Annual Salary
£24,000 to £45,000
Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)
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Swap to Maths or STEM or go back to all job sectors or go to green jobs
Food scientists and food technologists develop food and drink products, making sure they are safe to consume.
Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)
You could work: between 8am and 6pm; on shifts
There will be
2.4% more Food scientist jobs in 2027.
As a food scientist, you'll:
You may need to wear protective clothing.
You could work at a research facility, in a laboratory or in a factory.
You can get into this job through:
You'll usually need a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:
You may be able to study for a postgraduate qualification in food science if you have a related first degree, such as:biochemistry; microbiology; agricultural science
You can search for degree and postgraduate courses through the Institute of Food Science and Technology.
Experience of working in a food science or food development environment, for example through an industrial placement during your course, may improve your career prospects.
You'll usually need:
You could apply to do an apprenticeship, for example:
These take between 2 and 4 years to complete, and are a mix of training on-the-job and classroom study.
You'll usually need:
You could start as a food technologist, development assistant or lab technician with a food manufacturer. You would then study for relevant qualifications while you work.
You can join the Institute of Food Science and Technology for professional development opportunities, industry news and access to career resources.
You can find out more about how to become a food scientist from the Institute of Food Science and Technology.
You could work for a variety of organisations involved in the development and safety of food and drink products, including:food manufacturers and supermarkets; government and university research establishments; local authorities
With experience, you could become a senior development technologist or scientist, project leader or departmental manager.
You might improve your career prospects by applying for Registered Scientist (RSci) or Chartered Scientist (CSci) status through the Institute of Food Science and Technology.
You could also move into related areas, like agricultural research, toxicology or nutritional science.
Food Scientists may be involved in researching more sustainable food products and production methods
There are several different routes you can take to get into working as a Food Scientist which you can explore further in the 'Routes into this job' section above.
Click here for an explanation of the different course and apprenticeship levels.
Click here to find a local provider
Click here to search for a local apprenticeship
Click here to search for other university courses
For more local employment opportunities see the 'Live job vacancies by region' section above.
You'll need: