent to join our growing family. For more information about House-Autry Mills please visit House-Autry.com or follow us on Facebook Instagram Twitter or LinkedIn.

House-Autry Mills provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, sickle cell or hemoglobin C trait, genetic information, sexual orientation, or the presence of handicaps or disabilities or any other basis protected by state or federal law.