Culinary Arts at Dallas College

Dallas, TX · Public · Certificate · Culinary Arts and Related Services

one of the larger campuses at 41,815 students in Dallas, TX.

Program Analysis

At $30,484 per year, Culinary Arts graduates from Dallas College significantly outpace the $23,994 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

The 134.6x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

With only 20% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 0%. Career paths for Culinary Arts are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

The median debt load of $7,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

Ranked #3 out of 137 programs, Dallas College's Culinary Arts program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

With 17 registered apprenticeships mapped to Culinary Arts, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

80 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
78
Low End
80
Score
81
High End
Earnings $30,484/yr (27% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (80% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (789,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$319K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
134.6x
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)
$2,370
Out-of-state: $6,000
Median Debt at Graduation
$7,000
2.8 months of Year 1 earnings

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

From day-one roles to senior positions, Culinary Arts careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering personal services.

Read the full Culinary Arts career guide →

Compare & Explore

Culinary Arts Overview

Culinary Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at Dallas College

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Culinary Arts at Dallas College?
This program scores 80/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Culinary Arts nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Culinary Arts jobs?
Culinary Arts rates as "AI-Proof" for AI resilience. With only 20% of tasks exposed to automation, the trade's physical demands provide a natural shield against AI displacement.
How affordable is Culinary Arts at Dallas College?
At $7,000 in median debt, Culinary Arts graduates from Dallas College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Why does Dallas College rank so high for Culinary Arts?
The #3 ranking out of 137 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Culinary Arts graduates?
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 Dallas College.
How many job openings are there for Culinary Arts graduates?
At 789,200 annual openings, Culinary Arts has a very large employment base. Dallas College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →