Culinary Arts at College of Southern Nevada

Las Vegas, NV · Public · Associate Degree · Culinary Arts and Related Services

serving a student body of 27,790 in Las Vegas, NV.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $22,428/yr, roughly in line with the $23,994 national median for Culinary Arts. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 47.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Culinary Arts programs nationally.

The 40% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 20% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Culinary Arts graduates.

At #50 of 137 Culinary Arts programs, College of Southern Nevada scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $36,814 show a 64% jump from the $22,428 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.

Culinary Arts offers 17 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

63 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
57
Low End
63
Score
64
High End
Earnings $22,428/yr (-7% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (80% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (789,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$394K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
47.9x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
13 of 13
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$8,220
Out-of-state: $24,418
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$36,814
64% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Culinary Arts graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Food scientists and technologists $85,310 +6.5% 65%
Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490 +1.8% 100%
Food service managers $65,310 +6.4% 58%
Food scientists and technologists
$85,310
+6.5% growth 65% AI-proof
Postsecondary teachers, all other
$78,490
+1.8% growth 100% AI-proof
Food service managers
$65,310
+6.4% growth 58% AI-proof

View all 13 career paths with full salary data →

Culinary Arts Career Guide

Explore what Culinary Arts graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 137 programs nationwide.

Read the full Culinary Arts career guide →

Compare & Explore

Culinary Arts Overview

Culinary Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at College of Southern Nevada

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does College of Southern Nevada's Culinary Arts program score?
This program scores 63/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Culinary Arts graduates.
Is Culinary Arts from College of Southern Nevada a future-proof career choice?
For College of Southern Nevada graduates, AI risk is minimal. Culinary Arts rated "AI-Proof" — 80% of the work involves hands-on skills that current AI simply can't perform.
Can I learn Culinary Arts through an apprenticeship instead of College of Southern Nevada?
Yes — 17 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Culinary Arts career paths, including Baker (Bake Produce). Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at College of Southern Nevada.
Is there demand for Culinary Arts workers?
Job availability for Culinary Arts is strong — 789,200 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For College of Southern Nevada graduates specifically, local market conditions in NV may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →