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Entry Level Food Technologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Hoboken, NJ · On-site

$15.92/hr

Stevens Institute of Technology * We are hiring immediately for full time and part time FOOD ... Prior entry-level food service experience is required. * Fixed Pay Rate: $15.92 per hour. We Make ...

Staff Management | SMX

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Entry Level Food Production Worker (Full-Time and Part-Time)

Geneva, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $18/hr

Modern, high tech Environment * Weekly paychecks * Direct Deposit or Cash Card pay options ... Package and label food products * Supply and support production lines * Measure, weigh, and mix ...

Brookland - Busboys and Poets

Food Runner

Washington, DC · On-site

$10 - $12/hr

All positions will initially be offered at the entry-level rate, with consideration for annual ... Work with latest technologies: Striving to be a leader in our industry, we utilize a broad spectrum ...

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

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level food technologist in the United States is $29.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $34.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level food technologist do?

An entry level food technologist assists in developing new food products, improving existing ones, and ensuring food safety and quality standards are met. They often conduct laboratory tests, analyze ingredients, and document results to help refine recipes and processes. Additionally, they may support senior technologists in conducting research, troubleshooting production issues, and maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements. This role typically involves working closely with quality assurance teams and production staff in food manufacturing settings.

What are typical challenges faced by entry level food technologists during their first year on the job?

Entry level Food Technologists often encounter challenges such as adapting to strict food safety regulations, mastering laboratory equipment, and learning to work efficiently in cross-functional teams. Navigating the fast-paced nature of product development while ensuring compliance with quality standards can be demanding. Additionally, new technologists may need to quickly develop strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with production, quality assurance, and marketing teams. With support from experienced colleagues and a willingness to learn, these challenges can be valuable growth opportunities.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Food Technologist, you generally need a bachelor's degree in food science or a related field, along with a solid understanding of food safety, quality assurance, and product development. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, food analysis software, and knowledge of regulatory standards such as HACCP or FDA guidelines is often required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective teamwork skills help individuals excel in this role. These competencies ensure accurate testing, regulatory compliance, and the successful development of safe, high-quality food products.

What is the difference between Entry Level Food Technologist vs Food Quality Technician?

AspectEntry Level Food TechnologistFood Quality Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Food Science or related fieldBachelor's in Food Science, Food Technology, or related
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, production facilities, R&D settingsQuality control labs, production lines, inspection sites
Employer & Industry UsageFood manufacturing, R&D companies, regulatory agenciesFood manufacturing, quality assurance departments
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles in food scienceComparing quality assurance roles in food industry

Entry Level Food Technologists focus on product development, research, and ensuring food safety standards, often working in labs and R&D. Food Quality Technicians primarily perform quality checks, inspections, and compliance testing. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in daily responsibilities and focus areas within the food industry.

How do you become an entry level food technologist?

To become an entry-level food technologist, typically a bachelor's degree in food science, microbiology, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions, developing skills in food safety and quality control, and understanding laboratory techniques are important steps to enter this field.
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Entry Level Food Technologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Food Technologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,378 per year, or $30 per hour.

Food Technologist - R&D/Technical Services

Mezzetta

American Canyon, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

The Associate Food Technologist - R&D/Technical Services will support the development of new products and processes, evaluate and improve the quality of existing products and review their current processes for optimization. The Associate Food Technologist will support R&D, quality, operations, procurement and technical services with projects related to product and process improvement. This entry level position is an amazing opportunity to work in a newly built test kitchen with lots of room for growth. 

The R&D department's internal customers are Sales, Marketing, Procurement & Manufacturing. Marketing and R&D work together in the development of Mezzetta's food products. Both departments often work hand in hand to develop a product that will be predictive of its success in the market. Manufacturing is the department's most important customer. R&D, in this regard, seeks to refine and improve existing manufacturing processes, or to develop new and better ways of making the product. With input from manufacturing, R&D has the potential to reduce costs and increase production efficiency.

Responsibilities

  • Develop new products and existing product reformulations, from initial concepts to commercialization.
  • Complete supplemental product analytical and sensory testing.
  • Provide technical support to R&D on product improvements and collaborate with operations on test runs in production to emulate approved kitchen samples.
  • Maintain accuracy of formulations, processes, BOM's and product specifications.
  • Approve new ingredients and suppliers by collaborating with procurement, R&D and QA.
  • Conduct research to evaluate the shelf life of new or existing products or test new materials.
  • Conduct routine product cuttings and competitive cuttings per schedule with sensory panel.
  • Create and ensure accuracy of nutrition facts panels and ingredient declarations for new and/or reformulated products.
  • Assess production processes and make recommendations for improvements that are looking to reduce waste or cost or increase quality or profitability.
  • Plan and conduct research activities that evaluate new or revised products, ingredients, or formulations for taste, texture, and shelf stability.
  • Adjust formulations based on product specifications for production.
  • Create and ensure accuracy of nutrition facts panels and ingredient declarations for new and/or reformulated products.
  • File for certifications such as Non-GMO, Kosher, Gluten-free, Vegan, etc.
  • SQF support.
  • Bills of Material Management, maintaining accuracy of formulations, processes and product specifications.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related sciences
  • Minimum 1-2 years experience in the food industry or related field
  • Proficient in Excel, Word, and statistical analysis
  • Excellent communicator both written and verbal
  • Project leader
  • Analyzing information
  • Product Improvement
  • Multitasking/Dealing with complexity
  • Reporting research results
  • Promoting Process improvement
  • Problem solving
  • Technical understanding

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