Career Information for a Degree in Culinary Arts or Culinary Services

People who have obtained a Degree in Culinary Arts or Culinary Services may be qualified to enter the following career fields: pastry chef, cook, and caterer.

Cook

Cooks season and prepare a wider variety of foods ranging from salads, soups, entrees, appetizers, and desserts. Working for restaurants, catering firms, schools, and offices, they specialize in providing large quantities of food to groups of people. According to a 2002 study by the U.S. Department of Labor, there were over 3 million jobs for cooks and other food workers-mostly in restaurants and other food establishments

According to that same study, jobs will be plentiful for the next 8 years, but interested applicants should be aware that competition is quite high at the more lucrative establishments. Earning a degree in culinary arts or culinary science is an effective way to increase one's job prospects.

Exact earnings vary dramatically depending on what area of the industry one works in. Jobs in fancy restaurants and hotels hover on the upper end of the income spectrum (approximately $25.00 an hour) while short order cooks and fast food workers are on the lower end (around minimum wage).

Pastry chefs

Under the food preparation category, pastry chefs are professional bakers who provide desserts and breads for restaurants, supermarkets, food establishments and general pastry shops. They tend to work normal hours (except during holiday seasons), and enjoy flexibility and creativity. According to the Career Education Advisor, overall employment will increase, because of the growing number of bakeries, specialty stores, and consumer interest.

According to this same study, pastry chefs' incomes are quite varied depending on region, specialty, clientele and experience. In 2000, the median salary was about $20,000. Most chefs earned between $15,000 and $25,000, with the richest earning over $30,000. Earning a degree in culinary arts or culinary science will probably place applicants in the upper income bracket.