Food Science Technicians Salary in Modesto, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Modesto, CA

Median annual salary $48,940 -1% vs national
Median hourly $23.53
10th percentile $37,790
90th percentile $70,760
Employed locally 210
National median $49,430

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Food Science Technicians
in
Modesto, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $37,790
    25th
    $45,990
    50th (median)
    $48,940
    75th
    $60,060
    90th
    $70,760

    Modesto economic context

    Unemployment rate 6.90% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $79,661 2023 • Census ACS
    Food Science Technicians salary vs area income 61% Median Food Science Technicians salary is 39% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Food Science Technicians

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $104,600
    Fort Collins-Loveland, CO $77,530
    Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC $76,690
    Jacksonville, FL $76,320
    Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI $73,030
    Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX $65,220

    Nearby metros — Food Science Technicians salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN $64,760
    Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $62,590
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $61,850
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $60,780
    Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA $60,540
    Merced, CA $58,880

    Related occupations in Modesto, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Chemical Technicians$55,310
    Occupational Health and Safety Specialists$95,320
    Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$136,180
    Food Scientists and Technologists$81,740
    Clinical and Counseling Psychologists$83,000
    Chemists$81,180

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Food Science Technicians make per hour in Modesto?

    The median hourly wage for Food Science Technicians in Modesto, CA is $23.53, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $36.03 or more per hour.

    Is Modesto above or below average for Food Science Technicians salaries?

    The median Food Science Technicians salary in Modesto, CA is 1% below the national median of $49,430. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Food Science Technicians in Modesto?

    Entry-level Food Science Technicians (10th percentile) earn around $37,790 per year in Modesto, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $45,990.