subject: Culinary Arts Salary: Two Biggest Determining Factors [print this page] You're thinking of following a career path in culinary arts but you're unsure whether or not you'll be able to generate enough income to take care of yourself and your future family. It's going to depend on exactly which path you follow and how good you are at your job will often dictate what your income will be. The pay scale can go from minimum wage all the way up to Gordon Ramsey cash depending on how far you are able to climb that cooking ladder.
For chefs, the two biggest factors that will determine your paycheck at the end of the week are where you work, and what your education is. Fine dining restaurants will have a higher pay-rate than chain restaurants. Location is very important when deciding where to further your career. A 5-star restaurant in Vegas is going to offer a much higher salary than a 5-star restaurant in West Virginia for example. In addition to location is education. A chef who has earned an associate's degree in culinary arts is going have a starting salary higher than a chef who didn't graduate high school and has five years work experience.
Many people think you can't make much money in the food industry, and to some degree they're right. A line cook will make an estimated $19K-$26K. Remember that a line cook can be a person who does not hold a degree or any further education past high school. An executive chef will make an estimated $57K-$88K. At the high end that's a $62K a year difference! And heck, even at the low end there's still a $42K difference. Who doesn't want an extra $42K a year? Beginning your career with a solid education is well worth the effort and it will pay off in your future.
The good thing about choosing a career path in culinary arts is that jobs are plentiful and expected to only continue to grow. With that being said, most of the jobs are on the lower paying scale. In any given restaurant there are usually 3 times as many line cooks and sous-chefs as there are executive chefs. There is money to be made in this competitive industry but you have to strive to be the absolute best.
If you've chosen culinary arts but not necessarily as being a chef as your career path there's still money to be made. Restaurant managers make an estimated $38K-$55K per year. A hotel manager can more than double that and make an estimated $67K-$123K per year. Like with nearly all career paths, education is key to success. The more you further your education the more likely you will end up with a higher paying career.
Your salary can ultimately be of your own choosing. Many chefs' venture on to open their own restaurants and are able to make their salaries whatever they dream. Education, hard work and dedication in the field of culinary arts are what one needs to succeed. Dream big and aim high.
