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Entry Level Food Science Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Food Science information

See Hawaii salary details

$12

$23

$34

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

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level food science in Hawaii is $23.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.97 and $29.47 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.

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

Entry level food science positions often begin in roles such as quality assurance technician, production assistant, or lab technician, where basic knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and testing procedures is required. These roles typically involve working in manufacturing or laboratory environments and may require familiarity with industry regulations and safety protocols.

What are entry level food science jobs?

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 kind of job can I get with a food science degree?

With a food science degree, you can pursue roles such as food technologist, quality assurance specialist, product development scientist, or food safety analyst. These jobs typically involve working in laboratories, manufacturing facilities, or research settings, often requiring knowledge of food processing, safety standards, and laboratory techniques.

Can I be a food scientist without a degree?

Becoming a food scientist typically requires at least a bachelor's degree in food science, chemistry, biology, or a related field. While some entry-level positions may accept relevant experience or certifications, most employers prefer candidates with formal education and knowledge of laboratory techniques and food safety standards.

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 are some 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.

How to get into a food science career?

To start a career in food science, obtain a bachelor's degree in food science, chemistry, biology, or a related field. Gaining 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Science jobs in Hawaii? The most popular types of Food Science jobs in Hawaii are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Food Science jobs in Hawaii? For Entry Level Food Science jobs in Hawaii, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Food Science jobs in Hawaii look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Food Science jobs in Hawaii are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Food Science job openings in Hawaii as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,807 per year, or $23.5 per hour.
FOOD SAFETY SPECIALIST I AND II - WAILUKU / KAHULUI, MAUI

FOOD SAFETY SPECIALIST I AND II - WAILUKU / KAHULUI, MAUI

State of Hawai'i

Honolulu, HI

$4.7K - $6.7K/mo

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Recruitment Information Recruitment Number 26-0247 This vacancy is with the Department of Health. THIS JOB POSTING WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL 25 APPLICATIONS ARE RECEIVED. PLEASE APPLY IMMEDIATELY AS THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME.

Level I: $4,368 per month (SR-16, Step D) - Effective July 1, 2026 Level II: $4,725 per month (SR-18, Step D) - Effective July 1, 2026 Note: The starting monthly salary is at the minimum rate of pay. Duties Summary Food Safety Specialists promote, protect, and maintain a healthy and safe environment for the public. This is accomplished through inspection, education, and enforcement activities to implement the statutes, rules and regulations relating to environmental sanitation, and/or safety programs concerning foods, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices.

Work in this series include identifying, mitigating, and preventing disease transmission through improperly prepared foods, contaminated waters and adulteration and/or misbranding of foods, drugs, cosmetics and medical devices. Food Safety Specialist I: This is an entry level to the Food Safety Specialist series. The trainee receives formal and on-the-job training in field activities such as investigations and inspections to develop an understanding of theories, pertinent law, rules, regulations and precedent cases and practices related to food, drug, cosmetic, medical device and/or environmental sanitation.

Food Safety Specialist II: As an advanced trainee, performs a variety of limited environmental sanitation work such as receiving complaints, doing inspections, issuing of citations for obvious violations, and investigates and recommends measures for corrections and prevention, and performs other related duties. Minimum Qualification Requirements To qualify, you must meet all of the following requirements: Legal Authorization to Work Requirement: The State of Hawaii requires all persons seeking employment with the government of the State shall be citizens, nationals, or permanent resident aliens of the United States, or eligible under federal law for unrestricted employment in the United States. Education: Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with a bachelor's degree in one of the physical or biological sciences.

NOTE: In order to receive credit for your academic training, you MUST ATTACH a copy of your OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT(S) as verification. Professional Specialized Experience: No experience required for the Level I, for the Level II, SIX (6) MONTHS of professional inspectional or investigational work experience involved in the interpretation and application of the laws, regulations in public health. Such experience must show a comprehensive knowledge of principles, practices and objectives of the environmental health programs, a thorough knowledge of pertinent regulations and laws; and a thorough working knowledge of bacteriology, chemistry, physics, vector control methods and social sciences.

Non-Qualifying Experience: Non-professional technical work experience such as in a vector control program involving work in inspection, investigation, education and enforcement activities relating to the control and/or experimentation of mosquitoes, rodents and other small mammals, flies, fleas and other insects performed in support of the Food Safety Specialist series functions described above is not qualifying. Substitution Allowed: Relevant substitutions as described in the Minimum Qualification Requirements will apply (click link below). The information provided above represents a summary of the Minimum Qualification Requirements.

To view the Requirements in their entirety, please CLICK HERE. 08371:092619:13:CT Other Information The State of Hawai'i complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations in completing an application, any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection process, please call 808-587-1111 for assistance.

PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS (PSLF) PROGRAM The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer. For more information, please click: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION TO APPLICANTS The Department of Human Resources Development (HRD) will use electronic mail (email) to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of their applications as part of our ongoing efforts to increase operational efficiency, promote the conservation of green resources, and minimize delays and costs

Please ensure that the email address and contact information you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails or fail to check your email-box in a timely manner. In addition, please be aware that you may no longer receive notification about applications submitted if you choose to disable the Job Application Emails feature in your Account Settings.

TESTING INFORMATION The examination for this recruitment will be conducted on an unassembled basis where the examination score is based on an evaluation and rating of your education and experience. It is therefore important that your employment application provide a clear and detailed description of the duties and responsibilities of each position you held. In-person interviews and/or further testing in Hawaii may be required at the discretion of the hiring agency.

If in-person interviews and/or further testing is a requirement, applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements and are referred to the vacancy must be available to participate in person and at their own expense in this required phase of the selection process. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible. In addition to employment availability and score, the referral of qualified applicants may be based upon other factors including date of receipt of application.

CLICK HERE for further information about Equal Employment Opportunity, the Merit Civil Service System, Citizenship and other requirements, Reasonable Accommodation, Veterans Preference, Examination Requirements, and the State Recruiting Office's Levels of Review.