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Career Profile

Food technologist

A food technologist applies science to develop, improve, preserve and assess food products, ensuring they are safe, nutritious and meet quality standards.
Engineering, Aviation and Science
Average weekly salary
$1828
Future demand
Moderate
Most common education level
Bachelor degree

What does a food technologist do?

Food glorious food – it’s essential to our survival, so what role does a food technologist play? Drawing on biology, chemistry, nutrition science and chemical engineering, a food technologist (also known as a food scientist, chemist or food and wine scientist) will investigate the chemical, microbiological and physical nature of food. Food technology jobs help advance our knowledge in developing, preserving, distributing and storing food items. They also give us insight into the effects of various food components on human nutrition and health.

Is a career as a food technologist right for me?

If you have a fascination with science and enjoy investigating and getting to the bottom of an issue, you might be suited to a career as a food technologist.

Other skills and attributes beneficial for this role include:

Problem-solving and decision-making
The ability to identify issues, evaluate options, and make informed decisions.

Analytical thinking
An ability to analyse and interpret information.
Communication
Clear written and verbal communication skills, supported by strong interpersonal skills.
Organisation
Effective time-management and prioritisation skills.
Digital and technical capability
Proficiency in using technology, digital tools, and relevant software.

How to become a food technologist

Food technologists typically complete a qualification in food science, food technology, science, or a related field. They work across a range of industries, helping to ensure food products meet quality standards, are safe for consumers, and align with industry and regulatory requirements. Some professionals also gain experience in food manufacturing, research, or product development as they build their careers.

Every journey to study is individual, and there are several paths you can take to reach your food technology career goals. One common path to becoming a food technologist is:

  1. Complete a degree in food science, food and beverage science, or a related scientific field.
  2. Develop knowledge of food chemistry, microbiology, nutrition and food processing.
  3. Gain practical experience through laboratory work, industry placements or internships.
  4. Build skills in quality assurance, food safety and product development.
  5. Apply for food technologist roles and continue developing expertise in food innovation and manufacturing processes.

How long does it take to become a food technologist

The time it takes to become a food technologist will vary depending on your education, experience and career goals. Typically, it takes three to four years to become a food technologist, including completing a relevant bachelor's degree in food science or a related field and gaining practical experience through laboratory work, industry placements or graduate roles.

Start your journey with UniSQ

Build the scientific and technical skills needed for a career in food technology with a UniSQ degree. Gain practical experience in food production, quality assurance and product development valued across food manufacturing, research and regulatory sectors.

Bachelor of Science
Go to degree
Need help planning your career journey?
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Responsibilities and work settings

Day-to-day responsibilities

Developing and testing new food and beverage products.

Analysing the chemical, physical and microbiological properties of food.

Monitoring food quality, safety standards and production processes.

Improving food production, storage and preservation methods.

Conducting laboratory tests and interpreting scientific results.

Ensuring food products comply with regulatory and industry requirements.

Investigating production issues and recommending solutions.

Preparing technical reports and collaborating with production, quality assurance and research teams.

Where you might work

Manufacturing and industrial companies

Agricultural and agribusiness organisations

Research institutes and research centres

Government agencies, departments and councils

Private healthcare providers, clinics and practices

Universities and higher education providers

Environmental and sustainability organisations

Food technologist FAQs

A food scientist (also known as a food technologist) conducts evaluations on food products to assess their flavour, colour, taste, texture, and nutritional content. They can also provide guidance on the preservation, processing, packaging, storage, and distribution of food items. Lastly, a food scientist can develop and implement quality control procedures to establish safety standards for food production. 

The salary of food technologists can vary widely depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the sector in which they work. Refer to the salary information on this page for further details.

Food technologists (also known as food scientists) typically work in the food production industry, including manufacturing, professional, scientific and technical services, and public administration and safety. Alternatively, they might work in government and university research labs that focus on food safety and public health. Sectors that specialise in flavour development, packaging technology, and food preservation techniques also require food technologists.

Food technologists are expected to remain in stable demand due to their critical role across several key sectors. In manufacturing, they are pivotal in enhancing food safety and sustainability as global food needs increase. The professional, scientific, and technical services sectors rely on their expertise to develop innovative food products and improve nutritional quality. Additionally, in public administration and safety, food technologists help formulate policies that ensure food safety and public health compliance.

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Disclaimer: UniSQ’s Career Finder is a guide only. While reasonable care is taken to ensure accuracy, career information may change over time. Career statistics are sourced from Your Career and Jobs and Skills Australia. © Commonwealth of Australia. Licensed under CC BY 4.0. Salary figures listed on this page are in Australian Dollars (AUD).