Food Scientists
Wages & Outlook
Wages
Wages vary by employer and area of the country. Wages also vary by the scientist's level of education and experience.
Benefits also vary by employer. Most full-time food scientists receive benefits. These include vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Self-employed food scientists must provide their own insurance.
View the Regional Wage Comparison Chart for:
Employment
In Minnesota, about 761 food scientists work in this small occupation.
About 11 percent of food scientists are self-employed.
Major employers:
- Food manufacturing
- Research and testing services
- Colleges and universities
- Federal government agencies
Outlook
As the population grows, the demand for food scientists will increase. Many of the new jobs for food scientists will be at research and development services firms. Research scientists will address several areas of public concern. These areas include diet, health, and changes in food safety. It also includes biosecurity which is the study of ways to prevent animals from getting new diseases.
Competition may be strong for college teaching jobs, even for scientists with doctoral degrees. In general, food scientists who have advanced degrees will have the best chances.
| Employment | Employment Change | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2020 | Number | Percent | |
| U S | 13,900 | 15,000 | 1,100 | 7.9% |
| Minnesota | 1,258 | 1,437 | 179 | 14.2% |
| 2010 | 2020 | Number | Percent | |
| Central Minnesota | 50 | 56 | 6 | 12% |
| Northwest Minnesota | 31 | 33 | 2 | 6.5% |
| Southeast Minnesota | 69 | 77 | 8 | 11.6% |
| Southwest Minnesota | 37 | 37 | 0 | 0% |
| Seven County Mpls-St Paul, MN | 1,043 | 1,211 | 168 | 16.1% |
Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and Minnesota Department of Education.
