Culinary Arts at Salt Lake Community College

Salt Lake City, UT · Public · Associate Degree · Culinary Arts and Related Services

with a mid-sized student body of 17,247 in Salt Lake City, UT.

Program Analysis

Graduates of Salt Lake Community College's Culinary Arts program earn $31,788/yr in their first year — 32% above the $23,994 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

With a 39.1x 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 involve physical, hands-on work that current AI cannot replicate.

Salt Lake Community College ranks #24 among 137 Culinary Arts programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The 17 apprenticeship pathways connected to Culinary Arts reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

68 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
67
Low End
68
Score
68
High End
Earnings $31,788/yr (32% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (80% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (789,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$333K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
39.1x
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)
$8,514
Out-of-state: $27,402
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$31,911
0% 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 Salt Lake Community College

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Culinary Arts at Salt Lake Community College?
At 68/100, Salt Lake Community College's Culinary Arts program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
How AI-proof is a career in Culinary Arts?
AI resilience is a strength here. Only 20% of Culinary Arts tasks overlap with AI capabilities, and 13 of 13 career paths remain viable even in our most conservative scenario.
Is Salt Lake Community College one of the best schools for Culinary Arts?
The #24 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?
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.
What's the job market like for Culinary Arts from Salt Lake Community College?
At 789,200 annual openings, Culinary Arts has a very large employment base. Salt Lake Community 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 →