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Fermentation Science Degree Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Fermentation Science Degree information

See Michigan salary details

$40.1K

$72K

$105K

How much do fermentation science degree jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for fermentation science degree in Michigan is $72,044.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,100.00 and $82,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fermentation science degree?

A Fermentation Science degree is an academic program that focuses on the study of the biological and chemical processes involved in fermentation. Students in this program learn about the production of fermented foods and beverages such as beer, wine, cheese, yogurt, and more. The curriculum typically covers microbiology, chemistry, food science, and engineering principles, preparing graduates for careers in brewing, winemaking, food production, and related industries.

What types of entry-level positions are available to graduates with a fermentation science degree, and what can I expect in my first year on the job?

Graduates with a Fermentation Science degree often start their careers in roles such as quality assurance technician, assistant brewer, fermentation technician, or production assistant in industries like brewing, distilling, food processing, or biotechnology. In your first year, you'll likely be involved in monitoring fermentation processes, conducting laboratory analyses, maintaining equipment, and ensuring product quality. Collaboration with production teams and adherence to safety and sanitation standards are integral parts of the job. This hands-on experience provides valuable exposure to industry best practices and can set the stage for advancement into supervisory or specialized technical roles over time.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive with a fermentation science degree, and why are they important?

To thrive with a Fermentation Science degree, you need a solid background in microbiology, chemistry, and food science, often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in fermentation or related fields. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, brewing or distillation systems, and certifications like HACCP or Cicerone are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork and communication skills make candidates stand out. These competencies are crucial to ensure product quality, innovation, and compliance in the food, beverage, and biotechnology industries.

What is the difference between Fermentation Science Degree vs Brewmaster?

AspectFermentation Science DegreeBrewmaster
Required CredentialsDegree in fermentation science, microbiology, or related fieldExperience in brewing, often with certifications or apprenticeships
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, production plantsBrewery floors, tasting rooms, production facilities
Industry UsageEducational programs, research, product developmentOperational brewing, quality control, recipe formulation

While a Fermentation Science Degree provides a strong educational foundation in microbiology and fermentation processes, a Brewmaster focuses on the practical aspects of brewing, recipe creation, and managing brewery operations. Both roles are essential in the brewing industry, with the degree often serving as a pathway to advanced positions or research, and the Brewmaster directly overseeing brewing production and quality.

What can I do with a fermentation science degree?

A fermentation science degree prepares individuals for careers in brewing, distilling, food fermentation, and bioprocessing industries. Graduates can work as brewers, quality control specialists, research scientists, or production managers, often utilizing laboratory skills and knowledge of microbiology and chemistry. Certification and hands-on experience can enhance job prospects in this field.

What does a fermentation science degree do?

A fermentation science degree prepares individuals to work in industries such as brewing, winemaking, and food production by providing knowledge of microbiology, chemistry, and fermentation processes. Graduates often work as brewers, quality control specialists, or product development scientists, utilizing laboratory skills and equipment to produce and improve fermented products.

What are popular job titles related to Fermentation Science Degree jobs in Michigan?

For Fermentation Science Degree jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Fermentation Science Degree jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Fermentation Science Degree jobs in Michigan are:

Infographic showing various Fermentation Science Degree job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,044 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

Instructor - Part Time (Brewing and Distillation Technology Applicant Pool)

Schoolcraft College

Livonia, MI • On-site

$14.50 - $19/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Schoolcraft College rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Job Title
Instructor - Part Time (Brewing and Distillation Technology Applicant Pool)
Job Summary
Classroom Instructor needed for:
1. BDT101 Brewing Science
2. BDT140 Marketing and Operations Management
3. BDT 210 Cellaring, Packaging, and Quality Management
Job Duties
Required Qualifications
BDT 101- Brewing Science:
1. Bachelor's degree in Fermentation Science, Chemistry, Biology or related area.
2. Two (2) years in a laboratory setting, with knowledge of the brewing process.
3. Five (5) years working in a production brewery or brewpub.
BDT 140 - Marketing and Operations Management:
1. Bachelor's degree in Business or related area.
2. Or 5 years of direct business operations, management, sales, marketing or distribution experience in the beverage industry
BDT 210 - Cellaring, Packaging, and Quality Management:
1. Bachelor's degree in Fermentation Science, Chemistry, Biology, or related area.
2. Direct experience and responsibility for quality management planning and execution in a commercial brewery is required with at least 3 years experience overseeing the finishing and packaging of beer.
3. Five (5) years working in a production brewery or brewpub.
Preferred Qualifications
BDT 101 - Brewing Science:
1. Master's degree in related field.
2. Brewing experience (at home or in an operating brewery).
3. Professional beverage certifications (Certified Associate Beer Steward, Certified Beer Steward, Court of Master Sommeliers, Certified Specialist of Wine, Certified Specialist of Spirits, Certified Beer Server, Certified Cicerone, Certified Beer Judge or appropriate IBD certifications).
BDT 140 - Marketing and Operations Management:
1. Bachelors degree in related field.
2. Three (3) years of direct business operations, management, sales, marketing or distribution experience in the beverage industry.
BDT 210 - Cellaring, Packaging, and Quality Management:
1. Bachelor's degree in related field.
2. Three (3) years of experience overseeing the finishing and packaging of beer.
Physical Requirements
Language Skills
Ability to read, analyze and interpret the most complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or boards of trustees.
Mathematical Skills
Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, etc.) in its most difficult phases. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to handle or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; walk; sit; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee may occasionally lift up to 10 lbs., seldom 25 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally work near moving mechanical parts. The job may require working in a laboratory. The employee must be able to correctly follow all safety rules and regulations, operate appropriate laboratory equipment and tolerate the presence of laboratory chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Salary
Per Faculty Contract
Work Hours
Variable
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
ACO086P
Open Date
01/09/2018
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must submit a current resume, cover letter and copy of unofficial college transcript at the end of the application process.
The number of part-time instructors hired varies from semester to semester, depending on the needs of the department. The Instructor-Part Time (Applicant Pool) applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Your application will remain in this applicant pool and be reviewed on an as needed basis.

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