Welcome to the new IFT.org
Now home to IFT FIRST
Careers in the Food Sciences
Find exciting opportunities in consumer research, teaching, regulatory affairs, basic research, and nutrition whether you choose to pursue work in industry, academia, or nonprofit and government institutions.
What is Food Science?
Food science draws from many disciplines, including biology, chemical engineering, and biochemistry to better understand food processes and improve food products for the general public. As the stewards of the field, food scientists study the physical, microbial, and chemical makeup of food. They apply their findings to develop the safe, nutritious, and sustainable foods and innovative packaging that line supermarket shelves today.
What is Food Technology?
The food you consume daily is the result of extensive food research, a systematic investigation into a variety of foods’ properties and compositions. After the initial stages of research and development, food products are mass produced using the principles of food technology. These interrelated fields contribute to the food industry—the largest manufacturing industry in the United States.
What Kind of Income Can You Make in Science of Food Fields?
Food scientists typically earn salaries competitive with other science and engineering degrees. Most have successfully found a job or earned admission to graduate school months after graduation.
According to IFT’s 2022 Career and Compensation Survey Report, the median salary for professionals working in the science of food is $110,000. Food science graduates entering the field received a median salary starting at $77,000.
What Does It Mean to Work in Food Science?
It’s a field that includes chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, physics, engineering, nutrition, biology, math, and other disciplines.
Food Quality & Microbiology
Food microbiologists play a critical role in making sure food is safe to consume. They have expertise in a variety of scientific disciplines.
Food Chemistry
Food chemists develop and improve foods and beverages; analyze methods of cooking, canning, freezing, and packaging; and study the effects of processing on food.
Sensory Science
Sensory scientists work to understand the characteristics of foods and how consumers perceive them. They ensure the foods we eat are appealing in addition to being safe and nutritious.
Food Marketing & Sales
Food marketing and sales professionals communicate through technical presentations, trade shows, print and virtual media, and face-to-face meetings with product developers.
Food Engineering
Food engineers design and develop systems for processing, storing, packaging, and handling food.
Product Development
Developers, working as part of a team, continually strive to create high quality, nutritious products that taste good and are affordable for consumers.
Scholarships
IFT's Feeding Tomorrow Fund provides scholarships, internships, connections, and more!
IFT Compensation and Career Path Report
Whether you’re negotiating a higher salary, seeking a new position, or exploring a new career path, IFT’s Compensation and Career Path Report provides the trusted, comprehensive, up-to-date information you need to move forward with confidence.