Should I Go To Culinary or Baking School?
For those who love preparing fine cuisines, specialized pastries, unique seasonings, and dishes to die for, culinary school is the first step in turning a passion for food into a well-paying career.
Careers in the food industry are at an all-time high, and a recent study by the National Restaurant Association (NRA) found that Americans spend nearly half of their food dollars in a restaurant setting. This figure has nearly doubled in the last 50 years. This makes the food industry the nation’s largest private-sector employer, second only to the federal government regarding available jobs.
Admittedly, the most prestigious and best-paying jobs in this field require specialized training at a culinary institute and hands-on training under a well-known chef. Fortunately, there are still options for those who love culinary arts but can’t afford the tuition or time requirements needed to secure the top tier of education.
Why Culinary School?
A culinary arts degree is usually the preferred course for students who aspire to be top chefs or a manager in a well-known restaurant or high-end hotel, especially if students want to start out at a higher level. Most of these highly competitive positions require formal training and hands-on experience even to be considered for the job.
Most well-known culinary schools provide vigorous training and internships to facilitate the hands-on aspect of the trade. These programs can last anywhere between four and six years, while higher learning in the field (including a Master’s or Doctorate degree) is also available for those who would like to teach culinary arts in a university or academic setting.
Additional training options include programs of varying length, ranging from a few weeks to two years. These programs often specialize in teaching introductory skills, one particular cooking style, or a certain type of kitchen technology. While these courses might not grant you immediate access to the job of your dreams, they can help build a resume or give you edge in making networking connections.
Considerations When Choosing a Culinary School
When choosing a culinary school or educational program, the most important consideration is how you plan to use your training upon graduation. For example, culinary students who wish to prepare pastries and desserts in a high-end restaurant or hotel will want to find a school that offers specialized baking training and internships that provide experience in that field.
Students who aspire to be head chefs or restaurant managers may consider enrolling at a reputable school that offers internships under well-known figures in the industry, which is the most important step. Not only do these types of programs provide an established connection in the field, but they also help students to stay above the competition.
However, a cheaper yet broader program with courses ranging from sanitation to basic food prep may fit best for students who wish to pursue a more general career in the food industry (such as a lower-level chef or a line cook). For example, students wishing to explore the culinary arts to determine if it is a right fit might benefit from a one-week course and build from there. In fact, many successful chefs and cooks start at the bottom and develop a name for themselves by working up through the ranks.
Alternatives to Culinary School
It’s important to remember that despite its advantages, formal training at a culinary institute may not be right for everyone. This is especially the case for those who do not have the time or resources to invest into a four-year program or who only wish to attain entry to mid-level positions in the field.
In these cases, there are still various ways to pursue a career in culinary arts. For those who desire some formal schooling with the hopes of securing a well-paying job, programs at a local community college or technical institute can provide enough specialized training to land a competitive position as a top line cook or specialized chef – and at a fraction of the cost of most four-year programs.
For those who can’t afford formal training, hands-on experience is clearly the best option. While this may require getting into a restaurant and working from the bottom up, it’s still a great way to earn a steady paycheck while pursuing the career you love.
Tuition and Salary Ranges in Culinary Arts
Annual tuition at a culinary institute can range from $8,000 to $36,000, while a culinary arts degree at a public or private university can range from $5,000 to $45,000. Similarly, a vocational program at a local community college or technical institute can range from $1,000 to $5,000. Many of these prices do not include the cost of textbooks or supplies, and many of them require at least four years of tuition before the degree is attained.
Salaries in the field of culinary arts are equally broad and depend heavily on the career obtained following graduation. Most restaurant or hotel employees can expect to earn the following:
The median annual salary for an Executive Chef can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and the type of establishment they work in. As of January 2022, the median annual salary for an Executive Chef in the United States was typically around $70,000 to $90,000.
The salary for an Executive Pastry Chef can also vary based on similar factors like location, experience, and the employer. In 2023, the median annual salary for an Executive Pastry Chef in the United States was expected to be in a similar range to that of an Executive Chef, around $70,000 to $90,000 or higher, depending on the specific circumstances.
As of 2023, the median annual salary for a Sous Chef in the United States typically ranged from $40,000 to $60,000. However, this can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and the type of establishment. Sous Chef salaries may be higher in more upscale or renowned restaurants, hotels, or resorts and in major metropolitan areas where the cost of living is higher.
$27,000 to $50,000 for Line Cook Supervisors
$25,000 to $33,000 for Senior Cooks/Lead Line Cooks
$23,000 to $29,000 for Cooking Assistants
The salary for a line cook can vary widely depending on factors such as location, experience, the type of establishment, and whether the position is full-time or part-time. As of 2023, the median annual salary for a basic line cook in the United States could typically range from around $25,000 to $35,000. However, this figure can be higher or lower depending on the specific circumstances. Line cooks may earn higher salaries in high-end restaurants or metropolitan areas, while those in more casual or rural settings may earn less. It's also common for line cooks to receive additional compensation through tips or overtime pay.
In addition to these salaries in the kitchen, restaurant managers typically earn between $36,000 and $54,000, while managers in fine-dining establishments earn between $41,000 and $60,000.
Getting Started in the Field of Culinary Arts
Getting started in culinary arts depends on your goals and career aspirations in the food industry. Do you desire fame and fortune as a world-renowned chef or TV personality? Do you desire a steady paycheck pursuing your love of cooking or food preparation? Would you like to open your own restaurant someday?
By being honest with yourself and your goals ahead of time, you should be able to choose from a variety of culinary arts programs and entry-level jobs—all of which eventually lead to the career of your dreams.
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