undergraduate
Culinary arts and food service
Best schools with culinary arts and food service
What is a culinary arts and food service major?
Culinary arts and food service students learn cooking and related culinary arts, and may prepare individuals for a variety of jobs within the food service industry. This includes instruction in food preparation, cooking techniques, equipment operation and maintenance, sanitation and safety, communication skills, applicable regulations, and principles of food service management.
of students said hands-on experience was a highlight of this major.
of students found this major to be difficult.
of students said they were motivated to select this major because it fit their passion & interest.
of students and alumni plan on being or are currently employed in an occupation related to this major.
of students said balancing many projects & deadlines was a challenging aspect of the major.
How much do culinary arts and food service majors make?
median average salary
$46,100/yr
The national average salary for culinary arts and food service graduates in the United States is $46,100 per year. Those in the top 10 percent make over $105,000 a year, while the bottom 10 percent make under $19,700 a year. While salary ranges can vary by role, industry, and location, culinary arts and food service graduates typically make between $30,000 and $70,000 per year.
The most common starting salary of surveyed students after graduation is less than $30,000.
How popular is culinary arts and food service as a major?
Each year, around 410 students obtain a bachelor’s degree and around 7,760 students obtain an associate degree in culinary arts and food service. In 2021, 293 students received a bachelor's degree and 4,920 students received an associate degree. This is 8% fewer culinary arts and food service majors than there were in 2020. Culinary arts and food service is one of the most popular majors within culinary arts.
Advice from culinary arts and food service majors
Share your experienceLearning to compromise and having patience working in a kitchen because you won't always get along with people but that's the reality of working in a kitchen everywhere
Have fun! It is serious, but at the same time it's not, it's supposed to be fun! If you do your work, and follow along and take notes, you will be fine. Make sure to not over think it otherwise your dishes won't turn out the way you want them to.
You have to be motivated in this particular major. You have to have that desire.
It’s a difficult road but a road that can lead to many possibilities within the industry, keep your head up but be humble and keep pushing. The kitchen is gonna test you, your gonna fail and succeed but from the failures you need to keep pushing and learn from them not to be stagnant constantly do something and move around.
