Food Scientists and Technologists
The short answer
Parts of this job are expected to change. AI can already assist with some of its tasks. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to hold steady over the next decade, with about 60 openings expected each year.
Where your job stands
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the middle fifth for how much AI could touch it—right around the middle.
How much AI could touch this job
Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about half of this job's tasks.
What this means
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the middle fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.
What AI can and can’t help with in this job
The score comes from the real, day-to-day tasks of this job—not a guess about the job as a whole. Below are the tasks that matter most in this job, split by whether AI can help with them.
AI can help with or automate about 69% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Check raw ingredients for maturity or stability for processing, and finished products for safety, quality, and nutritional value.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Develop food standards and production specifications, safety and sanitary regulations, and waste management and water supply specifications.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Stay up to date on new regulations and current events regarding food science by reviewing scientific literature.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Confer with process engineers, plant operators, flavor experts, and packaging and marketing specialists to resolve problems in product development.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Test new products for flavor, texture, color, nutritional content, and adherence to government and industry standards.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Tasks AI can't do much of
Inspect food processing areas to ensure compliance with government regulations and standards for sanitation, safety, quality, and waste management.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Study methods to improve aspects of foods, such as chemical composition, flavor, color, texture, nutritional value, and convenience.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Study the structure and composition of food or the changes foods undergo in storage and processing.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Demonstrate products to clients.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Jobs you could switch to
If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.
See related jobs in
The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.
Chemists
Very similar workslightly less pay355 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$93,136 vs your $96,701 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a bachelor's degree.
Getting ready typically takes two to four years.
Skills you already have
- Chemistry
- Oral Comprehension
- Written Comprehension
- Reading Comprehension
- Oral Expression
New skills to build
- Equipment Maintenance
- Science
- Mathematics
Industrial Production Managers
Very similar work+37% pay457 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 37% more—$132,662 vs your $96,701 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a bachelor's degree, with 5 years or more of experience.
Getting ready typically takes two to four years.
Skills you already have
- Production and Processing
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
- Written Comprehension
New skills to build
- Mechanical
- Management of Financial Resources
- Building and Construction
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Management of Material Resources