Washington Median
$94,990
per year
Hourly Rate
$45.67
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+7% vs US median
US median $88,720
State Rank
#10 of 39
250 employed here
How much do Food Scientists and Technologists make in Washington?
Food Scientists and Technologists in Washington take home a median of $94,990 annually — roughly $45.67 an hour — which runs 7% above the national median of $88,720.
Within Washington, entry-level pay starts around $56,520 while the top 10% make $162,740 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $77,170 and $128,890 a year.
Food Scientists and Technologists salary range in Washington
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $56,520 | $27.17 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $77,170 | $37.10 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $94,990 | $45.67 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $128,890 | $61.97 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $162,740 | $78.24 |
|
How Washington compares
Washington ranks 10th out of 39 states and territories for Food Scientists and Technologists pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
Food Scientists and Technologists salary in other states
South Carolina $108,660Missouri $105,930New Jersey $104,340Massachusetts $103,580Florida $101,160Colorado $99,580Minnesota $99,280Kentucky $98,710Alabama $97,480Illinois $94,340New York $94,070California $93,950Virginia $93,590Maryland $93,330Texas $90,610Arizona $90,450Maine $89,480Rhode Island $87,970Georgia $86,050Kansas $85,130Oklahoma $84,750Arkansas $84,330Pennsylvania $83,380Wisconsin $83,020Iowa $82,010Tennessee $81,760Oregon $81,660Nevada $80,580North Carolina $79,840New Mexico $79,130Idaho $77,440Michigan $76,940Ohio $76,780Utah $73,280Nebraska $72,230South Dakota $71,330Indiana $69,350Montana $52,230
Working as Food Scientists and Technologists in Washington
Nationally, about 13,000 people work as Food Scientists and Technologists in the United States. A bachelor's degree (about 4 years of college) is the standard entry requirement.
Considering a move? Compare Washington pay ($94,990) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Food Scientists and Technologists make in Washington?
The median Food Scientists and Technologists salary in Washington is $94,990 per year, or about $45.67 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $56,520 at the entry level to $162,740 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Washington pay compare to the national average?
Washington pays Food Scientists and Technologists about 7% more than the national median of $88,720. Washington ranks 10th out of 39 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Washington a good state for Food Scientists and Technologists?
Yes on pay — Washington pays above the national median for this occupation, at $94,990 a year. About 250 Food Scientists and Technologists are employed in Washington. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Washington?
The highest-paying occupations in Washington include Cardiologist ($656,330), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($553,310), Dermatologist ($526,170), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.
← See the national Food Scientists and Technologists salary report
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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.