Agricultural and food science technicians assist agricultural and food scientists by performing duties such as measuring and analyzing the quality of food and agricultural products.

Agricultural and food science technicians work in laboratories, processing plants, farms and ranches, greenhouses, and offices.

Agricultural and food science technicians typically need an associate's degree in biology, chemistry, crop or animal science, or a related field. Many positions require a bachelor's degree. For those positions requiring only a high school diploma, technicians typically need to have previous work experience. Technicians often receive on-the-job training that may cover topics such as production techniques, personal hygiene, and sanitation procedures.

The median annual wage for agricultural and food science technicians was $36,480 in May 2015.

Employment of agricultural and food science technicians is projected to grow 5 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Advances in technology and scientific knowledge related to food production will require greater control of production and processing activities, increasing demand for these workers.

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