Food technicians usually work in a laboratory and carry out various tests and checks during the different stages of the processing of food.

The Work

You might:

• carry out tests for taste, safety and nutritional value
• prepare and process food samples that are to be tested
• try out sample product tastings on members of the public
• do routine checks on different stages of the processing, storing and packing of food products
• assist scientists to help develop new ideas for products and packaging methods
• use kilns, roasters and blenders to create different types of produce
• use a computer to check, analyse and record test results and maintain records
• order and look after supplies of materials and chemicals.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary depending on:

• where you work
• the size of the company or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

The starting salary for food technicians is between £15,000 and £18,000 a year. With experience this can rise to £22,000 and to over £25,000 a year as a senior technician. Shift allowances and overtime pay may be available.

Conditions

• You may work in an office or laboratory with regular hours.
• You could work in a factory, where you may work a 39-hour week with shift work and possibly overtime.
• You may have to work with dangerous chemicals.
• You usually have to wear protective clothing such as hats, hairnets, gloves and white coats.
• You may work in hot, cold, smelly or noisy conditions.

Useful Subjects

• Health and Food Technology
• Practical Cake Craft
• Practical Cookery

Getting In

• You can apply for direct entry to a job if you have a good general education.
• You could study for a Higher National Certificate or Diploma (HNC or HND) in food science and technology at college.
• You need 1-2 Highers for entry to HNC and HND courses.
• You could enter via a Modern Apprenticeship leading to Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) up to level 3.
• You need to have a good sense of taste and smell and normal colour vision.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2026

7529

1.8 %

RISE

2031

7665

  United Kingdom

2026

83281

3.3 %

RISE

2031

86015

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What Does it Take?

You need to be:

• interested in science and food production
• careful and methodical
• accurate
• observant with an eye for detail
• practical
• able to work under pressure
• able to work with machinery and computers to record and analyse test results.

Training

• You may do on the job training through an employer’s training scheme.
• You might do day release to gain an HNC or HND in food technology.
• The Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) offers its members support for Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
• You can work towards becoming a Registered Science Technician (RSci Tech) with the IFST.
• You may be able to continue with part time studies to qualify as a scientist or technologist.

Getting On

When you have experience and qualifications you may go on to become a:

• production manager
• supervisor
• head of laboratory
• general manager
• food scientist or technologist.

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.