All careers

Food Science Technicians

  • Bright Outlook
  • Rapid Growth

Work with food scientists or technologists to perform standardized qualitative and quantitative tests to determine physical or chemical properties of food or beverage products. Includes technicians who assist in research and development of production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and use of foods.

What you’d do

  • Taste or smell foods or beverages to ensure that flavors meet specifications or to select samples with specific characteristics.
  • Measure, test, or weigh bottles, cans, or other containers to ensure that hardness, strength, or dimensions meet specifications.
  • Maintain records of testing results or other documents as required by state or other governing agencies.
  • Monitor and control temperature of products.
  • Analyze test results to classify products or compare results with standard tables.
  • Record or compile test results or prepare graphs, charts, or reports.
  • Perform regular maintenance of laboratory equipment by inspecting, calibrating, cleaning, or sterilizing.
  • Examine chemical or biological samples to identify cell structures or to locate bacteria or extraneous material, using a microscope.

Skills that matter

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Writing
  • Critical Thinking
  • Science

How to get there

Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

Also called

  • Central Laboratory Technician (CLT)
  • Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech)
  • QC Tech (Quality Control Technician)
  • Quality Assurance Analyst (QA Analyst)
  • Food Science Tech (Food Science Technician)
  • Laboratory Assistant (Lab Assistant)

Related careers

See all careers

  • Food Scientists and Technologists

    • Bright Outlook
    • Rapid Growth

    Use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods…

    Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree

  • Chemical Technicians

    • Bright Outlook
    • Rapid Growth

    Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative and quantitative analyses of solids, liquids…

    Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

  • Quality Control Analysts

    Conduct tests to determine quality of raw materials, bulk intermediate and finished products. May conduct stability sample tests.

    Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

  • Agricultural Technicians

    • Bright Outlook
    • Rapid Growth

    Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition.

    Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

  • Agricultural Inspectors

    Inspect agricultural commodities, processing equipment, and facilities, and fish and logging operations, to ensure compliance with…

    Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

  • Quality Control Systems Managers

    Plan, direct, or coordinate quality assurance programs. Formulate quality control policies and control quality of laboratory and…

    Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree