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Food Science Technicians Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Food Science Technicians make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$54,200
Median Annual Salary
▲ +6.4% vs 2024
$56,850
Mean Salary
$54,200
Median Salary
$26.06
Hourly Rate
3,990 people work as Food Science Technicians in California

Food Science Technicians salary by percentile in California

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Food Science Technicians salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Food Science Technicians in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $40,790$40,79025th25% earn less than $47,080$47,080MedianHalf earn more than $54,200$54,20075th75% earn less than $64,100$64,10090thTop 10% earn more than $76,330$76,330

Food Science Technicians in California earn a median salary of $54,200 per year ($4,516/month). This is 3.2% above the national average of $52,499. California ranks #17 out of 38 states for Food Science Technicians pay. Approximately 3,990 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries increased by 6.4% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Food Science Technicians

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.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension
3.75
Active Listening
3.5
Writing
3.5
Speaking
3.5
Science
3.25

Key Knowledge Areas

Food Production
3.76
Production and Processing
3.68
Chemistry
3.45
English Language
3.43
Computers and Electronics
3.13
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree (32.3% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Food Science Technicians in California

Salaries for Food Science Technicians in California range from $40,790 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $76,330 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $47,080 and $64,100.

Median $54,200
P10: $40,790 P25: $47,080 P75: $64,100 P90: $76,330
10th
$40,790
25th
$47,080
Median
$54,200
75th
$64,100
90th
$76,330
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $40,790 $19.61 $3,399
25th Percentile $47,080 $22.63 $3,923
Median (50th) $54,200 $26.06 $4,516
75th Percentile $64,100 $30.82 $5,341
90th Percentile (Experienced) $76,330 $36.70 $6,360

Note: The mean (average) salary of $56,850 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#17
California ranks #17 of 38 states
$52,499
National avg. for Food Science Technicians
+3.2%
vs. national average
Near Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in California:

What does this salary really buy? See Food Science Technicians salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Food Science Technicians take-home pay in California after taxes →

Explore Food Science Technicians Data in California

After-Tax Take-Home Pay Hourly Wage Breakdown Cost-of-Living Adjusted Entry-Level vs Senior Salary Employment Outlook & Job Demand

Food Science Technicians Salary by State

Compare Food Science Technicians pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

Virginia $65,360 Kentucky $64,770 Washington $62,070 Vermont $60,980 Illinois $60,820 Missouri $59,570 Nevada $59,070 Colorado $58,540 Florida $58,500 Minnesota $57,940

View all 50 states →

Related Careers in California

Explore similar occupations and their salaries in California.

Forest and Conservation TechniciansSimilar $58,120 Chemical TechniciansSimilar $59,510 Social Science Research AssistantsSimilar $60,250 Agricultural TechniciansSimilar $60,320 Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including HealthSimilar $61,220 Occupational Health and Safety TechniciansSimilar $61,360 Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic TechniciansSimilar $69,410 Hydrologic TechniciansSimilar $70,790 Biological TechniciansSimilar $71,440 Anthropologists and ArcheologistsSimilar $72,240

View all jobs in California →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Food Science Technicians make in California?
The median annual salary for Food Science Technicians in California is $54,200 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $56,850.
What is the salary range for a Food Science Technicians in California?
Salaries for Food Science Technicians in California range from $40,790 at the 10th percentile to $76,330 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $47,080 and $64,100.
What is the starting salary for a Food Science Technicians in California?
Entry-level Food Science Technicians positions in California typically start around $40,790 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $47,080 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Food Science Technicians in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 3,990 people are employed as Food Science Technicians in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Food Science Technicians in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Food Science Technicians in California is approximately $26.06 per hour.

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More About California

Salary Data
All Salaries in California Average Salary in California Highest Paying Jobs in California
Salary Thresholds
Jobs Over $100K in California $100K+ Jobs Without a Degree in California
Top Cities in California
Los Angeles San Diego San Jose San Francisco
Top Colleges in California
Academy of Art University Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences College of Alameda Allan Hancock College

Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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