Food Technology and Processing
A program that focuses on the application of chemical, physical, and engineering principles to the development and implementation of manufacturing, packaging, storage, and distribution technologies and processes for food products. Includes instruction in food engineering, food preservation and handling, food preparation, food packaging and display, food storage and shipment, and related equipment and facilities design, operation, and maintenance.
- Schools offering
- 15
- Annual completions
- 29
- Typical degree level
- Associate's + Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $70k
About this major
A program that focuses on the application of chemical, physical, and engineering principles to the development and implementation of manufacturing, packaging, storage, and distribution technologies and processes for food products. Includes instruction in food engineering, food preservation and handling, food preparation, food packaging and display, food storage and shipment, and related equipment and facilities design, operation, and maintenance.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food science technicians | $49k | +4.8% | Associate's degree |
| Food scientists and technologists | $85k | +6.5% | Bachelor's degree |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$70k
Top colleges for Food Technology and Processing
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California State University-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | 0 | 9 | 9 |
| Minnesota State University-Mankato | Mankato, MN | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| University of Puerto Rico-Utuado | Utuado, PR | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Bakersfield College | Bakersfield, CA | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| College of Southern Idaho | Twin Falls, ID | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| New Mexico State University-Main Campus | Las Cruces, NM | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Milwaukee Area Technical College | Milwaukee, WI | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Western Michigan University | Kalamazoo, MI | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill | Cobleskill, NY | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | College Station, TX | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Related majors to explore
Data Processing and Data Processing Technology/Technician
921 completions/yr
Food Science
871 completions/yr
Viticulture and Enology
139 completions/yr
Agricultural and Food Products Processing
75 completions/yr
Food Science and Technology, Other
40 completions/yr
Brewing Science
30 completions/yr
Zymology/Fermentation Science
8 completions/yr