Working as a Food Technologist and Technician
Industry Overview
This is a relatively new and growing occupation sector.
Food research is expected to increase because the public is more aware of nutrition and food safety. There are currently 260 members registered with British Columbia Food Technologists, the organization representing food scientists and technologists in the province.
Across Canada, there are 1200 members of the Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology.
Source: BC Food Technologists
Job Outlook in BC
Chemical Technologists & Technicians, including Food Technicians & Technologists
Chart from WorkBC
Biologists & Related Scientists, including Food Scientists
Chart from WorkBC
Employment outlook by BC region:
Chemical technologists & technicians, including food technicians and technologists
Table from WorkBC
Employment outlook by BC region:
Biologists & Related Scientists, including food scientists
Table from WorkBC
You can learn more about working in the food technology sector in BC from:
Types of Employers
Food scientists work for universities, colleges, government-run research agencies, and private companies in the food processing industry.
Salary
Entry-level positions may start at approximately $35,000 a year. With experience, food scientists can earn $40,000 to $80,000 a year, though some in senior positions make as much as $115,000 a year.
Full-time food scientists usually receive benefits such as dental coverage, paid vacation, and sick days.
Source: Career Cruising database (Profile for Food Scientist).
In BC’s regions, Chemical technologists and technicians, including food technologists and technicians, earn:
Source: Job Bank Canada Wage Report
In BC’s regions, Biologists and related scientists, including food scientists, earn:
Source: Job Bank Canada Wage Report
Working Hours
Food technologists and technicians generally work a standard 35 to 40 hours per week. However, evening and weekend shifts may be required in order to meet deadlines. Most work on a full-time basis.