Skills it runs on
The capabilities O*NET rates most important for this occupation — the human ground the work is built on.
See all skills →Food Science Technicians
Occupation · SOC 19-4013.00
Work with food scientists or technologists to perform standardized qualitative and quantitative tests to determine physical or chemical properties of food or beverage products. Includes technicians who assist in research and development of production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and use of foods.
Also called: Central Laboratory Technician (CLT) · Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech) · QC Tech (Quality Control Technician) · Quality Assurance Analyst (QA Analyst) · Food Science Tech (Food Science Technician) · Laboratory Assistant (Lab Assistant) · QA Lab Tech (Quality Assurance Lab Technician) · QC Tech (Quality Assurance Technician) · Quality Analyst · Quality Tech (Quality Technician) · Beer Brewer · Biotechnician
Job family: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
Take this to your AI
A source-stamped Markdown brief of this occupation — paste it into an agent, or fetch
/roles/role-19-4013-00/context.md directly.
AI work map
A fast read on where AI already shows up in this occupation, where it stays a copilot, where humans remain in the loop, and what the labor market is doing. Built from observed Claude.ai conversations mapped to O*NET tasks and from published research — measures of usage and exposure, not advice or predictions that the job is going away.
Market signal
Independent published positions, read together — not a forecast.
- About average employment outlook (+4.8% by 2034)
- 3,200 openings/yr
- Low AI exposure
- Median pay $49,430/yr
32nd-percentile task overlap — yet about 3,200 openings a year (+4.8% projected, BLS) . What exposure means →
AI & job outlook
What today's research says about this occupation's exposure to AI, how AI is actually being used in it, and where employment is headed. These are positions within published studies — measures of exposure and usage, not predictions that this job will disappear.
Exposure to current AI
Each study uses its own scale, so the raw scores are not comparable across rows — the percentile (this job's rank among all U.S. occupations with data) is the comparable figure, and sizes the bars.
| Measure | Rank vs all occupations | Percentile | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) Moderate | 39th | 0.4 | |
| AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) Low | 28th | 0.1 |
OpenAI's exposure study scores tasks three ways: with a language model alone (α 0.3), with simple added tooling (β 0.4), and including AI-powered software (γ 0.4). Higher means more of the job's tasks could be done at least twice as fast — not that they will be automated away.
How AI is actually used in this job
Among measured AI assistant conversations mapped to this occupation (Anthropic Economic Index, 2026-01-15), these task types came up most. These are shares of observed AI conversations — not shares of the job, of worker time, or of what could be automated.
| Compute moisture or salt content, percentages of ingredients, formulas, or other product factors, using mathematical and chemical procedures. | 11.1% | |
| Examine chemical or biological samples to identify cell structures or to locate bacteria or extraneous material, using a microscope. | 0.8% | |
| Provide assistance to food scientists or technologists in research and development, production technology, or quality control. | 0.5% | |
| Monitor and control temperature of products. | 0.5% | |
| Conduct standardized tests on food, beverages, additives, or preservatives to ensure compliance with standards and regulations regarding factors such as color, texture, or nutrients. | 0.2% |
Job outlook
Independent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projection for 2024–2034 — a labor-market forecast, not an AI-impact forecast.
| Outlook | About average · +4.8% by 2034 |
| Projected annual openings | 3,200 |
| Employment 2024 → 2034 | 20,400 → 21,300 |
“Annual openings” counts new jobs plus replacements for workers who leave the occupation, so it can be large even when growth is modest.
Tasks
All 16 tasks O*NET lists for this occupation, ordered by importance. Each links to its own page with AI-exposure and observed-use detail.
- Taste or smell foods or beverages to ensure that flavors meet specifications or to select samples with specific characteristics. Core · importance 4.7
- Measure, test, or weigh bottles, cans, or other containers to ensure that hardness, strength, or dimensions meet specifications. Core · importance 4.5
- Maintain records of testing results or other documents as required by state or other governing agencies. Core · importance 4.4
- Monitor and control temperature of products. Core · importance 4.4
- Analyze test results to classify products or compare results with standard tables. Core · importance 4.3
- Record or compile test results or prepare graphs, charts, or reports. Core · importance 4.3
- Prepare or incubate slides with cell cultures. Supplemental · importance 4.3
- Perform regular maintenance of laboratory equipment by inspecting, calibrating, cleaning, or sterilizing. Core · importance 4.2
- Examine chemical or biological samples to identify cell structures or to locate bacteria or extraneous material, using a microscope. Supplemental · importance 4.2
- Conduct standardized tests on food, beverages, additives, or preservatives to ensure compliance with standards and regulations regarding factors such as color, texture, or nutrients. Core · importance 4.2
- Mix, blend, or cultivate ingredients to make reagents or to manufacture food or beverage products. Core · importance 4.0
- Train newly hired laboratory personnel. Core · importance 3.9
- Provide assistance to food scientists or technologists in research and development, production technology, or quality control. Core · importance 3.9
- Supervise other food science technicians. · importance 3.8
- Compute moisture or salt content, percentages of ingredients, formulas, or other product factors, using mathematical and chemical procedures. Core · importance 3.8
- Order supplies needed to maintain inventories in laboratories or in storage facilities of food or beverage processing plants. Supplemental · importance 3.7
Work activities
- Record research or operational data.
- Measure physical or chemical properties of materials or objects.
- Clean objects.
- Maintain laboratory or technical equipment.
- Train personnel in technical or scientific procedures.
- Prepare biological samples for testing or analysis.
- Supervise laboratory work.
- Test quality of materials or finished products.
- Research methods to improve food products.
- Analyze chemical compounds or substances.
- Evaluate quality of materials or products.
- Examine characteristics or behavior of living organisms.
- Prepare compounds or solutions for products or testing.
- Manage scientific or technical project resources.
Knowledge, skills & abilities
O*NET importance rating, from 1 (not important) to 5 (extremely important).
Abilities
| Near Vision | 3.9 | |
| Oral Comprehension | 3.8 | |
| Written Comprehension | 3.8 | |
| Oral Expression | 3.8 | |
| Written Expression | 3.8 | |
| Deductive Reasoning | 3.6 | |
| Inductive Reasoning | 3.6 | |
| Problem Sensitivity | 3.5 | |
| Visual Color Discrimination | 3.3 | |
| Speech Recognition | 3.3 | |
| Speech Clarity | 3.3 | |
| Information Ordering | 3.1 | |
| Category Flexibility | 3.1 | |
| Flexibility of Closure | 3.1 | |
| Perceptual Speed | 3.1 | |
| Selective Attention | 3.1 | |
| Mathematical Reasoning | 3.0 | |
| Number Facility | 3.0 |
Knowledge
| Food Production | 3.8 | |
| Production and Processing | 3.7 | |
| Chemistry | 3.5 | |
| English Language | 3.4 | |
| Computers and Electronics | 3.1 | |
| Biology | 3.1 | |
| Mathematics | 3.0 |
Essential skills
| Reading Comprehension | 3.8 | |
| Active Listening | 3.5 | |
| Writing | 3.5 | |
| Speaking | 3.5 | |
| Science | 3.3 | |
| Critical Thinking | 3.3 | |
| Monitoring | 3.1 | |
| Active Learning | 3.0 | |
| Learning Strategies | 2.9 |
Transferable skills
| Coordination | 3.1 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.1 | |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.1 | |
| Instructing | 3.0 | |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.0 | |
| Time Management | 3.0 |
Skills in demand
Skills employers ask for in job postings for this occupation (Lightcast), with whether each is a common or specialized skill.
Showing the top 40 of 44.
Tools & technology
Work context
How characteristic each condition is of the job, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale (higher = more present in day-to-day work). Each condition links to how it varies across all occupations.
How to get in
- Job zone
- Zone 3 — Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Typical entry-level education
- Associate's degree · BLS, the typical path — not a requirement
- Related experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Preparation level
- SVP (6.0 to < 7.0) — total schooling plus on-the-job experience.
What to study: Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences , Biological and Biomedical Sciences , Physical Sciences . Fields of study crosswalked to this occupation (NCES CIP–SOC), not a requirement.
Education of current workers
Share of people in this occupation at each level of education.
| Bachelor's Degree | 32.3% | |
| Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 23.0% | |
| High School Diploma | 16.5% | |
| Master's Degree | 12.8% | |
| Some College Courses | 12.3% | |
| Doctoral Degree | 1.2% | |
| Post-Doctoral Training | 1.2% |
Interests & work styles
The interests and personal qualities O*NET associates with people who do this work.
Career interests (Holland / RIASEC)
| Realistic | 5.6 | |
| Conventional | 5.0 | |
| Investigative | 4.5 | |
| Enterprising | 2.0 |
Interest areas
| Life Science | 4.3 | |
| Physical Science | 3.9 | |
| Mathematics/Statistics | 3.0 | |
| Engineering | 2.4 | |
| Medical Science | 2.3 | |
| Culinary Art | 2.1 | |
| Mechanics/Electronics | 2.1 | |
| Physical/Manual Labor | 2.0 | |
| Information Technology | 2.0 |
Work styles
| Dependability | 3.0 | |
| Attention to Detail | 2.8 | |
| Cautiousness | 2.1 |
Wages & employment
U.S. · annual wages (BLS OEWS)
| 10th percentile | $37,760 |
| 25th percentile | $43,990 |
| Median (50th) | $49,430 |
| 75th percentile | $60,940 |
| 90th percentile | $75,100 |
| People employed | 14,200 |
Industries that employ this occupation
Where these workers are employed, by number of jobs (national, BLS OEWS). Pay shown is the occupation's national median, not industry-specific.
| Industry | Workers | National median pay |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing · Sector | 10,450 | $49,130 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services · Sector | 1,130 | $49,890 |
| Wholesale Trade · Sector | 630 | $50,920 |
| Educational Services · Sector | 610 | $49,370 |
| Testing Laboratories and Services · National industry | 520 | $44,880 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises · Sector | 500 | $62,460 |
| Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting · Sector | 140 | $40,180 |
| Transportation and Warehousing · Sector | 90 | $50,560 |
| Retail Trade · Sector | 60 | $55,170 |
| Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services · Sector | — | $54,580 |
| Temporary Help Services · National industry | — | $57,400 |
| Accommodation and Food Services · Sector | — | $46,940 |
Where this work is most concentrated
Industries where this occupation is far more common than in the economy as a whole. The location quotient is how many times more concentrated it is here (a value of 5 means five times its economy-wide share).
| Industry | Concentration | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Testing Laboratories and Services · National industry | 33.14× | 520 |
| Manufacturing · Sector | 8.89× | 10,450 |
| Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting · Sector | 3.59× | 140 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises · Sector | 1.93× | 500 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services · Sector | 1.14× | 1,130 |
| Wholesale Trade · Sector | 1.13× | 630 |
| Educational Services · Sector | 0.49× | 610 |
Related occupations
Part of the Agriculture career cluster.
- Food Scientists and Technologists · 19-1012.00 Compare →
- Chemical Technicians · 19-4031.00 Compare →
- Quality Control Analysts · 19-4099.01 Compare →
- Agricultural Technicians · 19-4012.00 Compare →
- Agricultural Inspectors · 45-2011.00 Compare →
- Quality Control Systems Managers · 11-3051.01 Compare →
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians · 17-3028.00 Compare →
- Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders · 51-3091.00 Compare →
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers · 51-9061.00 Compare →
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians · 17-3026.00 Compare →
- Chemists · 19-2031.00 Compare →
- Microbiologists · 19-1022.00 Compare →
Side-by-side comparisons place two occupations’ pay, preparation, skills, and AI exposure on the same page — same data, same scale, no forecast.
What you can do with this
Options the data surfaces for Food Science Technicians — not advice or a forecast. Each is a real cross-link you can follow into the evidence.
Skills that travel
Capabilities this work builds that are used across many other occupations.
Adjacent roles
Occupations O*NET rates as related — the nearby moves on the map.
Paths in
How people typically prepare for this work.
- Associate's degree · typical entry level
- Job zone 3 — Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed · preparation tier
- Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences · field of study
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences · field of study
Zoom out
See where this work sits in the bigger picture.
Write a report on thisheadline · factoids · citation
Food Science Technicians show 32nd-percentile AI task overlap — and about 3,200 annual U.S. openings
- Food Science Technicians rank in the 32nd percentile (Low band) for AI task overlap across U.S. occupations — a measure of how much of the work today's AI can attempt, not how much is automated.Eloundou et al. (GPTs are GPTs) + Felten AIOE
- The occupation is projected to see about 3,200 U.S. job openings per year (2024–34), counting growth and replacement — a labor-demand projection made independently of AI.BLS Employment Projections 2024–34
- BLS projects employment to be about average (+4.8%) from 2024 to 2034.BLS Employment Projections 2024–34
- Median annual pay is $49,430, across about 14,200 U.S. workers.BLS OEWS (May 2024)
Copy the whole kit
Food Science Technicians show 32nd-percentile AI task overlap — and about 3,200 annual U.S. openings • Food Science Technicians rank in the 32nd percentile (Low band) for AI task overlap across U.S. occupations — a measure of how much of the work today's AI can attempt, not how much is automated. (Eloundou et al. (GPTs are GPTs) + Felten AIOE) • The occupation is projected to see about 3,200 U.S. job openings per year (2024–34), counting growth and replacement — a labor-demand projection made independently of AI. (BLS Employment Projections 2024–34) • BLS projects employment to be about average (+4.8%) from 2024 to 2034. (BLS Employment Projections 2024–34) • Median annual pay is $49,430, across about 14,200 U.S. workers. (BLS OEWS (May 2024)) Source: Singulariki — "Food Science Technicians". https://singulariki.com/roles/role-19-4013-00 Note: AI task overlap measures what today's AI can attempt, not automation, job loss, or a forecast.
AssetsShare imageMethodology & sourcesPress & newsroomThe newsroom
Every line is built only from figures this page already shows and cites. AI task overlap means what today's AI can attempt — not automation, job loss, or a forecast.
Sources for this page
Every figure above traces to a named public dataset and the exact release below — not hand-written opinion. See the full methodology for what each measure does and does not mean.
- O*NET 30.3 U.S. Department of Labor / National Center for O*NET Development
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Anthropic Economic Index v4 (2026-01-15) + v2 (2025-03-27) Anthropic
- Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai Microsoft Research
- “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130 OpenAI / academic
Data compiled June 2, 2026. Figures are estimates, not advice.
Cite this page
Plain
Singulariki. "Food Science Technicians." Singulariki: a source-backed encyclopedia of work. Built from O*NET 30.3; BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024; BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034; Anthropic Economic Index v4 (2026-01-15) + v2 (2025-03-27); Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai; “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130. Accessed June 7, 2026. https://singulariki.com/roles/role-19-4013-00
APA
Singulariki. (2026). Food Science Technicians. Singulariki: a source-backed encyclopedia of work. Retrieved June 7, 2026, from https://singulariki.com/roles/role-19-4013-00
BibTeX
@misc{singulariki-role-19-4013-00,
title = {Food Science Technicians},
author = {{Singulariki}},
year = {2026},
note = {O*NET 30.3; BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024; BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034; Anthropic Economic Index v4 (2026-01-15) + v2 (2025-03-27); Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai; “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130. Accessed June 7, 2026},
url = {https://singulariki.com/roles/role-19-4013-00}
} Citations name the underlying public dataset releases — they reflect what this page is built from, not just the URL.