O*NET-SOC 19-4013.00

Food Science Technicians

Work with food scientists or technologists to perform standardized qualitative and quantitative tests to determine physical or chemical properties of food or beverage products. Includes technicians who assist in research and development of production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and use of foods.

Preparation

ItemValue
Preparation zoneZone 3 – Medium preparation needed
What O*NET says the zone requiresPrevious work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required
Broad occupation in O*NETTrue (Yes)
Skills listed for this occupation6
Abilities listed for this occupation6
Tasks listed for this occupation5
Interest scores given for this occupation6

Skills

The 6 skills with the highest importance values in this occupation's records.

SkillO*NET elementImportanceDate
Reading Comprehension2.A.1.a3.7508/2023
Active Listening2.A.1.b3.508/2023
Speaking2.A.1.d3.508/2023
Writing2.A.1.c3.508/2023
Critical Thinking2.A.2.a3.2508/2023
Science2.A.1.f3.2508/2023

The importance value is what each record itself carries on O*NET's importance scale; the date is the date in each record.

Abilities

The 6 abilities with the highest importance values in this occupation's records.

AbilityO*NET elementImportanceDate
Near Vision1.A.4.a.13.8808/2023
Oral Comprehension1.A.1.a.13.7508/2023
Oral Expression1.A.1.a.33.7508/2023
Written Comprehension1.A.1.a.23.7508/2023
Written Expression1.A.1.a.43.7508/2023
Deductive Reasoning1.A.1.b.43.6208/2023

The importance value is what each record itself carries on O*NET's importance scale; the date is the date in each record.

Tasks

The tasks O*NET records for this occupation, with the type, respondent count and date each record carries.

TaskTypeIncumbents respondingDate
Taste or smell foods or beverages to ensure that flavors meet specifications or to select samples with specific characteristics.Core5808/2023
Measure, test, or weigh bottles, cans, or other containers to ensure that hardness, strength, or dimensions meet specifications.Core5808/2023
Maintain records of testing results or other documents as required by state or other governing agencies.Core5808/2023
Monitor and control temperature of products.Core5808/2023
Analyze test results to classify products or compare results with standard tables.Core5808/2023

Work interests

The interest scores O*NET gives this occupation, on the six interest types.

InterestScoreDate
Realistic5.5611/2023
Conventional5.0711/2023
Investigative4.5511/2023
Enterprising1.811/2023
Social1.6711/2023
Artistic1.3711/2023

More occupations in preparation zone 3

Source: O*NET 29.1 Database (Occupation Data, Job Zones, Skills, Abilities, Task Statements, Interests), U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Data fetched 2026-10-31. See about and sources.