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How much do food laboratory jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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.
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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,516 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Laboratory Records & Administrative Specialist

Terrestris Global Solutions

Denver, CO • On-site

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Laboratory Records & Administrative Specialist

Looking for an innovative organization and the opportunity to learn and grow professionally? We can help! We are seeking a Laboratory Records & Administrative Specialist to support the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Office of Regulatory Testing and Surveillance (ORTS) at one of eight Human and Animal Food Laboratory locations across the United States. This position plays a key role in ensuring the integrity and accessibility of analytical laboratory records by managing document scanning, electronic submission, records archiving, and administrative support under FDA's Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

The Laboratory Records & Administrative Specialist will provide on-site administrative support services including scanning and electronic submission of analytical worksheets, laboratory records management and archiving, records destruction, and general administrative support — all in support of the FDA's initiative to modernize laboratory document management through its Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

You will:

  • Prepare, scan, and convert analytical worksheet packages into OCR-enabled PDF format, ensuring all pages are present, properly ordered, and optimized to meet FDA's file size requirements (≤85 MB).
  • Log into LIMS to upload completed worksheet packages and send email notifications to the corresponding compliance teams.
  • Organize and maintain electronic repositories of scanned documents, creating backup copies and performing routine cleanup and compression of electronic files.
  • Archive and organize hard copies of worksheet packages — boxing, labeling, barcoding, and indexing records in accordance with FDA's records retention schedule.
  • Retrieve archived hard copy and electronic records upon request by FDA officers.
  • Coordinate and witness onsite records destruction (shredding) in accordance with FDA's retention schedule, maintaining a destruction log.
  • Provide administrative support including scheduling meetings via Microsoft Outlook, recording meeting minutes and action items, and preparing travel estimates.
  • Support laboratory operations using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), SharePoint, Visio, and Project.
  • Assist with equipment and chemical inventory, data entry into laboratory systems, mail handling, and supply logistics.
  • Complete all mandatory FDA training, including annual Computer Security Awareness, LIMS, QMiS, Privacy and Records Management, and driver training as required.

Positions are available at the following FDA Human and Animal Food Laboratory locations. Please indicate your location preference when applying:

  • Jefferson, Arkansas (Arkansas Human and Animal Food Laboratory – ARHAFL)
  • Lakewood, Colorado (Denver Human and Animal Food Laboratory – DENHAFL)
  • Lenexa, Kansas (Kansas City Human and Animal Food Laboratory – KCHAFL)
  • Jamaica, New York (New York Human and Animal Food Laboratory – NYHAFL)
  • Bothell, Washington (Seattle Human and Animal Food Laboratory – SEAHAFL)
  • Irvine, California (Irvine Human and Animal Food Laboratory – IRVHAFL)
  • Alameda, California (San Francisco Human and Animal Food Laboratory – SANHAFL)
  • Atlanta, Georgia (Atlanta Human and Animal Food Laboratory – ATLHAFL)

This is a full-time, on-site position. Core hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM local time. Contractor services are not required on Federal holidays or when the laboratory is officially closed. Limited episodic telework may be authorized for database entry tasks during inclement weather using government-furnished equipment.

We offer outstanding benefits, including health, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, and work-life programs. Our award programs acknowledge employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our service standards. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in our benefit programs. Other offerings may be provided for employees not within this category.

Terrestris is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

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