Toll Free 1-877-644-9992
There was an error. Please try again.
This page is already listed in your guide. Please choose a different page to add.
Analytical Chemist, Carbohydrate Chemist, Dairy Scientist, Flavour Chemist, Food Chemist, Food Engineer, Food Microbiologist, Lipid Chemist, Organic Chemist, Protein Chemist, Research Scientist, Sensory Scientist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in synthesizing information to conduct ecological and environmental impact studies and to prepare reports, and to develop new practices in biological research
Interest in precision working with instruments and equipment to conduct experiments in plant and animal growth, heredity and breeding
Interest in consulting to advise on issues related to biological processes and research and the development of new products; may supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Food scientists solve problems and challenges in making food safe, nutritious, delicious, and sustainable. Food scientists may work in research, processing and product development, food safety, or management. Their job titles, such as food chemist, food microbiologist, or food engineer, often reflect their areas of specialty.
In general, food scientists work in 5 areas.
Basic and applied researchers study:
New or modified theories lead to better ways to develop safe, nutritious, and sustainable foods. For example, research scientists may develop new sources of protein or search for factors that affect the flavour, texture, or appearance of foods.
Food process and product development scientists:
Product development scientists often work closely with marketing personnel or customers. They also work for companies that develop ingredients or processing equipment for the food industry.
Quality assurance scientists check raw ingredients for maturity or stability for processing. They check finished products for safety, quality, and nutritional value. Food scientists in this field also may:
Processing scientists:
Regulatory scientists audit or inspect food-processing operations, investigate food-borne illness outbreaks, and coordinate recalls. For related information, see the Agricultural Commodity Inspector and Public Health Inspector occupational profiles.
To ensure food safety, food scientists develop, implement, and monitor Preventative Control Plans. These include Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) programs.
Food scientists work in different environments. Those who manage a team and plan and write proposals work mainly in an office setting. Those who do basic and applied research work in laboratories and pilot plant settings.
Food scientists who work in food processing and quality control are most often employed by production plants. Those employed in processing plants may work shifts that include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Food scientists most often work with a team. Team members may include different food science specialists as well as government officials, marketing and sales personnel, investors, academics, process and production engineers, chefs, and food technologists.
Food scientists need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 13 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Oct 29, 2021 and Mar 07, 2023.
Review these skills to learn:
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 7 |
|---|---|
| Teleworking Information: Remote work available | 7 |
| Personal Suitability: Effective interpersonal skills | 6 |
| Personal Suitability: Excellent oral communication | 6 |
| Personal Suitability: Excellent written communication | 6 |
| Personal Suitability: Client focus | 6 |
| Business Equipment and Computer Applications: MS Excel | 5 |
| Business Equipment and Computer Applications: MS PowerPoint | 5 |
| Business Equipment and Computer Applications: MS Word | 5 |
| Business Equipment and Computer Applications: MS Outlook | 5 |
The minimum education requirement for food scientists is a 4-year bachelor’s degree in a related discipline such as food science and technology, biochemistry, or microbiology.
Advancement opportunities are best for those who have a related master’s degree.
A doctoral degree (PhD) generally is required for independent research positions and to teach at a university. A PhD is also an asset for senior positions in food safety, ingredient and product development, and innovation in large companies.
Food scientists must understand and keep up to date with relevant legislation, regulations, and standards.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Agrologists provide advice and services related to agricultural and environmental science and technology. They apply scientific principles and practices to the cultivation, production, utilization and improvement of plants and animals, and the management of associated resources.
Under Alberta's Agrology Profession Act and Agrology Profession Regulation, registration with the Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA) is mandatory if you meet identified educational and competency requirements and provide professional services directly to the public or supervise registered members who provide services to the public. Only registered members may call themselves a Professional Agrologist or Agrologist in Training.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Agrologist.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Most companies involved in food and beverage processing or manufacturing employ food scientists. Major sectors in Alberta’s food-processing industry include:
Food scientists may work in research and development, quality assurance, inspection, management, or production. They may work in processing areas in food plants. Retail food chains employ food scientists to develop food safety programs.
Food scientists may be employed in public administration or educational services. They may work overseas as consultants with international food agencies. These agencies include, among others:
Most new graduates start work in junior positions in food quality, product development, production, or safety. With more experience, they can move into:
Food scientists who work for federal and provincial government agencies may start as technicians and advance to positions with more responsibilities, as scientists or supervisors. A master’s degree may be needed for advancement.
Research and teaching positions in post-secondary schools generally require a doctoral degree, particularly in universities. Doctors (PhD) also work for big companies, where they manage specific projects.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 2121: Biologists and related scientists occupational group, 79.3% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 2121: Biologists and related scientists occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.1% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 58 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Food scientists’ salaries vary widely depending on their qualifications and the employer.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $22.00 | $55.00 | $34.71 | $33.00 |
| Overall | $24.00 | $70.91 | $46.17 | $46.86 |
| Top | $26.00 | $101.09 | $60.62 | $58.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $100,349 |
|---|---|
| Public Administration | $97,896 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $91,023 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $87,887 |
Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA) website: www.albertaagrologists.ca
Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology (CIFST) website: cifst.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 22, 2023. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
