Food Science Technician salary in South Carolina
Food Science Technicians in South Carolina earn a median of $39,480 a year ($18.98 an hour), based on BLS data for 40 workers.
Pay ranges from $36,270 for the lowest-paid 10% to $60,040 for the top 10%. That is 24% lower than the national median of $52,130. South Carolina ranks 38th of 38 states for food science technicians pay. There are 0.02 food science technicians per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.19). The average (mean) salary is $44,950, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for food science technicians in South Carolina
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $36,270 | $17.44 |
| 25th percentile | $36,280 | $17.44 |
| Median | $39,480 | $18.98 |
| 75th percentile | $51,940 | $24.97 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $60,040 | $28.87 |
| Average (mean) | $44,950 | $21.61 |
Half of food science technicians earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,290 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,645 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,518.46 |
| Weekly | $759.23 |
| Hourly | $18.98 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $39,480 salary, see how much house you can afford in South Carolina at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Highest-paying states for food science technicians
Related jobs in South Carolina
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Technician | $75,020 | $36.07 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $58,960 | $28.35 |
| Nuclear Technician | $108,490 | $52.16 |
| Biological Technician | $53,040 | $25.50 |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $48,700 | $23.41 |
| Social Science Research Assistant | $64,490 | $31.00 |
| Forest and Conservation Technicians | $55,910 | $26.88 |
| Forensic Science Technician | $51,830 | $24.92 |
| Agricultural Technician | $41,290 | $19.85 |
| Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians | $53,160 | $25.56 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $88,080 | $42.35 |
| Chemist | $79,670 | $38.30 |
| School Psychologist | $76,720 | $36.89 |
| Urban and Regional Planners | $75,810 | $36.45 |
More: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations · all salaries in South Carolina
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 19-4013. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a food science technician make in South Carolina?
The median salary for food science technicians in South Carolina is $39,480 a year, or $18.98 an hour. Pay ranges from $36,270 for the lowest-paid 10% to $60,040 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid food science technicians make in South Carolina?
The top 10% of food science technicians in South Carolina earn at least $60,040 a year. The top 25% earn $51,940 or more.
What is the starting pay for food science technicians in South Carolina?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $36,270 a year, and a quarter of food science technicians earn $36,280 or less.
How many food science technicians work in South Carolina?
About 40 food science technicians are employed in South Carolina, not counting the self-employed.