Professional Cooking and Kitchen Management: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
This program equips learners with the foundational expertise needed to thrive in professional kitchen environments, focusing on efficient food production and operational excellence. Designed for aspiring culinary professionals, it emphasizes hands-on training in essential kitchen functions, preparing individuals for roles in commercial food service settings.
- Kitchen Organization and Operations: Learn how to structure and manage kitchen workflows to ensure efficiency, safety, and timely meal preparation across various service environments.
- Sanitation and Quality Control: Master industry-standard hygiene protocols and inspection procedures to maintain food safety, comply with health regulations, and uphold consistent product quality.
- Basic Food Preparation and Cooking Techniques: Develop core culinary skills including knife handling, ingredient preparation, and fundamental cooking methods used in professional kitchens.
- Kitchen Equipment Maintenance: Gain proficiency in the care, cleaning, and routine upkeep of commercial kitchen tools and appliances to ensure longevity and safe operation.
- Quantity Food Measurement and Monitoring: Understand precise scaling of ingredients, portion control, and inventory tracking to reduce waste and support cost-effective food production.
Professional Cooking and Kitchen Management Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Professional Cooking and Kitchen Management Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Professional Cooking and Kitchen Management degrees, including Cooks, Private Household, Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria and Cooks, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 472,750 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooks, Private Household 35-2013 | $44,530 | $38,240 - $92,480 | 900 | $21.41 |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria 35-2012 | $36,450 | $26,800 - $48,320 | 448,260 | $17.53 |
| Cooks, All Other 35-2019 | $36,210 | $26,430 - $49,600 | 23,590 | $17.41 |
Salary Comparison
Professional Cooking and Kitchen Management Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $25,830 in Mississippi to $56,710 in Massachusetts—a 120% difference. The highest-paying states include Massachusetts, Washington, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 472,750 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Professional Cooking and Kitchen Management by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 56 institutions offering Professional Cooking and Kitchen Management programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Professional Cooking and Kitchen Management is found at Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) (118 graduates), Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder (109 graduates), Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC) (70 graduates), Elgin Community College (ECC) (45 graduates), and Savannah Technical College (36 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,052 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Professional Cooking and Kitchen Management programs
How much can I earn with a Professional Cooking and Kitchen Management degree?
Salaries for Professional Cooking and Kitchen Management graduates vary by role and location. Cooks, Private Household earn a median of $44,530 annually, while Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria earn around $36,450. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Massachusetts average $56,710 compared to $25,830 in Mississippi. Approximately 472,750 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Professional Cooking and Kitchen Management programs?
Currently 56 accredited institutions offer Professional Cooking and Kitchen Management degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) (118 graduates), Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder (109 graduates), and Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC) (70 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Professional Cooking and Kitchen Management growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 1,305 in 2010 to 1,052 in 2023-24. This represents a 19% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Professional Cooking and Kitchen Management degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Cooks, Private Household, Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria, and Cooks, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 472,750 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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