Food Science Professor

Also called: Professor of Food Science

Teaches food science at a university and researches topics like food safety, flavor, and new food products.

A day in the life

A food science professor teaches a morning class on food chemistry, meets grad students in the pilot plant where they make experimental yogurt or plant-based meat, and writes grants. Many consult for food companies.

Pay over a career

Starting
$51k
Typical
$99k
High
$163k

Training

Doctorate (PhD), about 9 years after high school. PhD in food science or a related field.

Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.

Majors to look at: Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology.

Outlook

Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years). BLS 2025-35 projection band for SOC 25-1041: Average (3% to 4%).

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Low risk for 10 years. AI helps with grading and research analysis; teaching labs, mentoring students and leading research stay human.

Start now, in high school

Classes: AP Chemistry, AP Biology, Speech.

Official data: O*NET occupation 25-1041.

More Food Science & Food Processing careers

Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.