Food Science Technicians
Medium63.32%
Found in Industries:
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$37,290
Median$49,090
High (90th %)$74,630
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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.
The automation risk for the occupation "Food Science Technicians" stands at 63.3%, which is closely aligned with its base risk estimate of 64.1%. This risk is primarily driven by certain procedural and routine tasks within the role that are well suited for automation. Tasks such as "measuring, testing, or weighing bottles and containers," "maintaining records of testing results," and even sensory evaluation like "tasting or smelling foods or beverages for quality control," are increasingly performed more quickly, accurately, and consistently by automated systems or specialized machinery. These activities often involve standardized procedures, regular repetition, and clear criteria, making them ideal targets for machine automation in modern laboratories and processing plants. However, there is a range of responsibilities carried out by food science technicians that are less susceptible to automation due to their complexity or need for nuanced human judgment. The most resistant tasks include "mixing, blending, or cultivating ingredients to manufacture food or beverage products," which often requires adaptability and real-time problem-solving. Similarly, preparing or incubating slides with cell cultures demands careful handling and scientific skill, while ordering supplies for labs or processing plants involves logistical judgment and understanding operational needs—skills that machines currently have trouble replicating. These tasks depend on a degree of adaptability and domain-specific expertise, limiting the immediate impact of automation. Bottleneck skills that protect this occupation from full automation center around creativity and innovative thinking—specifically, "originality," which has low exposure values of 2.3% and 2.4% respectively. Such skills are difficult to encode into algorithms or mechanical processes, as they require producing novel ideas and solutions, particularly important in food development and troubleshooting unique production challenges. As a result, while a significant portion of the food science technician's workflow could be automated, elements that rely on original problem-solving and dynamic decision-making are likely to remain in human hands, shaping a role that is increasingly collaborative between workers and technology.
Filter by Automatable Status
Measure, test, or weigh bottles, cans, or other containers to ensure that hardness, strength, or dimensions meet specifications.
Automatable
Maintain records of testing results or other documents as required by state or other governing agencies.
Automatable
Monitor and control temperature of products.
Automatable
Analyze test results to classify products or compare results with standard tables.
Automatable
Record or compile test results or prepare graphs, charts, or reports.
Automatable
Perform regular maintenance of laboratory equipment by inspecting, calibrating, cleaning, or sterilizing.
Non-Automatable
Examine chemical or biological samples to identify cell structures or to locate bacteria or extraneous material, using a microscope.
Partially Automatable
Train newly hired laboratory personnel.
Partially Automatable
Provide assistance to food scientists or technologists in research and development, production technology, or quality control.
Partially Automatable
Supervise other food science technicians.
Partially Automatable
Compute moisture or salt content, percentages of ingredients, formulas, or other product factors, using mathematical and chemical procedures.
Automatable
Order supplies needed to maintain inventories in laboratories or in storage facilities of food or beverage processing plants.
Automatable
Prepare or incubate slides with cell cultures.
Partially Automatable
Mix, blend, or cultivate ingredients to make reagents or to manufacture food or beverage products.
Partially Automatable
Taste or smell foods or beverages to ensure that flavors meet specifications or to select samples with specific characteristics.
Non-Automatable
Conduct standardized tests on food, beverages, additives, or preservatives to ensure compliance with standards and regulations regarding factors such as color, texture, or nutrients.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningService OrientationComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringEquipment MaintenanceJudgment and Decision MakingManagement of Material ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceCritical ThinkingActive LearningLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingQuality Control AnalysisSystems AnalysisSystems EvaluationTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Personnel Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryEducation and TrainingPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageFine ArtsHistory and ArcheologyTherapy and Counseling
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsGetting InformationEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesDocumenting/Recording InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleRepairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
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Quality Control Systems Managers
Medium50.15%
Plan, direct, or coordinate quality assurance programs. Formulate quality control policies and control quality of laboratory and production efforts.
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium50.78%
Apply engineering theory and principles to problems of industrial layout or manufacturing production, usually under the direction of engineering staff. May perform time and motion studies on worker operations in a variety of industries for purposes such as establishing standard production rates or improving efficiency.
Calibration Technologists and Technicians
Medium50.00%
Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.
Animal Scientists
Medium49.11%
Conduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals.
Food Scientists and Technologists
Medium47.16%
Use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods; analyze food content to determine levels of vitamins, fat, sugar, and protein; discover new food sources; research ways to make processed foods safe, palatable, and healthful; and apply food science knowledge to determine best ways to process, package, preserve, store, and distribute food.
Microbiologists
Medium43.81%
Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.
Chemists
Medium51.25%
Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.
Agricultural Technicians
Medium50.20%
Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition. Set up or maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens or record data to assist scientists in biology or related life science experiments. Conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects.
Biological Technicians
Medium56.49%
Assist biological and medical scientists. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.
Chemical Technicians
Medium50.77%
Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative and quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, and gaseous materials for research and development of new products or processes, quality control, maintenance of environmental standards, and other work involving experimental, theoretical, or practical application of chemistry and related sciences.
Quality Control Analysts
Medium49.25%
Conduct tests to determine quality of raw materials, bulk intermediate and finished products. May conduct stability sample tests.
Histotechnologists
Medium47.76%
Apply knowledge of health and disease causes to evaluate new laboratory techniques and procedures to examine tissue samples. Process and prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May solve technical or instrument problems or assist with research studies.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Medium43.59%
Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.
Agricultural Inspectors
Medium43.19%
Inspect agricultural commodities, processing equipment, and facilities, and fish and logging operations, to ensure compliance with regulations and laws governing health, quality, and safety.
Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products
High69.65%
Grade, sort, or classify unprocessed food and other agricultural products by size, weight, color, or condition.
Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders
Medium53.38%
Operate or tend food or tobacco roasting, baking, or drying equipment, including hearth ovens, kiln driers, roasters, char kilns, and vacuum drying equipment.
Food Batchmakers
Medium63.36%
Set up and operate equipment that mixes or blends ingredients used in the manufacturing of food products. Includes candy makers and cheese makers.
Biofuels Processing Technicians
Medium54.54%
Calculate, measure, load, mix, and process refined feedstock with additives in fermentation or reaction process vessels and monitor production process. Perform, and keep records of, plant maintenance, repairs, and safety inspections.
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Medium48.23%
Set up, operate, or tend continuous flow or vat-type equipment; filter presses; shaker screens; centrifuges; condenser tubes; precipitating, fermenting, or evaporating tanks; scrubbing towers; or batch stills. These machines extract, sort, or separate liquids, gases, or solids from other materials to recover a refined product. Includes dairy processing equipment operators.
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
Medium63.83%
Inspect, test, sort, sample, or weigh nonagricultural raw materials or processed, machined, fabricated, or assembled parts or products for defects, wear, and deviations from specifications. May use precision measuring instruments and complex test equipment.