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How much do sensory science jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for sensory science 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 sensory science?

Sensory science is the study of how people perceive and respond to products, primarily through the senses of taste, smell, sight, touch, and hearing. Sensory scientists design tests and experiments to evaluate products like food, beverages, cosmetics, and more, using trained panels or consumer groups. Their work helps companies improve product quality, understand consumer preferences, and develop new products that appeal to target audiences.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in sensory science, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Sensory Science often encounter challenges such as recruiting and maintaining diverse, reliable sensory panels, ensuring consistent testing conditions, and translating subjective sensory data into actionable product insights. To address these challenges, sensory scientists typically invest in thorough panelist training, implement rigorous quality control protocols, and collaborate closely with product development and marketing teams. Regular calibration sessions and clear communication across departments help ensure that sensory testing results are both scientifically valid and practically useful for guiding product decisions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sensory scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sensory Scientist, you need a solid background in food science, chemistry, or a related field, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with sensory evaluation methods, statistical analysis software (such as XLSTAT or Compusense), and experimental design is essential. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills are critical for interpreting and presenting research findings. These skills ensure accurate data collection, reliable sensory insights, and meaningful product development recommendations.

What is the difference between Sensory Science vs Sensory Analyst?

AspectSensory ScienceSensory Analyst
CredentialsDegree in Food Science, Psychology, or related field; training in sensory evaluationSimilar educational background; specialized training in sensory testing methods
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, product development teams, sensory testing facilitiesLaboratory settings, sensory booths, product testing environments
Industry UsageUsed broadly in food, beverage, cosmetics, and consumer product industriesPrimarily in food and beverage sectors for product testing and quality control

Sensory Science encompasses the broader field of studying human responses to products, including research and development. Sensory Analysts focus specifically on conducting sensory tests and collecting data. While both roles require similar credentials and work environments, Sensory Science involves designing studies and analyzing data, whereas Sensory Analysts execute testing procedures.

What degree do you need to be a sensory science?

A career in sensory science typically requires at least a bachelor's degree in food science, chemistry, psychology, or a related field. Advanced roles may require a master's or doctoral degree, along with skills in data analysis and sensory evaluation techniques.

What does a sensory science do?

A sensory scientist studies how people perceive and respond to different products through taste, smell, sight, touch, and sound. They design and conduct sensory tests, analyze data, and help improve product quality and consumer satisfaction using tools like sensory panels and statistical analysis. This role often requires knowledge of sensory evaluation methods and attention to detail.
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What cities are hiring for Sensory Science jobs?

Cities with the most Sensory Science job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Sensory Science jobs?

The most popular types of Sensory Science jobs are:

What states have the most Sensory Science jobs?

States with the most job openings for Sensory Science jobs include:

Infographic showing various Sensory Science job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,976 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

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Posted 18 days ago


McCormick & Company rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 444 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

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McCormick & Company, Inc., a global leader in the spice, flavor, and seasonings industry, is seeking a full-time Scientist II, Sensory. This new hire will work at the Technical Innovation Center, located in Hunt Valley, MD. The Scientist II, Sensorywill report to a Sensory and Consumer Science Director.

McCormick & Company, Incorporated is a global leader in flavor with approximately 14,000 employees worldwide. With over $6 billion in annual sales across 160 countries and territories, we manufacture, market, and distribute spices, seasoning mixes, condiments, and other flavorful products to the entire food industry including e-commerce, retail,food manufacturers and foodservice businesses. Our most popular brands include McCormick, French's, Frank's RedHot, Stubb's, OLD BAY, Lawry's, Zatarain's, Ducros, Vahiné, Cholula, Schwartz, Kamis, DaQiao, Club House, Aeroplane, and Gourmet Garden. Every day, no matter where or what you eat or drink, you can enjoy food flavored by McCormick. Our Purpose is "To Stand Together for the Future of Flavor and our Vision is "A World United by Flavor—where healthy, sustainable and delicious go hand in hand.".

As a company recognized for its exceptional commitment to employees, McCormick offers a wide variety of benefits, programs, and services. Benefits include, but are not limited to, tuition assistance, medical, dental, vision, disability, group life insurance, 401(k), profit sharing, paid holidays, and vacations.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Responsibilities of this position include planning, collecting, analyzing, interpreting and reporting accurate sensory-related data that results in actionable product development guidance. This person will deliver excellent sensory and consumer guidance to research projects, the development and improvement of new and existing products, and the development and implementation of best practice sensory methodology.

RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Responding to business needs through studies utilizing the assessment of human response to products
  • Identifying the specific sensory and consumer research needs of product development teams and other customers
  • Designing, implementing, analyzing, interpreting and reporting research results that evaluate the performance of products, guide the product development process, and support product innovation
  • Evaluating, developing, and implementing new sensory methods to address specific sensory / consumer issues
  • Performing statistical analysis of data (especially design of experiments and multivariate techniques)
  • Framing product developers’ research needs into actionable sensory and consumer studies
  • Executing timely, cost-effective research within guidelines and standards set by the sensory profession
  • Conducting both analytical sensory (descriptive and discrimination) and consumer testing (qualitative, quantitative and exploratory)
  • Effectively linking sensory and consumer data to provide project teams with accurate, impactful, and actionable reports, to both internal and external clients, with conclusions and recommendations resulting from the research findings, ensuring projects are delivered to successful completion
  • Providing broad consultation to internal units as well as external customers
  • Serving on key customer teams
  • Conducting research and development in the areas of Sensory Science that are of interest to the corporation
  • Staying current with literature and information about sensory evaluation
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • MS Degree in Sensory Science, Food Science, Statistics, Psychology or another related field with minimum 3 years of Sensory Science project work experience OR BS in related discipline with minimum 6 years of Sensory Science project work experience
  • Minimum 3 years in major project team leadership capacities
  • Experience in the application of sensory (descriptive, discrimination) and consumer research (CLT, HUT, focus groups)
  • Experience integrating sensory and consumer methods into research plans, integrating data and drawing conclusions
  • Experience in the development, training and maintenance of Descriptive Analysis Panels
  • In-depth knowledge of technical tools that support sensory testing (automated data collection systems, statistical software)
  • Proficiency in statistical analysis
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
  • Experience effectively collaborating across levels and functions within own organization and with outside customers and vendors
  • Proven success multi-tasking in a fast paced environment
  • High degree of ownership and professional commitment
  • Experience successfully presenting to customers
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Proven record of creative scientific achievement
  • Recognized initiative and creativity for contributions to the food production industry
  • Qualitative training and demonstrated experience in moderation

#LI-CG1

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.

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

WHY WORK AT MCCORMICK?

United by flavor. Driven by results.

As a McCormick employee you’ll be empowered to focus on more than your individual responsibilities. You’ll have the opportunity to be part of something bigger than yourself—to have a say in where the company is going and how it’s growing.

Between our passion for flavor, our 130-year history of leadership and integrity, the competitive and comprehensive benefits we offer, and our culture, which is built on respect and opportunities for growth, there are many reasons to join us at McCormick.

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