Food Technology and Processing: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Food Technology and Processing is a multidisciplinary field dedicated to advancing the science and systems behind safe, efficient, and sustainable food production. This program integrates core principles from chemistry, physics, and engineering to innovate in the transformation, preservation, packaging, and distribution of food products across global supply chains.
- Food Engineering: The application of engineering methods to design and optimize processes involved in food production, from raw material handling to final product formation.
- Food Preservation and Handling: Techniques and protocols to extend shelf life, maintain quality, and ensure microbiological safety throughout the food supply chain.
- Food Preparation Technologies: Scientific approaches to processing raw ingredients into consumable forms, emphasizing efficiency, consistency, and nutritional retention.
- Food Packaging and Display: Development of packaging systems that protect food integrity, enhance consumer appeal, and support sustainable disposal or reuse.
- Food Storage and Shipment: Strategies and infrastructure for maintaining optimal conditions during transit and warehousing to prevent spoilage and contamination.
- Equipment and Facilities Design: Planning and implementation of production environments and machinery tailored to operational efficiency, safety standards, and scalability.
Food Technology and Processing Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Food Technology and Processing Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Food Technology and Processing degrees, including Food Scientists and Technologists and Food Science Technicians. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 28,570 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food Scientists and Technologists 19-1012 | $85,310 | $49,580 - $141,860 | 14,370 | $41.02 |
| Food Science Technicians 19-4013 | $49,430 | $37,760 - $75,100 | 14,200 | $23.76 |
Food Technology and Processing Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $43,990 in New Mexico to $102,500 in District of Columbia—a 133% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Alabama, and New Hampshire. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 28,570 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Food Technology and Processing by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 22 institutions offering Food Technology and Processing programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Food Technology and Processing is found at Kansas State University (K‑State) (13 graduates), University of Georgia (UGA) (12 graduates), Bakersfield College (BC) (8 graduates), Hartnell College (8 graduates), and North Dakota State University (NDSU), Main Campus (8 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 96 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas State University (K‑State) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
13 | Manhattan, Kansas | Public | k-state.edu |
| University of Georgia (UGA) |
Master's
|
12 | Athens, Georgia | Public | uga.edu |
| Bakersfield College (BC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
8 | Bakersfield, California | Public | bakersfieldcollege.edu |
| Hartnell College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
8 | Salinas, California | Public | hartnell.edu |
| North Dakota State University (NDSU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
8 | Fargo, North Dakota | Public | ndsu.edu |
| Western Kentucky University (WKU) |
Other Award
|
6 | Bowling Green, Kentucky | Public | wku.edu |
| California State University |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Los Angeles, California | Public | calstatela.edu |
| Cowley County Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
5 | Arkansas City, Kansas | Public | cowley.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
5 | College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| Blackhawk Technical College (BTC) |
Associate's
|
4 | Janesville, Wisconsin | Public | blackhawk.edu |
| University of Arkansas (U of A) |
Other Award
|
3 | Fayetteville, Arkansas | Public | uark.edu |
| Minnesota State University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Mankato, Minnesota | Public | mnsu.edu |
| New Mexico State University (NMSU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Las Cruces, New Mexico | Public | nmsu.edu |
| SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology (SUNY Cobleskill) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Cobleskill, New York | Public | cobleskill.edu |
| University of Maine (UMaine) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Orono, Maine | Public | umaine.edu |
| Johnson & Wales University (JWU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Charlotte, North Carolina | Private | jwu.edu |
| San Diego Mesa College |
Other Award
|
1 | San Diego, California | Public | sdmesa.edu |
| College of the Sequoias (COS) |
Other Award
|
1 | Visalia, California | Public | cos.edu |
| Coalinga College |
Other Award
|
1 | Coalinga, California | Public | westhillscollege.com |
| College of Southern Idaho (CSI) |
Other Award
|
1 | Twin Falls, Idaho | Public | csi.edu |
| Western Michigan University (WMU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Kalamazoo, Michigan | Public | wmich.edu |
| Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Kalispell, Montana | Public | fvcc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Food Technology and Processing programs
How much can I earn with a Food Technology and Processing degree?
Salaries for Food Technology and Processing graduates vary by role and location. Food Scientists and Technologists earn a median of $85,310 annually, while Food Science Technicians earn around $49,430. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $102,500 compared to $43,990 in New Mexico. Approximately 28,570 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Food Technology and Processing programs?
Currently 22 accredited institutions offer Food Technology and Processing degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Kansas State University (K‑State) (13 graduates), University of Georgia (UGA) (12 graduates), and Bakersfield College (BC) (8 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Food Technology and Processing growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 19 in 2010 to 96 in 2023-24. This represents a 405% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Food Technology and Processing degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Food Scientists and Technologists, Food Science Technicians, . Related occupations employ approximately 28,570 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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