Culinary Arts and Related Services at Joliet Junior College
serving 8,843 students in Joliet, IL.
Program Analysis
At $28,252 per year, Culinary Arts and Related Services graduates from Joliet Junior College earn slightly above the $23,994 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.
With a 32.6x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 0% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most careers in Culinary Arts and Related Services involve physical, hands-on work that current AI cannot replicate.
A #41 ranking among 137 Culinary Arts and Related Services programs places Joliet Junior College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.
The 17 apprenticeship pathways connected to Culinary Arts and Related Services reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Culinary Arts and Related Services 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% |
About Culinary Arts and Related Services Careers
Your career will likely begin in the controlled chaos of a professional kitchen. As a restaurant cook, you'll spend your days prepping ingredients with precision and working the line during a busy service, mastering the grill, sauté pans, and fryer. This path is seeing incredible growth, with huge demand for skilled cooks.
Read the full Culinary Arts and Related Services career guide →
Compare & Explore
Culinary Arts and Related Services Overview
Culinary Arts and Related Services at Other Schools
Other Majors at Joliet Junior College
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.