Food Technician Career Guide

If you wish to combine your interest in science with a passion for food, becoming a food technician may be a satisfying career. Food science technicians have various duties that include testing and analyzing food, evaluating food packaging, and providing input about foods based on test results.

Imagine sampling foods for taste, texture, and other qualities, or exploring the best way to package the food, so it stays fresh and attractive. Food technicians can help improve existing food products and be instrumental in deciding whether a new product becomes available for consumption.

Food technicians can work in laboratories, plants, and other places where food is created, raised, or grown. Sometimes companies, ranches, or farms employ food technicians, but some also do freelance consulting.

The educational requirements for food technician jobs vary. Although some entry-level positions require a high school diploma, previous experience is usually preferred. Many jobs in the field require an associate?s or bachelor?s degree. Popular areas of study for this profession are biology, chemistry, math, and other related fields.

If you are observant, analytical, and have an interest in the composition of food, becoming a food scientist can be rewarding. Learn more about this career and the daily duties of food technicians and the paths of their careers by reading the profiles below that were created from one-on-one interviews with professional food technicians.