Food Technologist Jobs: Roles, Skills, Salary 2023

Food Technology entails the study of food aspects, nutritional composition, reactions, and changes that occur at various stages of processing and storage, as well as the microbiological aspect of food in order to prevent rotting and extend shelf life. Through new processing, preservation, and packaging technologies, professionals strive to improve production procedures.

People are more concerned than ever before about the food they eat, including its origin, quality, nutrition, convenience, and affordability. The most important and common question asked by the consumer is, "Is it safe to eat?" Thus, It becomes very essential for the food processing sector to satisfy customer's nutritional demands and questions. This is where food technologists come in; the food processing business is big and flexible, and it offers young people exciting employment and a good career in Food Technology.

Food Technology Courses	How to become a Food Technologist

Both the public and private sectors have a significant demand and various Food Tech Jobs for qualified food professionals. After graduating or completing a postgraduate program in food technology, one can work as a Food Process Technologist and earn an average salary of INR 3-6 LPA.

Table of Contents

Who is a Food Technologist?
Qualifications to Become a Food Technologist
Food Technologist Jobs
Skills Required to Become a Food Technologist
How to Get Hired as a Food Technologist
Food Technologist Jobs: FAQs

Who is a Food Technologist?

A food technologist is a scientist and engineer who studies and develops methods for processing, packaging, and securely distributing food products.
Some specialists work in laboratories to explore the physical and chemical aspects of foods, while others operate in processing plants to develop new manufacturing procedures.
Furthermore, a food technologist may use his or her particular knowledge to improve quality-control procedures, shipping methods, and government requirements.
Finally, technologists guarantee that the foods citizens eat are both safe and nutritious.
In short, a food technologist is involved not only in the processing of food but also in the design of the food plant and other processing equipment.

Qualifications to Become a Food Technologist

The basic educational requirement for this course is a 12th-grade pass in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.

Name of the Course	Provider	Average Fees (INR)
Food Science Certificate Program	Magadh University, Sarada Ma Girls College, SM Patel College of Home Science	INR 2,000- INR 20,000
Food Science Certificate Program	Vidyasagar College, Sharda University, CMJ University, Amity University	INR 20,000- INR 3,00,000
PG Diploma Food microbiology	G H Raisoni Polytechnic, Ballarpur Institute of Technology, Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women's University	INR 15,000- INR 50,000
PG Diploma Food microbiology	College of Food and Dairy Technology, Parul University, IGNOU	INR 20,000- INR 4,00,000
BSc Food Technology	M.O.P. Vaishnav College for Women, Mahatma Gandhi University, Jain University	INR 20,000- INR 2,00,000
BSc Food Technology	Mount Carmel College, Queen Mary’s College, Sai Nath University, Sharda University	INR 10,000- INR 5,00,000
Master of Science (MSc) in Food Technology	Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, IIHMRUniversity, NIMS University,	INR 50,000- INR 4,00,000
Master of Science (MSc) in Food Technology	Ganpat University, Loyola Academy Degree PG College, Amity University	INR 50,000- INR 5,00,000

Food Technologist Jobs

Candidates who have studied Food Technology at a reputable and recognized college might find a variety of professions relevant to the field. Food Technologist job profiles can be further subdivided based on their tasks and responsibilities. The following are some of the top job profiles for food technologists:

Job Profiles	Job Description	Average Salary (INR)
Quality Manager	A quality manager's responsibility is to maintain the standard while keeping the legalities in mind. These professionals are responsible for meeting internal and external food and customer satisfaction requirements.	INR 3,00,000 to INR 4,50,000
Nutritional Therapist	These are medical specialists who work with patients' diets and eating habits to avoid illness and disease. They generally collaborate with health personnel and hospitals.	INR 4,00,000
Regulatory Affairs Officer	These are the people in charge of marketing, licensing, and legal compliance of medical and pharmaceutical products for food agencies and other connected organizations.	INR 2.9 Lakhs
Process Development Scientist	These professionals are engaged by various food corporations to control and comprehend the various processes and stages used in the final product output.	INR 3,00,000 to INR 3,50,000
Food Blogger or Vlogger	The most recent and well-known job profile. These are the people that spend their time gorging in order to inspire and inform others about the wide range of dishes available around the world. A blogger writes, and a vlogger films the preparation of food and its consumption by consumers.	INR 3,75585
Chefs	Cook delicacies while keeping the number of ingredients in mind. Chefs in today's circumstances are following a new trend of innovation and healthful concepts.	INR 5,00452
Technical Brewer	A technical brewer's function is to take on the task of brewing, packaging, and marketing beer for a restaurant or a beer factory, which is considered an interesting and appealing work profile.	INR 3,50,000 to INR 4,00,000

Skills Required to Become a Food Technologist

To become a Food Technologist, one must have the following skills:

One should have a passion for food, technical and practical skills, problem-solving abilities, planning and organizational abilities, attention to detail in their job, and an understanding of food biology and chemistry.
Food technologists must also be able to create new and improve existing food products, as well as define standards for food packaging and marketing.
Candidates should be able to perform well under pressure because they frequently have to work to tight deadlines.

Teamwork Skills	Food Preparation	Safety Standards
Interests	Communication	Creative & Innovative
Good at planning and organizing	Work well under pressure	Patient & Persistent

How to Get Hired as a Food Technologist

A student must have a bachelor's degree in food science or a related discipline such as nutrition, chemistry, biology, or agricultural science is required for food technologists. These degree programs look at biology, chemistry, and statistics issues. Students also study courses on food quality, food composition, and food microbiology, all of which are relevant to food technology. Students can also anticipate taking classes in which they will conduct experiments in labs.

Tip 1: Pursue a Graduate Degree

Food technologists with a bachelor's degree are hired; nevertheless, some people choose to get a graduate degree to boost their chances of employment. Graduate degrees provide extra chances for research through theses and dissertations. Incorporate concentrations such as dairy science or sensory evaluation are also available in some programs.

Tip 2: Get Work Experience

While some roles for food technologist jobs are open to fresh graduates, the majority of job recruitments need three to five years of work experience for graduates with a bachelor's degree. In addition, experience is usually needed to acquire certification. Food technologists work in the sector to conduct research, design innovative systems for food processing and production, test products, and define safety standards.

Tip 3: Obtain Certification to Boost Your Career

Food Technologists with a certain degree of education and work experience can take a certification exam offered by the Institute of Food Technologists. Those with a bachelor's degree in Food Science and Technology Jobs, for example, must have at least three years of experience in the sector. The exam's 120 questions cover topics such as product development, food safety, and quality control. Every five years, food technologists must renew their certification by completing educational courses and earning credits for the same.

Tip 4: Creating a Portfolio of Food Styling

Students gain vital knowledge that will help them establish their personal brand and effectively enter the food styling profession. As food technologists, students will learn industry practices and gain experience during their training period that will help them develop a portfolio that will capture the eye of a prospective employer.

Tip 5: Make contact with professionals in the field of food science

Food science clubs and functions are available at various institutions, allowing you to network with people on the subject. You can also network with future employers by participating in community activities and competitions.

Food Technologist Jobs: FAQs

Ques. What qualifications are required to become a Food Technologist?

Ans. Graduates will need a degree in a suitable discipline, such as food science/technology, food/chemical engineering, biochemistry, nutrition, microbiology, or chemistry. Possession of a food-related PG qualification can be advantageous, especially for those who do not have a relevant first degree.

Ques. Are there any government jobs in food technology?

Ans. Food Technology is occasionally recruited by affiliated institutions of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, and several Agriculture Universities.

Ques. What exactly are the duties of a food technology professional?

Ans. Food Technologist personnel are responsible for preserving diverse nutrition-rich food supplies and preventing decay of any kind. Food Technology professionals play an important part in the addition of new fast food products, nutritional foods, ingredients, snacks, and so on.

Ques. What is the average pay in a Food Technology Job for a fresher graduate?

Ans. In India, a fresh graduate in Food Technology earns at least 3 lakh rupees per year. During the training duration, candidates might earn up to Rs. 15,000/- per month. Following the training term, their income will get raised depending on the position of their employment. Food Process Technologist graduates can also find work in-home catering services established by food entrepreneurs.

Ques. Are food science and food technology different?

Ans. Food science can describe the behavior of many components in food items, whereas technology is the implementation of that knowledge. Food scientists are individuals who investigate scientific elements of foods, whereas food technologists are those who introduce new technology to the sector.

Ques. Is there a board exam for food technology?

Ans. Before a candidate can practice their respective profession, graduates of food technology must undergo a license examination administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). According to the law, food technology involves the study of food business concerns, as well as the research and development of solutions to these issues.

Ques. Which is more effective, biotechnology or food technology?

Ans. According to the present job and placement scenario, Food Technology is superior to biotechnology. Because biotechnology is taught in nearly every college or university in India, students pursuing a biotech degree face stiff competition.

Ques. Why should one choose Food Science and Technology?

Ans. Have a look at some of the reasons why one should opt or choose Food Science and Technology:

Job Security: Nourishment is necessary for all forms of life, and humans require food to survive. Food, like housing, clothing, education, and healthcare, is a basic human need. In simple words, no one can live without food. As a result, the food industry will continue to process food and hire people. Some of the most notable examples (products) of food science and technology that we encounter daily are Frozen food, Canned food, Fast Food & Snacks like chips, fries, pizza, burgers, pasta, etc.
Dynamic Work Environment: Because the food sector is so broad, there are thousands of potential options for a food scientist/food technologist. You can work in the milk processing sector, the winemaking industry, the bakery industry, the meat processing industry, culinary creation, and so on. Studying interdisciplinary courses opens up a plethora of opportunities.
Salary Prospects: A degree in food science provides numerous options to achieve high-paying jobs with high development potential.
Tasting New Food: If you enjoy food, working in this profession would be a dream come true. You will be exposed to good food as a result of creating and testing items. You will also have the opportunity to try different dishes and flavors.
Travel Opportunities: The majority of the food businesses are worldwide in nature. Depending on your employment, you may be allowed to travel to different nations for work, training, business expansion, and other reasons.

Ques. What are the Best Food Technology Universities in India?

Ans. There are so many Universities that offer Food Technology. Choosing the best institutions in India has become more challenging. Here is a list of India’s best food technology universities:

IFTM University, Moradabad
NIMS University, Jaipur
ITM University, Gwalior
Parul University, Vadodara
Baba Farid College, Bathinda
Dr. Harivansh Rai Bachchan Mahavidyalaya, Unnao
r. Punjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola
Jawaharlal Nehru Technology University
The Women’s Christian College
School of Health Science, Kerala
Doaba Polytechnic College, Mohali
Government Polytechnic, Goa
Government Polytechnic, Odisha
Government Polytechnic, Maharashtra

Ques. Is it possible to get a Ph.D. in food technology?

Ans. Ph.D. Food Technology is a research-based doctorate program in Food Technology and associated subjects. During the Ph.D. in Food Technology program, candidates will research any of the main topics in Food Science and Technology and will be required to present a thesis to get a Phd.