Food Scientist Salary.
Across 81 U.S. cities.
$85,000
national median salary
$65,000 to $112,000. Last updated August 2026.
Government benchmark for this occupation
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $88,720 for Food Scientists and Technologists (SOC 19-1012) across the United States, based on 13,060 employed workers (May 2025 release).
10th percentile
$52,920
25th percentile
$68,810
Median
$88,720
75th percentile
$116,650
90th percentile
$145,280
Workers surveyed
13,060
What BLS published in each release
May 2024 release
$85,310
May 2025 release
$88,720
These are two separate published estimates, not a time series. The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not encourage the use of OEWS data for time-series analysis. Differences between releases reflect changes in occupational classification, survey methodology, and the three-year pooled sample as well as any change in pay, so the two figures should not be read as a rate of wage growth.
BLS publishes wages by occupation code, not by job title, so this figure covers every role mapped to Food Scientists and Technologists (SOC 19-1012) rather than Food Scientistspecifically. The national range at the top of this page is Orbyt’s role-level estimate, which is a different thing and is labelled as such.
View the BLS source for SOC 19-1012Highest Paying
$118,000
San Francisco, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$89,000
Chicago, IL
Lowest Paying
$65,000
Jackson, MS
The salary figures on this page are computed estimates, not observed wages. Each one is a national role baseline scaled by a Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parity cost-of-living multiplier (2025 index) and rounded to the nearest $1,000. No published wage percentile is consulted and no wage survey response enters the calculation, so an Orbyt estimate must not be cited as a Bureau of Labor Statistics figure or as measured pay. The published wage data Orbyt holds is Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and Department of Labor H-1B Labor Condition Application filings, which record a filed minimum visa base wage rather than market pay. Where BLS publishes a wage for the occupation a role maps to, it is shown on that role's page as a separate benchmark, labelled with its occupation code, metro area and the number of employed workers it covers. Last updated August 2026. This role maps to BLS occupation code 19-1012. Full methodology.
Orbyt estimates the average Food Scientist salary in the United States at $85,000 in 2026, within a range of $65,000 to $112,000. These figures are Orbyt estimates, computed rather than measured, and must not be cited as Bureau of Labor Statistics figures; the published BLS wage for the occupation this role maps to is shown separately on this page. San Francisco is the highest of the 81 cities at $118,000, while Chicago offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Sector specialization, company size, and advanced degrees create the widest salary bands.
Food Scientist salary by city.
Skills that increase Food Scientist pay.
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Food Scientists based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $11,900 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$11,900 per year
≈ +$11,050 per year
≈ +$10,200 per year
≈ +$9,350 per year
≈ +$9,350 per year
≈ +$8,500 per year
≈ +$8,500 per year
≈ +$7,650 per year
What you should know.
Sector specialization, company size, and advanced degrees create the widest salary bands. Scientists in R&D at major CPG companies earn more than those in quality assurance or regulatory roles. Expertise in clean-label reformulation, plant-based proteins, or fermentation science commands above-market premiums.
Associate food scientists with a bachelor's degree start at $52,000 to $62,000. Mid-level scientists with 5 to 8 years of experience earn $75,000 to $90,000. Senior scientists and R&D managers reach $95,000 to $120,000, while VP of R&D roles exceed $140,000.
Large CPG companies offer comprehensive packages including annual bonuses of 8 to 15%, 401(k) matching, product discounts, and continuing education stipends. Some R&D-focused roles include patent bonuses of $1,000 to $5,000 per filing.
Total compensation breakdown.
Salary by company size
Remote salary adjustment
Remote Food Scientists typically earn $77,000 (10% less than on-site). This reflects location-adjusted pay policies at companies using geographic salary bands. Some companies pay flat national rates regardless of location.
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Common questions about Food Scientist pay.
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