Consumer taste testers get paid approximately $15/hour or up, but sometimes are paid per test, instead of per hour. If you know of a specific organization in your area, start your search on their website. Some examples of where to look include the following: McCormick & Company is located in Hunt Valley, Maryland. [1] X Research source The Consumer Product Testing Centre via the Government of Alberta is located in Edmonton, Alberta. [2] X Research source The National Food Lab is located in Livermore, California. The North Carolina State University Sensory Service Centre is located in Raleigh, North Carolina. [3] X Research source

Each organization may have their own, specific requirements as well. You can confirm these requirements on their website when you complete an application. Also be aware that some organizations may have a limit on the number of times you can participate in a consumer taste test in a given year. [5] X Research source

Applications will require basic items like your name, address, phone number, email address, gender, and birthdate. You may also be asked about your food preferences, including whether you are a vegetarian or vegan.

Be sure to answer any questions that are asked honestly, as your answers will impact what tests you’ll be asked to participate in. For example, some tests may require males who are 20 to 35 years old. The organization will query the database to find all testers who are male and who are between the ages of 20 and 35. They will then reach out to some of those testers to see who may be interested in participating.

Organizations, like FPI Testers, also post available tests on their Facebook and Twitter accounts. In order to make sure you don’t miss any great opportunities, follow the accounts for the organization for which you’re a member and keep track of what they post on social media.

Before a taste test, the organization will send you information about the ingredients in the items you’ll be testing. Review this information to ensure you won’t have an issue with any of them. Some additional ways to prepare are included below: Be on time, or a little early. Do not eat or smoke within the 30 minutes before your test. Do not wear fragrant items like perfume or cologne. Do not bring children with you. You will also be required to turn your cell phone off when in the test. Depending on the type of test, you may also be required not to speak to anyone else while at the test.

At a minimum, food scientists require a Bachelor’s of Science degree from a post-secondary school, normally in a food science-related major. Many food scientists go onto pursue graduate degrees as well, especially if they’re interested in academic research. Food scientists earn approximately $58,000 per year. [8] X Trustworthy Source US Bureau of Labor Statistics U. S. government agency that collects and reports labor-related information Go to source

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has an undergraduate degree in Food Science and Technology. [9] X Research source North Carolina State University has undergraduate programs in Food Science, Bioprocessing Science, Nutrition Science, and Applied Nutrition. [10] X Research source The Culinary Institute of America has undergraduate programs in Culinary Arts, Applied Food Studies, and Culinary Science. [11] X Research source The University of Florida has undergraduate programs in Dietetics, Food Science and Nutritional Sciences. The University of Alberta has undergraduate programs in Nutrition, Food Science, and Dietetics.

The University of California-Davis offers an Applied Sensory and Consumer Science certificate program, which can be completed online. [12] X Research source The Culinary Institute of America offers a Wine and Beverage graduate certificate program at their Napa Valley, California campus. [13] X Research source The University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers a Food Safety and Defence graduate certificate, which can be completed online. [14] X Research source

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has several membership levels to choose from, including “regular” member, professional and student. [15] X Research source The Food Institute, which is part of a non-profit organization called the American Institution of Food Distribution, offers memberships for anyone. Memberships offer access to a large variety of information pertaining to the American food industry. [16] X Research source

Search for “food scientist,” “sensory scientist,”“sensory analyst,” or “sensory technologist" in order to find these specific positions.

critical thinking and problem solving active listening and learning technical and scientific writing knowledge of industry standards and regulations data and quality control analysis cooperative and collaboration within a team environment