Food Technologists

Employers

There are approximately 14,500 food technologists employed in the United States. They work in a wide variety of settings, including food processing plants, food ingredient plants, and food manufacturing plants. Food technologists may work in basic research, product development, processing and quality assurance, packaging, or market research. There are positions in laboratories, test kitchens, and on production lines as well as with government agencies.

Starting Out

Many schools that offer degree programs in food science will also provide career services and job placement assistance. Also, recruiters from private industry frequently conduct interviews on campus. Faculty members may be willing to grant referrals to exceptional students. Another method is to apply directly to individual companies.

Frequently, the food products with which food technologists work determine where they are employed. Those who work with meats or grains may work in the Midwest. Technologists who work with citrus fruits usually work in Florida or California. Most food technologists are employed by research universities and private industry. Some work for the federal government. Some major government employers of food technologists include the Environmental Protection Agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Food and Drug Administration, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.