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Food Lab Jobs in Oklahoma (NOW HIRING)

Duties: Act as a vital member of the food safety and quality assurance department, which is ... lab protocols, and customer satisfaction. Responsible for having expertise and knowledge regarding ...

This role ensures compliance with food safety standards, regulatory requirements, and internal quality protocols. The supervisor will lead a team of lab analysts, manage testing schedules, and ...

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Food Lab information

See Oklahoma salary details

$8

$23

$41

How much do food lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for food lab in Oklahoma is $23.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.74 and $25.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Food Lab vs Food Scientist?

AspectFood LabFood Scientist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in food science, chemistry, or related fieldRequires a degree in food science, chemistry, or related field; often advanced degrees for research roles
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, food production facilities, testing centersResearch labs, food manufacturing companies, academic institutions
Employer & Industry UsageFood companies, testing labs, quality assuranceFood industry R&D, academia, government agencies

Food Lab roles focus on testing, quality control, and product development in practical settings, while Food Scientists often engage in research, product innovation, and scientific analysis. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in scope and responsibilities.

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

To thrive as a Food Lab Technician, you need a solid background in food science, chemistry, or microbiology, often supported by a relevant degree or laboratory certification. Familiarity with lab equipment, quality control systems, and safety regulations such as HACCP or ISO standards is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork set standout professionals apart in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring food safety, maintaining product quality, and supporting regulatory compliance in food production environments.

What is a food lab?

A food lab is a specialized facility where food products are tested, analyzed, and developed to ensure safety, quality, and compliance with regulations. Food labs conduct a variety of tests, such as checking for contaminants, nutritional content, shelf life, and sensory qualities. They play a crucial role in supporting food manufacturers, researchers, and regulatory agencies to maintain food safety standards and innovate new products.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a food lab, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in a food lab often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict safety and sanitation standards, managing tight deadlines for product testing, and adapting to rapidly changing regulatory requirements. Collaboration across departments—such as quality assurance, research and development, and production—is essential to ensure accurate results and product safety. Staying organized, communicating clearly with team members, and keeping up-to-date with current food safety protocols can help mitigate these challenges and support a productive work environment.
What are popular job titles related to Food Lab jobs in Oklahoma? For Food Lab jobs in Oklahoma, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Food Lab job openings in Oklahoma as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,490 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Student Assistant (Technical) - Central Station/Food Lab

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA

Edmond, OK • On-site

$11.50 - $14.50/hr

Other

Re-posted 11 days ago


University Of Central Oklahoma rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Overview
This is a regular student technical position in which the student will assist the instructor with the food lab in the Central Station Café. Duties may include setting up, picking up, and checking-in items for labs. May be requested to set up audio/visual equipment, PowerPoint presentations, and/or computers for staff, faculty or students.
Hours per Week
Up to 6 hours per week on either Tuesday or Thursday labs.
College/Department Overview
College of Education and Professional Studies, Human Environmental Sciences, Nutrition and Food Science, Food Lab.
Department Specific Job Functions
The student assistant will report to the lab instructor on Tuesdays or Thursdays to assist with conducting the food lab. Duties will include answering student questions, assisting students with completing the lab, and ensuring food safety guidelines are followed. Additional duties include turning in cash drawer contents to the Bursar's office and assisting with washing and drying towels and aprons. The student assistant also oversees lab cleanup, and ensures the lab is clean and sanitized prior to leaving. Other related duties may be assigned.
Enrollment Requirements
Fall/Spring Semesters: All student employees must be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible to work any UCO student position. Half-time enrollment for fall/spring semesters is considered 5 hours for graduates and 6 hours for undergraduates. International students must be enrolled full-time to be eligible to work as a student employee. Full-time enrollment is 9 credit hours for graduates and 12 credit hours for undergraduates.
Summer Semester: Student employees working regular student positions must be enrolled in at least 3 credit hours to be eligible to work during the summer. Students not enrolled in summer classes must be enrolled in fall classes in order to work during the summer, but they (and the department) will be required to pay FICA taxes. Student employees working FWSP positions must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours (if undergraduate) or 5 credit hours (if graduate) in order to work during the summer in a Federal Work Study Program position.
Enrollment Exception: If the number of credit hours needed to graduate is less than the minimum number of hours required for student employment, the student must obtain a letter from their Academic Advisor (stating the number of hours needed to graduate and anticipated graduation date) and submit it to Human Resources. This pertains to both regular and Federal Work Study Program positions. Contact jobs@uco.edu for more information.
Qualifications/Experience Required
Applicants must be Nutrition majors who have already completed Introduction to Food Preparation and Quantity Foods Course.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Sensitivity of intercultural communication.
  • Good interpersonal skills.
  • Dependable.
  • Punctual.

Physical Demands
Reasonable accommodation, in accordance with ADA requirements, may be made upon request to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

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