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Food Laboratory Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JBT Marel Corporation

Food Lab Technician

Lakeland, FL · On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Work with Food Laboratory staff to conduct pathogen challenge studies and shelf-life studies in food products. * Follow SOPs, GMPs, manuals, specifications, and other laboratory procedures as ...

JBT Marel Corporation

Food Lab Technician

Lakeland, FL · On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Work with Food Laboratory staff to conduct pathogen challenge studies and shelf-life studies in food products. * Follow SOPs, GMPs, manuals, specifications, and other laboratory procedures as ...

Deibel Laboratories Inc

Lab Technician I

Twin Falls, ID · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Our lab location in Twin Falls, ID is hiring a full-time Food Laboratory Technician and two temporary to possible hire Food Laboratory Technician. (40 hours/week plus benefits included). We offer a ...

Ventura Foods

Food Technologist

Brea, CA · Hybrid

$76K - $96K/yr

Bachelor of Science Degree in Food Science or related field, Biology, Chemistry or equivalent experience and 0-5 years food laboratory experience required. * Experience in a food manufacturing or ...

Ventura Foods

Food Technologist

Brea, CA

$76K - $96K/yr

Bachelor of Science Degree in Food Science or related field, Biology, Chemistry or equivalent experience and 0-5 years food laboratory experience required. * Experience in a food manufacturing or ...

Ventura Foods

Food Technologist

Brea, CA · On-site

$76K - $96K/yr

Bachelor of Science Degree in Food Science or related field, Biology, Chemistry or equivalent experience and 0-5 years food laboratory experience required. * Experience in a food manufacturing or ...

Ventura Foods

Food Technologist

Brea, CA

$76K - $96K/yr

Bachelor of Science Degree in Food Science or related field, Biology, Chemistry or equivalent experience and 0-5 years food laboratory experience required. * Experience in a food manufacturing or ...

Deibel Laboratories Inc

Lab Technician I

Niles, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Our lab location in Niles, IL is hiring full-time Food Laboratory Technicians. (40 hours/week plus benefits included). We offer a competitive salary based on knowledge and experience. This position ...

Deibel Laboratories Inc

Lab Technician I

Blue Earth, MN · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Our lab location in Blue Earth, MN is hiring full-time Food Laboratory Technicians. (40 hours/week plus benefits included). We offer a competitive salary based on knowledge and experience. This ...

Deibel Laboratories Inc

Lab Technician I

Blue Earth, MN · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Our lab location in Blue Earth, MN is hiring full-time Food Laboratory Technicians. (40 hours/week plus benefits included). We offer a competitive salary based on knowledge and experience. This ...

Deibel Laboratories Inc

Lab Technician I

Madison, WI · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Our lab location in Madison, WI is hiring full-time Food Laboratory Technicians. (40 hours/week plus benefits included). Over-Time hours are available We offer a competitive salary based on knowledge ...

Deibel Laboratories Inc

Lab Technician I

Allentown, PA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Our lab location in Allentown, PA is hiring a full-time Food Laboratory Technician. (40 hours/week plus benefits included). We offer a competitive salary based on knowledge and experience. This ...

Long Island University

Student Worker

Brookville, NY · On-site

$17/hr

Maintain the Food Laboratory Space and Replenish Supplies Duties and Principal Responsibilities: Weekly shopping at Shop and Stop for food lab supplies Maintain cleanliness of the kitchen Education ...

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Food Laboratory information

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How much do food laboratory jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for food laboratory in the United States is $25.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Laboratory Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Laboratory Technician, you need a solid background in food science, chemistry, and laboratory procedures, usually supported by a degree or diploma in food technology or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, analytical testing methods, and safety protocols, as well as certifications like HACCP, are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong organizational skills help professionals excel in this role. These skills ensure accurate testing, compliance with safety standards, and reliable results critical to food quality and safety.

What are some common challenges encountered when working in a food laboratory, and how can they be managed?

Working in a food laboratory often involves strict adherence to safety protocols, precise handling of samples, and meeting tight deadlines for testing and reporting. Common challenges include managing cross-contamination risks, keeping up with evolving regulatory standards, and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions. To overcome these challenges, lab professionals typically participate in ongoing training, follow rigorous quality control procedures, and collaborate closely with team members to ensure accuracy and compliance. Maintaining clear communication and thorough documentation also helps in managing workload and ensuring reliable results.

What is the difference between Food Laboratory vs Food Scientist?

AspectFood LaboratoryFood Scientist
Required 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 EnvironmentLaboratory setting, testing and analyzing food samplesResearch, product development, or quality assurance in labs or manufacturing facilities
Employer & Industry UsageFood testing labs, quality control departments, regulatory agenciesFood manufacturing companies, research institutions, regulatory agencies

Food Laboratory roles focus on testing, analyzing, and ensuring food safety and quality through laboratory work. Food Scientists often engage in product development, research, and innovation within the food industry. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, Food Laboratory positions are more lab-testing oriented, whereas Food Scientists may work on creating new products or improving existing ones.

What is a food laboratory?

A food laboratory is a specialized facility where scientists and technicians analyze food products for safety, quality, and compliance with regulations. These labs perform tests to detect contaminants, verify nutritional content, and ensure that food products meet health and safety standards. Food laboratories play a crucial role in protecting public health by identifying potential hazards such as bacteria, allergens, or chemical residues. They also support food manufacturers in developing and improving products.
More about Food Laboratory jobs
What cities are hiring for Food Laboratory jobs? Cities with the most Food Laboratory job openings:
What states have the most Food Laboratory jobs? States with the most job openings for Food Laboratory jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Food Laboratory jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Food Laboratory jobs are:
Food Laboratory jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Laboratory job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,516 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Food Lab Technician

JBT Marel Corporation

Lakeland, FL • On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Responsibilities:

  • Work with Food Laboratory staff to conduct pathogen challenge studies and shelf-life studies in food products.
  • Follow SOPs, GMPs, manuals, specifications, and other laboratory procedures as directed.
  • Prepare and maintain media and chemical solutions utilizing proper handling, storage, use, and disposal techniques to ensure safety, hygiene, and integrity of results.
  • Record and enter data accurately and communicate results on a specified timeline.
  • Properly use and maintain lab equipment/supplies according to specifications.
  • Perform basic food microbiology testing, including sample preparation, inoculation, plating with culture and 3M Petrifilm methods, and rapid tests according to lab procedures.
  • Assist with maintaining an extensive microorganism library.
  • Perform basic food chemistry (pH, aW) and food texture analyses.
  • Conduct or assist with special projects as necessary, which could include non-standard analyses, development of methods, validation of new equipment and production of benchtop food samples.
  • Key performance measurements will include but may not be limited to: timeliness and proficiency in laboratory activities, accuracy and thoroughness documenting results, upkeep and organization of the laboratory, and contribution to enhancing lab practices and methods.

Required Skills:

  • Competencies in basic microbiology techniques should include pipetting, performing serial dilutions, Gram staining, visual organism identification, spread/pour plating, reading plates.
  • Basic computer skills, including use of MS Excel
  • Good verbal and written communication skills

Working Conditions:

  • Up to 100% of time will be spent in a laboratory setting.
  • Must be able to work safely with foodborne pathogens (including, but not limited to, coli O157:H7, Salmonella spp., and Listeria monocytogenes) in a BSL-2 environment.
  • Must be able to handle food products of all types without objection.
  • Must be able to frequently lift up to 25 lbs and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • May require extended periods of sitting and/or standing with occasional kneeling or crouching.

Basic Qualifications:

  • BS degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Food Engineering, or related areas (Meat Science, Chemical Engineering, or hard sciences like Chemistry or Organic/Bio-chemistry)
  • Local candidates are preferred.
  • Skills and/or knowledge that will be advanced: microbiological techniques for the food industry, quality analyses for the food industry, experimental design and data analysis, basic food formulation and processing for a variety of applications, food safety regulations in North America

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