Fermentation Science: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Fermentation Science is an interdisciplinary field dedicated to understanding and advancing the biological, chemical, and industrial processes behind fermented food and beverage production. This program equips students with the scientific rigor and practical expertise needed to innovate within sustainable food systems, from laboratory research to commercial application.
- Biology: Explores the fundamental life processes of microorganisms involved in fermentation, emphasizing cellular function and metabolic pathways critical to product development.
- Biochemistry: Investigates the chemical transformations during fermentation, including enzyme activity, substrate utilization, and the formation of key metabolites and flavor compounds.
- Brewing: Focuses on the technical and sensory aspects of beer and fermented grain-based beverages, covering malt processing, fermentation dynamics, and final product stability.
- Entrepreneurship: Develops skills in business planning, market analysis, and startup strategies tailored to specialty fermentation ventures and food innovation enterprises.
- Fermentation Technology: Addresses industrial-scale processes, bioreactor design, process optimization, and automation in controlled fermentation environments.
- Marketing: Teaches strategies for positioning fermented products in competitive markets, including branding, consumer behavior, and digital outreach for niche food trends.
- Microbiology: Provides in-depth study of microbial communities, strain selection, contamination control, and the role of beneficial microbes in food safety and quality.
- Quality Control: Emphasizes standardized testing protocols, sensory evaluation, and compliance with regulatory standards to ensure consistent, safe, and high-performance fermented goods.
- Sanitation: Covers hygiene practices, facility design, and contamination prevention systems essential for maintaining microbial integrity throughout production cycles.
Fermentation Science Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Fermentation Science Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Fermentation Science degrees, including Food Scientists and Technologists, Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 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 254,430 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 |
| Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 51-9012 | $49,500 | $35,810 - $75,860 | 54,200 | $23.80 |
| Food Science Technicians 19-4013 | $49,430 | $37,760 - $75,100 | 14,200 | $23.76 |
| Food Batchmakers 51-3092 | $40,790 | $30,850 - $57,800 | 171,660 | $19.61 |
Fermentation Science Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $27,330 in West Virginia to $75,420 in District of Columbia—a 176% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Wyoming, and Missouri. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 254,430 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 Fermentation Science by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 4 institutions offering Fermentation Science 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 Fermentation Science is found at University of Kentucky (UK) (63 graduates), Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) (7 graduates), SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology (SUNY Cobleskill), Cobleskill (3 graduates), and Eastern Michigan University (EMU) (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 74 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Kentucky (UK) |
Other Award
|
63 | Lexington, Kentucky | Public | uky.edu |
| Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Murfreesboro, Tennessee | Public | mtsu.edu |
| SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology (SUNY Cobleskill) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Cobleskill, New York | Public | cobleskill.edu |
| Eastern Michigan University (EMU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Ypsilanti, Michigan | Public | emich.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Fermentation Science programs
How much can I earn with a Fermentation Science degree?
Salaries for Fermentation Science graduates vary by role and location. Food Scientists and Technologists earn a median of $85,310 annually, while Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders earn around $49,500. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $75,420 compared to $27,330 in West Virginia. Approximately 254,430 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 Fermentation Science programs?
Currently 4 accredited institutions offer Fermentation Science degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Kentucky (UK) (63 graduates), Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) (7 graduates), and SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology (SUNY Cobleskill), Cobleskill (3 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.
What career paths are available with a Fermentation Science degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Food Scientists and Technologists, Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, and Food Science Technicians. Related occupations employ approximately 254,430 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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