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Food Industry Graduate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

System One

Laboratory Technician

Hunt Valley, MD · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Recent science graduate with some work experience (preferably as a server/in food industry and interested in working with food) * Quick learner, adaptable, ready to go * Bachelor's Degree strongly ...

System One

Laboratory Technician

Hunt Valley, MD · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Recent science graduate with some work experience (preferably as a server/in food industry and interested in working with food) * Quick learner, adaptable, ready to go * Bachelor's Degree strongly ...

Graduate Providence

Pantry Cook

Providence, RI · On-site

$20.64/hr

The company utilizes industry-leading revenue management tools that efficiently identify and ... The Graduate Providence is a member of the Historic Hotels of America. Overview The primary ...

Graduate Providence

Pantry Cook (Full Time)

Providence, RI · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

The company utilizes industry-leading revenue management tools that efficiently identify and ... The Graduate Providence is a member of the Historic Hotels of America. Overview The primary ...

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Food Industry Graduate information

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$19K

$57K

$118K

How much do food industry graduate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for food industry graduate in the United States is $56,961.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,500.00 and $69,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food industry graduate?

Food Industry Graduates are individuals who have recently completed a degree or diploma in food science, food technology, nutrition, or a related field. They typically possess foundational knowledge in food safety, quality control, product development, and food processing. These graduates are prepared to work in various sectors of the food industry, such as manufacturing, research and development, quality assurance, or regulatory roles. Their education equips them to address challenges related to food production, safety, and innovation.

What types of projects or responsibilities can a food industry graduate expect in their first year on the job?

As a Food Industry Graduate, your first year often involves rotational assignments across various departments such as quality assurance, production, research and development, and supply chain management. You may assist in conducting food safety audits, support product development initiatives, or analyze production processes for efficiency improvements. Collaborating with cross-functional teams is common, allowing you to gain broad exposure and develop a well-rounded understanding of the business. This hands-on experience helps you identify your strengths and interests, which can guide your future career path within the industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food industry graduate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Industry Graduate, you need a solid background in food science, nutrition, and food safety, typically supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with quality assurance systems, HACCP protocols, and laboratory analysis tools is highly valued. Strong teamwork, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help you excel in cross-functional environments and adapt to industry demands. These skills ensure you can maintain product quality, comply with regulations, and contribute to innovation in the food sector.

What is the difference between Food Industry Graduate vs Food Technologist?

AspectFood Industry GraduateFood Technologist
Required CredentialsDegree in Food Science, Nutrition, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Food Science or Technology
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, training programs, research labs, manufacturing plantsProduct development, quality control, process optimization in food companies
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, food companies, research institutionsFood manufacturing, quality assurance, R&D departments
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Food Industry Graduate typically refers to individuals with a relevant degree starting their careers in the food industry, often in entry-level roles or training programs. A Food Technologist is a more specialized role involving product development, quality control, and process improvement within food companies. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, Food Technologists usually have more experience or specialized training, focusing on technical aspects of food production and safety.

More about Food Industry Graduate jobs

What states have the most Food Industry Graduate jobs?

States with the most job openings for Food Industry Graduate jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Food Industry Graduate jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Industry Graduate jobs are:

Food Industry Graduate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Industry Graduate job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,961 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Food Industry Quality Lab Technician

Elgin, IL • On-site

Schuman Cheese
Food and Drink Manufacturing • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Schuman Cheeseexternal

$16 - $19/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Schuman Cheese rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Primary Purpose: The Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician assists in ensuring food safety and quality standards are met. They are responsible for performing required testing on raw materials and finished goods.
Responsibilities:
Quality Programs and Compliance
  • Ensure compliance of quality requirements in relation to certifications, customer, state and federal standards
  • Follow Standard Operating Procedures and Good Manufacturing & Laboratory practices, programs and policies
  • Perform routine chemical analysis on raw material and finished product including pH, moisture, salt and fat testing as required by the current specifications
  • Data entry and record keeping duties as required per laboratory SOP's
  • Assist with product sampling, inspection, testing and other duties required to support the site's hold and release program
  • Provide feedback to managers and production team when quality related discrepancies, violations or other issues that occur and need to be resolved

Audit Support
  • Support Quality Management during facility visits, audits and inspections
  • Retrieve documentation and records, track down needed individuals and any other information or people as requested during the audit process

Training and Employee Education
  • Engage site employees in Good Manufacturing Practices, programs and policies to educate and improve compliance

All other duties as assigned.
Education, Qualities and Skills Required:
  • At least High School graduate or food manufacturing experience preferred
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Self-motivated with ability to work independently
  • Effective collaboration and influence skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) preferred
  • Attention to detail; thorough and accurate in work

Supervisory Responsibility:
No direct supervision required.
Work Environment:
Work environment fluctuates between laboratory setting and food production areas. Standing is required for 70% of work shift. Must be able to walk, bend, stoop, squat and twist. Must be able to occasionally lift 25-50lbs. Temperatures range from 30°-100°F. Personal Protective Equipment must be worn in required areas.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
This is a full-time hourly position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, with a possibility of weekend shifts depending on the needs of production schedules. Expectations of 45-60 hours per week, depending on the needs of production schedules.
Physical Requirements:
The physical requirements for an office environment typically include:
1. Sitting: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk or workstation.
2. Typing: Frequent use of hands to type on a keyboard and operate a computer mouse.
3. Visual Requirements: Extended periods of viewing a computer screen and reading printed or digital documents.
4. Mobility: 50% walking or standing, including moving between different areas of the office and food production areas. Must be able to walk, bend stoop, squat and twist.
5. Manual Dexterity: The ability to handle office equipment and laboratory equipment.
6. Communication: Clear verbal and written communication skills for interacting with colleagues, clients, and vendors.
7. Lifting: Occasionally lifting and carrying light objects, typically up to 25-50 pounds, such cheese products and cases.
8. Reaching and Bending: Reaching above shoulder height and bending to access equipment and product samples.
9. Hearing: Adequate hearing ability to be aware of surrounding in production areas and to participate in meetings.
These requirements ensure that employees can perform their duties effectively and safely within an office setting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
Compensation and Benefits:
The budgeted salary range for this position is $16-$19.
Our comprehensive benefits package includes:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) plan with 4.5% employer contribution
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Employee wellness programs

Salary range is based on consideration of required qualifications, experience, education, skill, training, certifications or seniority, etc. Schuman Cheese reserves the right to offer the selected candidate or applicant an hourly rate or salary at an appropriate level to be set and determined by Schuman Cheese that is commensurate with the applicant's qualifications, experience, education, skill, training, certifications or seniority.
We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
Schuman Cheese does not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be held liable for recruiter fees associated with unsolicited resumes.
AI Recruiting Notice: Schuman Cheese may use AI-assisted tools to support recruiting activities, including candidate sourcing, job description development, and recruitment communications. AI is used only to assist our recruiting team. All hiring decisions are made by qualified Schuman Cheese employees following human review and evaluation.

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