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Food Lab Tech Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LAB TECH II

Hunt Valley, MD · On-site

$21.60 - $32.40/hr

Experience in a Food manufacturing environment or lab and knowledge of food safety. * Professional written and verbal communication skills. * Strong interpersonal skills, including conflict ...

LAB TECH II

Hunt Valley, MD · On-site

$21.60 - $32.40/hr

Experience in a Food manufacturing environment or lab and knowledge of food safety. * Professional written and verbal communication skills. * Strong interpersonal skills, including conflict ...

Chemistry Lab Tech

Tustin, CA · On-site

$20 - $26.50/hr

JOB SUMMARY Assist in the chemical testing of food products, ingredients, and other matrices with ... Maintain lab workspaces in a clean and organized manner at all times * Assisting with managing ...

Chemistry Lab Tech

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

JOB SUMMARY Assist in the chemical testing of food products, ingredients, and other matrices with ... Maintain lab workspaces in a clean and organized manner at all times * Assisting with managing ...

Showing results 41-60

Food Lab Tech information

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$12

$22

$34

How much do food lab tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for food lab tech in the United States is $22.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food lab tech?

Food Lab Technicians, or Food Lab Techs, are professionals who assist in the testing and analysis of food products to ensure safety, quality, and compliance with regulations. They typically work in laboratories within food manufacturing companies, government agencies, or research institutions. Their duties include preparing samples, conducting chemical and microbiological tests, recording data, and maintaining laboratory equipment. Food Lab Techs play a crucial role in preventing contamination and ensuring that food products meet industry standards before reaching consumers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food lab tech?

To thrive as a Food Lab Tech, you need a solid understanding of food science, laboratory techniques, and quality control, usually supported by a relevant associate or bachelor's degree. Familiarity with analytical instruments such as spectrophotometers, pH meters, and laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is typically required. Attention to detail, organization, and strong communication skills help ensure accurate data collection and effective teamwork. These skills are crucial for maintaining food safety, ensuring compliance with regulations, and delivering reliable results in a laboratory environment.

What are some common challenges faced by food lab techs when conducting quality control tests?

Food Lab Techs often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to safety and cleanliness protocols while handling perishable samples. They must also ensure precise measurement and documentation, as even minor deviations can affect test results and product quality. Additionally, managing a high volume of samples and meeting tight deadlines can require strong organizational and multitasking skills. Collaboration with other lab staff and departments is essential to resolve discrepancies quickly and maintain consistent standards.

What is the difference between Food Lab Tech vs Food Quality Inspector?

AspectFood Lab TechFood Quality Inspector
CredentialsOften requires a degree in food science, microbiology, or related fieldTypically requires a high school diploma or associate degree, with certifications in food safety
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, conducting tests and analyses on food samplesInspection sites, factories, or processing plants, monitoring food production processes
Employer & IndustryFood manufacturing companies, laboratories, research institutionsFood production facilities, regulatory agencies, quality assurance firms

While both roles focus on food safety and quality, Food Lab Techs primarily perform laboratory testing and analysis, whereas Food Quality Inspectors conduct on-site inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards. Both positions are essential for maintaining food safety but differ in their daily tasks and work environments.

More about Food Lab Tech jobs

What cities are hiring for Food Lab Tech jobs?

Cities with the most Food Lab Tech job openings:

What states have the most Food Lab Tech jobs?

States with the most job openings for Food Lab Tech jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Food Lab Tech jobs?

For Food Lab Tech jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Food Lab Tech job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,864 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

LAB TECH II

Hunt Valley, MD • On-site

$21.60 - $32.40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


McCormick & Company rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

You may know McCormick as a leader in herbs, spices, seasonings, and condiments – and we’re only getting started. At McCormick, we’re always looking for new people to bring their unique flavor to our team.

McCormick employees – all 14,000 of us across the world – are what makes this company a great place to work.

We are looking to hire a Lab Technician II immediately at our Technical Innovation Center in Hunt Valley, Maryland.

What We Bring To The Table:

The best people deserve the best rewards. In addition to the benefits you’d expect from a global leader (401k, health insurance, paid time off, etc.) we also offer:

• Competitive compensation

• Career growth opportunities

• Flexibility and Support for Diverse Life Stages and Choices 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Assist Product Developers & Technicians with lab tasks / duties
  • Compounding seasoning formulas and applying to finished product as needed for tasting
  • Responsible for the preparation / set-up of raw materials, finished products and retention samples
  • Manage lab inventory of raw materials, snack base, & supplies needed to support daily tasks.
  • Precise lab record / data keeping.
  • Maintain sanitation and lab organization
  • Sensory evaluation of raw materials and finished seasonings
  • Ability to work independently with little or no supervision and as a member of a team
  • Setting up samples for daily sensory panel analysis of finished products and retention samples
  • Effectively communicate with related departments on projects and products as required

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school diploma or equivalency.
  • A minimum of twelve (12) college credits/CEUs OR in lieu of college credits, 1-2 years of lab experience.
  • Strong PC skills required. Experience operating in a Windows environment, managing files and handling data.
  • Experience in a Food manufacturing environment or lab and knowledge of food safety.
  • Professional written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution.
  • Ability to be self-directed and motivated.
  • Strong analytical and organizational skills.
  • Ability to manage time and prioritize work effectively.
  • Experience following principles and making informed decision.
  • Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to identify analyze and solve problems.
  • Ability to present information to peers in a logical manner.
  • Must possess strong teamwork capabilities, flexibility to adjust to customer demands including weekends and overtime on short notice.
  • Ability to work in a challenging and fast paced environment with changing practices.
  • Ability to lift 10 pounds continuously, 20 pounds frequently and 50 pounds occasionally.
  • Solid math skills including the ability to work accurately with formulas and decimals.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • SAP and Devex experience.
  • Experience maintaining confidential information.
  • 2 or 4 year college degree

As a general policy, McCormick does not offer employment visa sponsorships upon hire or in the future. 

Base Salary $21.60 - $32.40

Base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, experience for this role, and/or internal equity of our current employees as part of any final offer. This position is also eligible to participate in McCormick’s Incentive Bonus (MIB) Plan.

In addition to a competitive compensation package, permanent employees of McCormick are eligible for our extensive Total Rewards programs that include: 

  • Comprehensive health plans covering medical, vision, dental, life and disability benefits
  • Family-friendly benefits such as paid parental leave, fertility benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and caregiver support
  • Retirement and investment programs including 401(k) and profit-sharing plans

McCormick & Company is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.


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