Food Scientists and Technologists Salary by State
The national median pay for food scientists and technologists is $88,720 a year. By state, it ranges from $52,230 in Montana to $108,660 in South Carolina.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $52,920
- 25th percentile
- $68,810
- Median
- $88,720
- 75th percentile
- $116,650
- Top 10%
- $145,280
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job. About 13,060 jobs.
Median pay in 39 states
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Carolina | $108,660 | +22% | $41,140 | $163,900 | 90 |
| 2 | Missouri | $105,930 | +19% | $57,400 | $154,540 | 390 |
| 3 | New Jersey | $104,340 | +18% | $64,330 | $167,470 | 630 |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $103,580 | +17% | $68,990 | $183,260 | 420 |
| 5 | Florida | $101,160 | +14% | $48,090 | $139,480 | 170 |
| 6 | Colorado | $99,580 | +12% | $66,280 | $161,640 | 320 |
| 7 | Minnesota | $99,280 | +12% | $61,360 | $152,600 | 670 |
| 8 | Kentucky | $98,710 | +11% | $47,480 | $137,650 | 170 |
| 9 | Alabama | $97,480 | +10% | $58,510 | $122,790 | 60 |
| 10 | Washington | $94,990 | +7% | $56,520 | $162,740 | 250 |
| 11 | Illinois | $94,340 | +6% | $63,730 | $166,670 | 780 |
| 12 | New York | $94,070 | +6% | $58,740 | $137,570 | 660 |
| 13 | California | $93,950 | +6% | $60,060 | $140,810 | 2,210 |
| 14 | Virginia | $93,590 | +5% | $66,000 | $160,700 | 70 |
| 15 | Maryland | $93,330 | +5% | $59,640 | $145,650 | 270 |
| 16 | Texas | $90,610 | +2% | $46,810 | $136,100 | 840 |
| 17 | Arizona | $90,450 | +2% | $55,890 | $134,320 | Not published |
| 18 | Maine | $89,480 | +1% | $56,300 | $122,480 | 30 |
| 19 | Rhode Island | $87,970 | −1% | $65,580 | $100,590 | 40 |
| 20 | Georgia | $86,050 | −3% | $31,030 | $151,280 | 560 |
| 21 | Kansas | $85,130 | −4% | $51,670 | $146,820 | 380 |
| 22 | Oklahoma | $84,750 | −4% | $63,030 | $127,780 | 50 |
| 23 | Arkansas | $84,330 | −5% | $49,120 | $165,790 | 310 |
| 24 | Pennsylvania | $83,380 | −6% | $54,460 | $120,730 | 400 |
| 25 | Wisconsin | $83,020 | −6% | $57,410 | $131,840 | 410 |
| 26 | Iowa | $82,010 | −8% | $50,230 | $111,310 | 380 |
| 27 | Tennessee | $81,760 | −8% | $64,660 | $105,670 | 70 |
| 28 | Oregon | $81,660 | −8% | $58,390 | $118,250 | 270 |
| 29 | Nevada | $80,580 | −9% | $52,890 | $106,660 | 50 |
| 30 | North Carolina | $79,840 | −10% | $49,850 | $138,460 | 230 |
| 31 | New Mexico | $79,130 | −11% | $53,170 | $100,350 | 30 |
| 32 | Idaho | $77,440 | −13% | $41,600 | $117,340 | 140 |
| 33 | Michigan | $76,940 | −13% | $55,620 | $134,910 | 430 |
| 34 | Ohio | $76,780 | −13% | $46,870 | $121,830 | 270 |
| 35 | Utah | $73,280 | −17% | $53,200 | $126,410 | 120 |
| 36 | Nebraska | $72,230 | −19% | $50,710 | $129,740 | 230 |
| 37 | South Dakota | $71,330 | −20% | $41,990 | $147,530 | 90 |
| 38 | Indiana | $69,350 | −22% | $44,180 | $108,410 | 300 |
| 39 | Montana | $52,230 | −41% | $40,070 | $76,250 | 30 |
BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates. States without published data are not listed. “Not published”: BLS withheld the value or it is above the highest amount BLS publishes. Pay is not adjusted for living costs.
Food Scientists and Technologists salary questions
Which state pays food scientists and technologists the most?
South Carolina, with a median of $108,660 a year (+22% vs. the national median of $88,720). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays food scientists and technologists the least?
Montana, with a median of $52,230 a year (−41% vs. national).
Where do most food scientists and technologists work?
California has the most jobs, about 2,210, with a median of $93,950.
Does a higher salary mean more money left over?
Not always. These are pay figures only. Living costs, taxes and housing differ a lot between states, and this page does not adjust for them.