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Food Technologist

Science & Technology · Food Science & Processing Market estimate

Develop, improve and test food and beverage products - from sauces, spices and juices to snacks and dairy - so they are safe, tasty and meet export standards. Food technologists work in manufacturing, agro-processing, standards bodies and research.

Salary Breakdown

$1,600,000 JMD – $2,500,000 JMD
0 - 2 years

Junior food technologist or lab technician testing products and ingredients. Indicative market estimate, not a published salary scale.

Estimated Take-Home Pay

Based on the midpoint of the Entry salary range ($2,050,000 JMD), after NIS, NHT, Education Tax, and PAYE.

Est. Net / Month$156,768 JMD
Est. Net / Year$1,881,223 JMD
Show deduction breakdown
Gross (annual)
$2,050,000 JMD
NIS (3%)
−$61,500 JMD
NHT (2%)
−$41,000 JMD
Education Tax
−$44,741 JMD
PAYE Income Tax
−$21,535 JMD
Net (annual)
$1,881,223 JMD

Estimate only — illustrative rates and thresholds, not tax advice. Confirm current figures with Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

Career Path Roadmap

  1. 1

    Excel in Science

    CSEC Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics and Food and Nutrition; CAPE Chemistry or Biology.

    Secondary school
  2. 2

    Study Food Science

    Earn a degree in Food Science, Food Technology or Chemistry.

    3 - 4 years
  3. 3

    Work in a Food Plant or Lab

    Gain experience in quality, product testing and food processing.

    1 - 3 years
  4. 4

    Get Food Safety Certified

    Complete HACCP, FSMA Preventive Controls or ISO 22000 training.

    3 - 6 months
  5. 5

    Lead Product Development

    Create new products for local and export markets or manage technical operations.

    4+ years
Build My Roadmap for This Career

Required Education

  • CSEC Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics and Food and Nutrition
  • BSc Food Science / Food Technology / Chemistry
  • Food safety certification

Common Local Certifications

  • HACCP certification
  • FSMA Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (for US exports)
  • ISO 22000
  • Bureau of Standards Jamaica training

Where to Train

University of Technology, Jamaica

Kingston & St. Andrew · Public University
Accredited 17 accredited programmes

A recommended place to train as a Food Technologist

University of the West Indies, Mona

Kingston & St. Andrew · Public University
Accredited 12 accredited programmes

A recommended place to train as a Food Technologist

College of Agriculture, Science and Education

Portland · Public College
Registered 11 accredited programmes

A recommended place to train as a Food Technologist

Local Institutions Offering Programs

  • University of the West Indies, Mona
  • University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech)
  • College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE)
  • Employer route: Scientific Research Council (SRC) research posts and internships