9 Best Paying Jobs in Packaged Foods for 2023

Job Search

By Becky - March 21, 2023

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Jobs In Food Packaging

Packaged food is a staple in our lives, providing convenience, variety, and a long shelf-life. Behind those colorful packages in your supermarket aisle, a whole industry of professionals ensures the best possible products reach consumers.

The packaged foods industry offers many lucrative career opportunities, especially if you have a keen palate and an appreciation for the business side of food.

In this short article, we'll take you through some of the highest-paying jobs in the packaged foods industry. So, let's dig in!


9 Best Paying Jobs in Packaged Foods

Product Development Roles

1. Food Scientist

Food scientists play a pivotal role in the packaged foods industry, leveraging their knowledge of biology, chemistry, and engineering to develop new products and improve existing ones.

Their job is to ensure that packaged food is tasty but also safe and nutritious. Given the expertise required for this role, food scientists enjoy high earning potential in the industry.

2. Sensory Scientist

Sensory scientists combine food science with psychology to understand how consumers perceive food products. They design and conduct tests to measure texture, taste, aroma, and visual appeal.

If you're fascinated by human behavior and have a knack for food, this high-paying job could be your calling!

Supply Chain Roles

3. Supply Chain Manager

The journey from ingredients to a packaged food product ready for consumption involves a complex web of processes. Supply chain managers oversee these processes, including procurement, production, logistics, and distribution.

These professionals are highly valued in the packaged foods industry, reflected in their substantial salaries.

4. Logistics Manager

A subset of the supply chain, logistics managers, specifically handle the movement and storage of raw materials and finished goods.

Their role is crucial in maintaining the flow of operations and minimizing costs, making it one of the highest-paying jobs in the packaged food industry.

Marketing and Sales Roles

5. Brand Manager

Brand managers are the custodians of a product's image in the consumer market. They strategize and execute marketing campaigns, manage budgets, and analyze market trends.

Given the significance of their role in a product's success, brand managers are among the top earners in the packaged foods industry.

6. Sales Director

Sales directors manage a team of sales representatives responsible for driving revenue and achieving sales targets. They also work closely with marketing teams to develop effective sales strategies. The revenue-centric nature of their role often yields high compensation.

Quality Assurance and Regulatory Roles

7. Quality Assurance Manager

Ensuring that the packaged food is safe and meets set quality standards is the responsibility of quality assurance managers. They implement and monitor food safety programs, conduct audits, and work to rectify any issues.

Their role is critical in maintaining the brand's reputation; hence, they are well compensated.

8. Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Packaged food products must comply with various local and international regulations. Regulatory affairs specialists ensure this compliance, staying updated with the changing food laws and standards. The specialized nature of this role makes it one of the best-paying jobs in the industry.

Leading the Pack

9. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

CEOs are at the company's helm, making critical business decisions and guiding its strategic direction. Given their extensive responsibilities and influence over the company's success, CEOs typically earn the highest salaries in the packaged foods industry.


Related Content


What is the highest-paying job in the food industry?

The highest-paying jobs in the food industry can vary depending on the specific role, industry, and location, but some examples of high-paying jobs in the food industry include:

  • Executive Chef: These professionals oversee the kitchen operations of a restaurant or hotel and can earn an average salary of around $60,000 to $150,000 per year.

  • Food scientists: These professionals are responsible for researching and developing new food products and can earn an average salary of around $75,000 to $120,000 per year.

  • Food and Beverage Director: These professionals oversee the food and beverage operations of a restaurant, hotel, or other establishment and can earn an average salary of around $70,000 to $150,000 per year.

  • Operations Manager: These professionals are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a food manufacturing facility and can earn an average salary of around $70,000 to $120,000 per year.

Wrapping Up

The packaged foods industry offers an array of high-paying roles catering to various interests and skill sets.

From science and supply chain to marketing and quality assurance, there are plenty of opportunities to carve out a rewarding career in this dynamic industry.

When choosing a career path, looking beyond the paycheck is important. Consider what truly interests you and aligns with your long-term career goals.

Do you enjoy the creativity and scientific understanding involved in food product development? Or does the business side of food appeal more to you? Answering these questions will guide you toward a career in the packaged foods industry that is not only high-paying but also personally fulfilling.

We hope this helps, and best of luck in your career search!


Title: Best paying jobs in packaged foods

Category: Job Search Resources

Author: Becky is a contributor for theJub. She’s a writing and talent acquisition specialist who loves to apply her skills through creative writing and editing.


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