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Food Scientists and Technologists Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Food Scientists and Technologists make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$93,950
Median Annual Salary
▲
+9.9% vs 2024
$97,980
Mean Salary
$93,950
Median Salary
$45.17
Hourly Rate
2,210 people work as Food Scientists and Technologists in California
Food Scientists and Technologists salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Food Scientists and Technologists in California earn a median salary of $93,950 per year ($7,829/month).
This is 7.7% above the national average of $87,249.
California ranks #13 out of 39 states for Food Scientists and Technologists pay.
Approximately 2,210 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 9.9% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Food Scientists and Technologists
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.
Top Skills
Reading Comprehension
4.0
Active Listening
4.0
Writing
4.0
Speaking
3.88
Critical Thinking
3.88
Key Knowledge Areas
Food Production
4.23
Biology
4.17
Chemistry
4.09
Production and Processing
4.04
English Language
3.73
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
(56.5% of workers)
Salary Range: Food Scientists and Technologists in California
Salaries for Food Scientists and Technologists in California range from $60,060 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $140,810 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $74,660 and $120,100.
How much do Food Scientists and Technologists make in California?
The median annual salary for Food Scientists and Technologists in California is $93,950 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $97,980.
What is the salary range for a Food Scientists and Technologists in California?
Salaries for Food Scientists and Technologists in California range from $60,060 at the 10th percentile to $140,810 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $74,660 and $120,100.
What is the starting salary for a Food Scientists and Technologists in California?
Entry-level Food Scientists and Technologists positions in California typically start around $60,060 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $74,660 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Food Scientists and Technologists in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 2,210 people are employed as Food Scientists and Technologists in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Food Scientists and Technologists in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Food Scientists and Technologists in California is approximately $45.17 per hour.
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.
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