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Food Science Lab Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lab Tech

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$23/hr

Science/lab background would be helpful. * Knowledge of food manufacturing practices. Experience: (preferred) * Food testing lab experience * A Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology ...

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Food Scientist

Union, NJ · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... update lab related procedures Perform other duties as assigned Qualification · Master in food science, food safety, biology or other related field required. · Knowledge of relevant food safety ...

Food Lab Technician

Lakeland, FL · On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Properly use and maintain lab equipment/supplies according to specifications. * Perform basic food ... Basic Qualifications: * BS degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Food Engineering, or related areas ...

R&D Food Scientist

Plymouth, MN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Minimum Requirements: • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, or related field • 1-3 years of experience in food manufacturing or lab work (dairy experience is a plus) • ...

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Food Science Lab information

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$12

$22

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How much do food science lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for food science lab in the United States is $22.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Food Science Lab vs Food Technologist?

AspectFood Science LabFood Technologist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Food Science or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, conducting experiments and quality testsProduction facilities, overseeing food processing and product development
Industry UsageResearch, quality control, product testingProduct development, manufacturing, quality assurance

Food Science Lab roles focus on laboratory research, testing, and quality analysis, while Food Technologists work in production environments, developing and improving food products. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often collaborate within the food industry, but their daily tasks and work settings differ.

What is a food science lab?

A Food Science Lab is a specialized facility where scientists and technicians study the physical, chemical, and microbiological properties of food. These labs are used to develop new food products, improve food safety, test quality, and analyze nutritional content. Food Science Labs play a key role in ensuring that the food we eat is safe, nutritious, and meets regulatory standards. They use advanced equipment and techniques to conduct experiments and support the food industry.

What skills and qualifications are needed to work in a food science lab?

To thrive as a Food Science Lab Technician, you need a solid background in chemistry, biology, and food safety, often supported by a degree in food science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, analytical testing methods, and safety protocols—along with certifications like HACCP—are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring accurate testing, regulatory compliance, and the consistent quality of food products.

What are typical challenges faced when working in a food science lab?

Working in a Food Science Lab often involves balancing multiple projects with tight deadlines, such as product testing, quality analysis, and research experiments. Professionals must adapt to frequently changing protocols and meticulously document results to ensure accuracy and compliance with food safety regulations. Additionally, collaboration with cross-functional teams—like product development, quality assurance, and regulatory affairs—is essential, requiring strong communication and teamwork skills. Staying current with new technologies and industry standards can also be an ongoing challenge but is key to career growth in this field.

What kind of job can I get with a food science degree?

A food science degree can lead to roles such as food scientist, quality assurance manager, product development specialist, or food safety auditor. These jobs typically involve laboratory work, product testing, and ensuring compliance with safety standards, often requiring knowledge of food chemistry, microbiology, and relevant certifications.

Where do food scientists get paid the most?

Food scientists tend to earn the highest salaries in regions with a strong food manufacturing industry, such as certain states or metropolitan areas known for food production and research. Salaries are also influenced by experience, education, and certifications, with those working in private industry or at large corporations generally earning more than those in academia or government roles.
More about Food Science Lab jobs

What cities are hiring for Food Science Lab jobs?

Cities with the most Food Science Lab job openings:

What states have the most Food Science Lab jobs?

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

What job categories do people searching Food Science Lab jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Science Lab jobs are:

Infographic showing various Food Science Lab job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,976 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

$43K - $54K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Salary: $43,000.00 - $54,700.00 Annually
Location : Normal
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202300735
Department: Food & Animal Sciences
Opening Date: 01/28/2026
Description
Summary:
Provides lab/hands-on- training to student in food science courses.
Examples of Duties
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Assist with undergraduate lab courses and retention activities.
  • Work closely with the department chair in mentoring undergraduate students.
  • Train undergraduate and graduate students on specialized analytical equipment and/or instrumentation, or specified statistical data analysis programs and software.
  • Assist in the setup, operation, and maintenance of teaching lab equipment and instrumentation.
  • Follow established departmental policies, procedures, and objectives, continuous quality improvement objectives, and safety, environmental standards.
  • Train and guide departmental student employees.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications
Minimum Position Requirements (including certifications, licenses, etc)
  • Master's degree in Food Science
  • Lab and mentoring experience

Supplemental Information
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of related accreditation and certification requirements
  • Skill in the use of computerized systems and databases
  • Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards
  • Ability to understand and follow lab protocol and procedures
  • Ability to train students in the use of specialized equipment in food science
  • Ability to understand and follow complex, detailed technical instructions
  • Ability to provide instruction in lab related food science courses

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, short and long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
To learn more details, visit our benefits page at
01
Do you have a master's degree in Food Science?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have lab and mentoring experience?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question