Science & Research
Food Scientist
You develop and test the food products on supermarket shelves.
- Starting salary
- R18 000 – R30 000
- Job demand
- Steady demand
- Key subjects
- Mathematics, Physical Sciences
What do they do?
You develop and test the food products on supermarket shelves.
A day in the life
You create recipes at scale, test safety and shelf life, and improve nutrition and taste.
Skills you need
- Science
- Creativity
- Quality control
- Teamwork
School subjects that help
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Consumer Studies
How long does it take?
3 main steps after school, usually 3–6 years of study, plus practical experience.
Study path
- 1High school
- 2BSc Food Science
- 3Graduate programme
- 4Food scientist
Ways in: University degree · University of Technology. University is not the only route.
Where can I study?
- Stellenbosch University
- University of Pretoria
- University of the Free State
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Durban University of Technology
Admission requirements differ by institution, always check the official website.
What can I earn?
Entry level
R18 000 – R30 000
per month (estimate)
Mid career
R32 000 – R55 000
per month (estimate)
Experienced / senior
R60 000 – R110 000+
per month (estimate)
Estimated salary ranges only. Salaries vary based on experience, qualification, industry, location and employer.
How to start preparing now
- • Cook and adapt recipes
- • Read food labels and understand them
- • Learn about food safety
Try this career
Improve a family recipe to be healthier, then get three people to taste-test it.
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This tool is designed to help you explore career possibilities. It does not replace professional career counselling, school guidance or official university admission requirements.