Culinary Arts at Institute of Culinary Education

Pasadena, CA · Private for-profit · Certificate · Culinary Arts and Related Services

a compact campus enrolling 452 students in Pasadena, CA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $22,759 track close to the $23,994 national median for Culinary Arts programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

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.

At $6,439 in median debt against $22,759 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

At #76 out of 137 programs, Institute of Culinary Education's financial outcomes for Culinary Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

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

60 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
57
Low End
60
Score
60
High End
Earnings $22,759/yr (-5% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (80% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (789,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$238K
1.0% annual growth
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.

Median Debt at Graduation
$6,439
3.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$28,452
25% 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

What can you do with a Culinary Arts credential from Institute of Culinary Education? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Culinary Arts career guide →

Compare & Explore

Culinary Arts Overview

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Culinary Arts at Institute of Culinary Education?
At 60/100, the score looks reasonable — but Culinary Arts is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Is Culinary Arts from Institute of Culinary Education a future-proof career choice?
For Institute of Culinary Education 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.
What's the typical debt for Culinary Arts graduates from Institute of Culinary Education?
At $6,439 in median debt, Culinary Arts graduates from Institute of Culinary Education carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.3x is well below the trade program average.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Culinary Arts program at Institute of Culinary Education?
There are 17 registered apprenticeships connected to Culinary Arts occupations, such as Baker (Bake Produce) and Baker (Hotel & Restaurant). The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
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 Institute of Culinary Education graduates specifically, local market conditions in CA may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →