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Culinary Arts

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Culinary Arts

Most Culinary Arts programs take one to two years to complete. Graduates start earning $29,622 right after finishing, climbing to $47,668 four years out.

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About Culinary Arts

Culinary Arts is a focused area of study within Personal Services. Graduates typically earn around $47,668 four years out, a modest return for a focused credential. The program is available at 632 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 22,680 students complete this program each year, most earning a certificate. Training is practical and skills-based, with a fast path from classroom to job site.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $29,622
Median Earnings · 4yr: $47,668
Colleges Offering: 632
Graduates / Year: 22,680
Avg Net Price / yr: $17,664

How Much Do Culinary Arts Graduates Earn?

Culinary Arts graduates earn $47,668 four years out, below average for bachelor's degree holders. The middle 50% of earners fall between $32,862 and $61,660. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $29,622 climbs to $47,668 by year four.

$29,622

1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$47,668

4-Year National Median

Below average for bachelor's degree holders.

$48,094

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Earnings Range

There is a moderate earnings spread across Culinary Arts graduates. Region and union membership drive the gap more than any other factor. Union jobs in high-cost metros pay significantly more than non-union positions elsewhere.

$32,862 25th pct.

$47,668 Median

$61,660 75th pct.

A Solid Financial Return

Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $47,668 and an estimated $70,656 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 4.0 years.

Based on outcomes from 41 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 22,680 students who complete Culinary Arts programs each year, the majority (51%) earn a certificate degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

51% 45%

Certificate 51%

Associate's 45%

Bachelor's 3%

What Can You Do With a Culinary Arts Degree?

Culinary Arts connects to 2 occupations in the job market. Food Scientists and Technologists leads at $88,720/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +6.5% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Food Scientists and Technologists

$88,720

$69K $117K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 1,200 openings/yr 13K employed nationally

Reading Comprehension Critical Thinking Active Learning Speaking Science

Day-to-day responsibilities

Use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods; analyze food content to determine levels of vitamins, fat, sugar, and protein; discover new food sources; research ways to make processed foods safe, palatable, and healthful; and apply food science knowledge to determine best ways to process, package, preserve, store, and distribute food.

Inspect food processing areas to ensure compliance with government regulations and standards for sanitation, safety, quality, and waste management.
Check raw ingredients for maturity or stability for processing, and finished products for safety, quality, and nutritional value.
Study methods to improve aspects of foods, such as chemical composition, flavor, color, texture, nutritional value, and convenience.

↗ +7.1% Zone 3: Medium preparation

Chefs and Head Cooks

$62,470

$48K $79K 25th–75th pct.

High school diploma or equivalent 24,400 openings/yr 200K employed nationally

Coordination Monitoring Time Management Management of Personnel Resources Social Perceptiveness

Day-to-day responsibilities

Direct and may participate in the preparation, seasoning, and cooking of salads, soups, fish, meats, vegetables, desserts, or other foods. May plan and price menu items, order supplies, and keep records and accounts.

Monitor sanitation practices to ensure that employees follow standards and regulations.
Instruct cooks or other workers in the preparation, cooking, garnishing, or presentation of food.
Supervise or coordinate activities of cooks or workers engaged in food preparation.

Top Colleges for Culinary Arts

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Culinary Arts students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts-Boulder Boulder, CO · For-Profit	3,613	Open	$13,367	$32,001
2	Culinary Institute of America Hyde Park, NY · Nonprofit	736	91.2%	$36,113	$47,475
3	Johnson & Wales University-Providence Providence, RI · Nonprofit	410	88.4%	$31,027	$43,418
4	Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts-Austin Austin, TX · For-Profit	197	Open	$19,564	$36,330
5	Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Charlotte, NC · Nonprofit	162	79.9%	$27,426	$43,418
6	Los Angeles Trade Technical College Los Angeles, CA · Public	138	Open	$12,323	$35,233
7	Hinds Community College Raymond, MS · Public	125	Open	$4,060	$30,774
8	Walnut Hill College Philadelphia, PA · For-Profit	104	42.7%	$32,351	$36,689
9	Florida Education Institute Miami, FL · For-Profit	102	Open	$36,273	$24,588
10	National Louis University Chicago, IL · Nonprofit	97	95.1%	$12,641	$45,799
11	ECPI University Virginia Beach, VA · For-Profit	96	74.5%	$22,965	$42,837
12	Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Perkinston, MS · Public	71	Open	$6,962	$33,017
13	Orange Coast College Costa Mesa, CA · Public	69	Open	$7,203	$47,348
14	Lincoln College of Technology-Columbia Columbia, MD · For-Profit	68	Open	$34,306	$38,683
15	Indiana University of Pennsylvania Indiana, PA · Public	64	90.8%	$16,804	$51,019
16	City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College Chicago, IL · Public	64	Open	$9,494	$28,467
17	Grand Rapids Community College Grand Rapids, MI · Public	61	Open	$8,621	$38,377
18	Kapiolani Community College Honolulu, HI · Public	59	Open	$5,202	$44,599
19	University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College North Little Rock, AR · Public	57	Open	$14,327	$34,722
20	Lake Land College Mattoon, IL · Public	57	Open	$2,254	$38,877

View all colleges

Ranked by Culinary Arts graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Culinary Arts program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Culinary Arts degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Culinary Arts Degree: Pros & Cons

Culinary Arts carries financial trade-offs prospective students should weigh carefully. The 4 strengths and 3 concerns below are drawn from College Scorecard earnings, BLS job growth data, and IPEDS completion counts.

PROS

Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $29,622 at graduation to $47,668 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Positive job outlook Related careers project up to +7.1% job growth over the next 10 years, a solid signal for long-term demand.
Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 25,600 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
Wide availability Offered at 632 colleges nationwide, with options at every price point and institution type.

CONS

Modest median earnings Four-year median of $47,668 lags STEM and business fields, affecting ROI at higher-cost programs.
Licensure often required Many positions in this field require trade licenses, certifications, or apprenticeship completion. These add time and cost beyond the academic credential.
High earnings variance Gap between 25th ($32,862) and 75th ($61,660) percentile is wide. Where you land depends heavily on employer, role, and location.

Culinary Arts Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Culinary Arts graduates earn?

Culinary Arts graduates earn a national median of $47,668 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $32,862 and $61,660. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Culinary Arts degree?

One year after graduation, Culinary Arts degree holders earn a median of $29,622. That climbs to $47,668 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Culinary Arts degree?

Culinary Arts degree holders pursue careers including Food Scientists and Technologists, which pays a median of $88,720/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Culinary Arts program take?

Most Culinary Arts certificate programs take one to two years of full-time study. Some are available in as little as one semester at community colleges.

How many colleges offer Culinary Arts?

632 colleges and universities in the United States offer Culinary Arts programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Culinary Arts degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $47,668 and an average net price of roughly $17,664/yr, a Culinary Arts degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What is the difference between Culinary Arts and Personal Services?

Culinary Arts is a focused concentration within the broader Personal Services field. The Personal Services major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Culinary Arts-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in Culinary Arts graduates?

Employers hiring Culinary Arts graduates consistently prioritize technical proficiency, safety compliance, and hands-on problem-solving. Certifications, apprenticeships, and demonstrated practical experience typically carry as much weight as academic credentials in this field.

What is the job outlook for Culinary Arts graduates?

The job outlook for Culinary Arts graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +6.8% job growth over the next 10 years. Chefs and Head Cooks is among the strongest-growth roles at +7.1%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.