Career overview
Food Scientists and Technologists
O*NET-SOC 19-1012.00
Median pay / yr$85,310
OutlookRapid Growth
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.
What it takes
The skills, knowledge, and credentials employers look for in Food Scientists and Technologists.
Skills employers look for
- Active LearningUnderstanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Critical ThinkingUsing logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Reading ComprehensionUnderstanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Active ListeningGiving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Complex Problem SolvingIdentifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Knowledge areas
- Production and ProcessingKnowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
- Food ProductionKnowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
- ChemistryKnowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
- English LanguageKnowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
- MathematicsKnowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Certifications that help you get hired
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