How to become a Food Technologist

Analyses, develops and improves methods for the production, processing and preservation of existing and new food products, and sets standards for producing, packaging and marketing food.

Main tasks

• Studies the properties of food to support the development of new products or to improve existing food products
• Develops, manages and maintains quality systems for food processing
• Designs and improves food processing and packaging methods to increase efficiency and reduce costs
• Ensures food safety and quality by testing and analysing samples of raw materials, ingredients and finished products
• Tests food products to ensure compliance with health regulatory frameworks and quality standards
• Develops new methods for food preservation, such as freezing, canning and drying
• Conducts research to create new food products and improve the quality, safety and nutritional value of food

Ways in

• University: Science degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Certificate IV in Food Processing (FBP40321); Certificate IV in Food Science and Technology (FBP40421); Diploma of Food Science and Technology (FBP50121)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $114,088 a year
• About 10,200 people work in this job group now, and about 12,300 are projected by 2035. (+19.6%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Food Technologist?

Ways in include: Science degrees; Certificate IV in Food Processing; Certificate IV in Food Science and Technology.

How much does a Food Technologist earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $114,088 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Food Technologist a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 20% by 2035, from about 10,200 to about 12,300 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Food Technologist?

Usually. 87% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Food Technologist?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04