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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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

TriCom Quest

Be Seen First

Machine Operator at Yakult USA - 1st / 2nd / 3rd shift

Fountain Valley, CA · On-site

$21.50 - $27.50/hr

Basic knowledge of food technology/science, HACCP, GMP * Basic machine operating skills ... entry level to executive leadership. Our mission is to connect employers with the right talent--and ...

Chromalox

Entry Level Manufacturing 1st/2nd Shift

Cary, IL · On-site

$17 - $17.51/hr

... technologies. Durex Industries hasover 40 years' expertise in the thermal control business. A ... food and packaging, aerospace, defense, and security. Itsinnovative bespoke solutions - such as ...

Great Wolf Resorts

Fast Food Cook

Sandusky, OH · On-site

$15.50/hr

The Fast Food Cook is an entry level position that prepares food for guests in accordance with the ... We offer flexible scheduling, access to a holistic wellness program and technology, and support ...

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Entry Level Food Technologist information

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

As of Sep 7, 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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What are the most commonly searched types of Food Technologist jobs?

The most popular types of Food Technologist jobs are:

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States with the most job openings for Entry Level Food Technologist jobs include:

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The top searched job categories for Entry Level Food Technologist jobs are:

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 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,378 per year, or $30 per hour.

Entry level FOOD R&D Associate (Food Manufacture)(CA/YM)

Activ8 Recruitment & Solutions

Garden Grove, CA • On-site

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

Other

Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Support product development, commercialization, and maintenance of plant-based food products.

  • Plan, design, and conduct experiments related to new product development, process improvement, and product maintenance, and communicate results to management.

  • Support commercialization activities such as scale-up, production trials, process validation, and technology transfer to manufacturing.

Job description

A food manufacturing company is looking for an Entry-Level Food R&D Associate to join their team in Garden Grove, CA. A bachelor’s degree in FOOD SCIENCE is required. Up to 2 years' R&D, QC work experience in food product development, food manufacturing, or related field is required. This position is responsible for supporting product development, commercialization, and maintenance of plant-based food products. Also, contributes to innovation, problem-solving, and implementation of new technologies through collaboration with internal stakeholders and external partners. This is a full-time, in-person, position with excellent benefits, including 401K.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:30pm



Entry-Level Food R&D Associate Duties:

-Plan, design, and conduct experiments related to new product development, process improvement, commercialization support, and product maintenance with minimal supervision. Organize and analyze data and communicate project progress and experimental results to management.

-Support product maintenance activities, including formula updates, ingredient substitutions, quality improvements, cost optimization, and regulatory compliance.

-Support commercialization activities, including scale-up, production trials, process validation, and technology transfer to manufacturing.

-Provide technical support and collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Product Development, Marketing, Sales, QC/QA, Production, and SCM

-Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements related to processing, products, labeling, product claims, and advertising.

-Conduct shelf-life studies, sensory evaluations, and analytical testing of new and existing products.

-Research consumer trends, market opportunities, emerging technologies, and ingredients to support concept development and innovation initiatives.

-Develop product formulas that meet nutritional, regulatory, quality, food safety, and cost requirements



Entry-Level Food R&D Associate Skills:

-Must have a bachelor's degree in FOOD SCIENCE

-Up to 2 years' R&D, QC work experience in food product development, food manufacturing, or related field is required.

-Basic knowledge of FDA, USDA, and other regulatory requirements

-Basic knowledge of nutrition, chemistry, microbiology and statistics

-Familiarity of equipment for analytical testing and scientific lab procedures

-Experience with plant-based foods, dairy alternatives, or protein-based products is a plus

-Experience with laboratory testing and data analysis is preferred



****If interested, please apply with your most updated resume including your minimum salary requirement and why you left/or are looking to leave your current company. ****

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Activ8 West- Los Angeles (Japanese Recruiting Company) Recruitment & Solutions / Renaissance Resources Inc., has been a trusted leader in North American recruiting for Japanese businesses for over 25 years. We specialize in connecting top talent with companies in the Automotive, Electronics, Food & Beverage, Logistics, Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, Banking & Finance, and Entertainment industries. Our client-focused approach ensures that we understand your unique needs, whether you’re a company seeking skilled professionals or a candidate looking for the right career opportunity. By working closely with each individual, we provide tailored solutions that drive success.

We screen ALL Candidates to verify the validity of each applicant's provided information. Upon submitting your resume, we will contact only those candidates that we deem qualified for our client. If we do not contact you, we do not see the fit for the position. If we are unable to reach you in a reasonable timeframe, you will be eliminated from the pool of potential candidates. We prioritize direct applicants; third-party resumes may not be reviewed.

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