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Food Scientists and Technologists Salary in Kentucky

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Food Scientists and Technologists make in Kentucky?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$98,710
Median Annual Salary
▲ +36.5% vs 2024
$96,080
Mean Salary
$98,710
Median Salary
$47.46
Hourly Rate
170 people work as Food Scientists and Technologists in Kentucky

Food Scientists and Technologists salary by percentile in Kentucky

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

Food Scientists and Technologists salary in Kentucky — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Food Scientists and Technologists in Kentucky.10thBottom 10% earn less than $47,480$47,48025th25% earn less than $70,850$70,850MedianHalf earn more than $98,710$98,71075th75% earn less than $122,320$122,32090thTop 10% earn more than $137,650$137,650

Food Scientists and Technologists in Kentucky earn a median salary of $98,710 per year ($8,225/month). This is 13.1% above the national average of $87,249. Kentucky ranks #8 out of 39 states for Food Scientists and Technologists pay. Approximately 170 people work in this occupation across Kentucky. Salaries increased by 36.5% 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)

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

Salary Range: Food Scientists and Technologists in Kentucky

Salaries for Food Scientists and Technologists in Kentucky range from $47,480 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $137,650 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $70,850 and $122,320.

Median $98,710
P10: $47,480 P25: $70,850 P75: $122,320 P90: $137,650
10th
$47,480
25th
$70,850
Median
$98,710
75th
$122,320
90th
$137,650
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $47,480 $22.83 $3,956
25th Percentile $70,850 $34.06 $5,904
Median (50th) $98,710 $47.46 $8,225
75th Percentile $122,320 $58.81 $10,193
90th Percentile (Experienced) $137,650 $66.18 $11,470

Note: The mean (average) salary of $96,080 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#8
Kentucky ranks #8 of 39 states
$87,249
National avg. for Food Scientists and Technologists
+13.1%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Food Scientists and Technologists salary in Kentucky adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Food Scientists and Technologists take-home pay in Kentucky after taxes →

Explore Food Scientists and Technologists Data in Kentucky

Food Scientists and Technologists Salary by State

Compare Food Scientists and Technologists pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Food Scientists and Technologists make in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for Food Scientists and Technologists in Kentucky is $98,710 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $96,080.
What is the salary range for a Food Scientists and Technologists in Kentucky?
Salaries for Food Scientists and Technologists in Kentucky range from $47,480 at the 10th percentile to $137,650 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $70,850 and $122,320.
What is the starting salary for a Food Scientists and Technologists in Kentucky?
Entry-level Food Scientists and Technologists positions in Kentucky typically start around $47,480 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $70,850 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Food Scientists and Technologists in Kentucky?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 170 people are employed as Food Scientists and Technologists in Kentucky.
What is the hourly rate for a Food Scientists and Technologists in Kentucky?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Food Scientists and Technologists in Kentucky is approximately $47.46 per hour.

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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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