Food science technicians
SOC Code: 19-4013
Food science technicians carries a 53% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $49,430 and +4.8% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 20,400 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Food science technicians (SOC 19-4013) carries an AI exposure score of 53%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 20,400 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.8% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $49,430, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Associate's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Food science technicians. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Taste or smell foods or beverages to ensure that flavors meet specifications or to select samples with specific characteristics.
- 2. Measure, test, or weigh bottles, cans, or other containers to ensure that hardness, strength, or dimensions meet specifications.
- 3. Maintain records of testing results or other documents as required by state or other governing agencies.
- 4. Monitor and control temperature of products.
- 5. Analyze test results to classify products or compare results with standard tables.
- 6. Record or compile test results or prepare graphs, charts, or reports.
- 7. Prepare or incubate slides with cell cultures.
- 8. Perform regular maintenance of laboratory equipment by inspecting, calibrating, cleaning, or sterilizing.
- 9. Examine chemical or biological samples to identify cell structures or to locate bacteria or extraneous material, using a microscope.
- 10. Conduct standardized tests on food, beverages, additives, or preservatives to ensure compliance with standards and regulations regarding factors such as color, texture, or nutrients.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Science
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Coordination
- Complex Problem Solving
- Quality Control Analysis
Knowledge Areas
- Food Production
- Production and Processing
- Chemistry
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Administrative
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Food science technicians?
Food science technicians has an AI exposure score of 53%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Food science technicians?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Food science technicians is projected to grow by 4.8% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 20,400 workers.
What skills are needed for Food science technicians?
Key skills for Food science technicians include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, and others. Typical entry-level education is Associate's degree.
How much do Food science technicians earn?
The median annual wage for Food science technicians is $49,430, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Food science technicians?
The typical entry-level education for Food science technicians is Associate's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Food science technicians?
Food science technicians roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).