Entry Level Salary
$53,095
Median Salary
$90,864
Unemployment Rate
2.9%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
29.9%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $3,634,560
Entry (Early)
$53,095
Median (Prime)
$90,864
High (Prime)
$94,391
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 4 Years to Graduation
This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.
Lifetime Value Added (NPV)
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
+22k
+331k
+360k
$25k / yr
-68k
+241k
+270k
$50k / yr
-158k
+151k
+180k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
46
26
26
$25k / yr
Never
31
30
$50k / yr
Never
37
36
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
∞
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-63%
222%
248%
$50k / yr
-73%
70%
83%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).
Important Note: Your ROI with any major will depend on the cost you pay to attend the program, and your starting salary. Both vary significantly across institutions. We encourage you to explore the ROI of a specific program variant by selecting the Program title of the credential level you are interested in. You will then have a more detailed return analysis for programs at specific institutions. We also encourage you to use the ROI calculator, or for more sophisticated analysis, the Guided ROI Interview, with your specific estimates of cost and salary.
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate38.6%
Analysis: Most graduates enter the workforce directly with a Bachelor's degree.
Top Professions
Agricultural and food scientists
8.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$61,903
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$88,506|$78,770
openings
3,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.9%
Management occupations
6.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$51,773
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$134,507|$122,090
openings
1,147,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%
Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing
3.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$72,888
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$143,470|$74,100
openings
142,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +0.6%
Physical scientists, all other
2.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$68,723
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$89,671|$117,960
openings
2,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +0.6%
Postsecondary teachers
2.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$23,636
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$51,021|$81,600
openings
136,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.9%
Industrial production managers
2.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$68,433
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$106,190|$121,440
openings
17,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +1.9%
Dietitians and nutritionists
2.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$39,393
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$63,516|$73,850
openings
6,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.5%
Top executives
2.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$140,660
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$216,400|$104,990
openings
333,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.4%
First-line supervisors of production and operating workers
1.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$88,491
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$84,952|$71,190
openings
67,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +1.2%
General and operations managers
1.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$41,650
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$95,668|$102,950
openings
308,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.4%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 27 and under (PUMS).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2024–2034).
Program Variants & Earnings Ranges
Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.
Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.
| Program Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| food science and technology. | Undergrad Certificate | 14 | $69,286 - $69,286 |
| food science and technology. | Associate's Degree | 22 | Data N/A |
| food science and technology. | Bachelor's Degree | 61 | $39,940 - $85,445 |
| food science and technology. | Master's Degree | 41 | $63,009 - $111,860 |
| food science and technology. | Doctoral Degree | 21 | Data N/A |