California offers one of the largest selections of culinary schools, baking schools, and hospitality management programs in the country.
Suppose you are living in California and thinking of training to become a culinary chef, pastry chef, or enter the restaurant management field. In that case, there are several good choices for you to consider. From the redwood forests to the Golden Gate Bridge, California is a magnificent and exciting place to live.
If you’re considering a career in the culinary arts, the Napa Valley and famous wine country offer a variety of culinary opportunities. Likewise, the booming tourism industry in California is an ideal location for those interested in hospitality management.
MY TOP 10 CALIFORNIA CULINARY SCHOOL PICKS
The Institute of Technology has two campuses in California, Clovis and Modesto. Since 2004, The Institute of Technology has provided post-secondary education in the western United States. Courses are designed to prepare students for an entry-level career. Students can learn by doing in this professional atmosphere.
Clovis Campus – 564 W. Herndon Ave – Clovis, also called the “Gateway to the Sierras,” and the Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks are within short driving distances.
Modesto Campus – 5601 Stoddard Road – Modesto, in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley and the largest city and the seat of Stanislaus County
After 42 years in New York City, in January 2018, the Institute of Culinary Education opened the doors to a second location in Los Angeles — an urban oasis for food and restaurant lovers and undoubtedly one of America’s most exciting food cities. ICE Los Angeles features 38,000 square feet of educational and administrative space, with seven fully equipped teaching kitchens with cutting-edge kitchen equipment.
Los Angeles Campus – 521 East Green Street Pasadena, CA 91101
The Culinary Institute of America has a history of over 60 years; the Culinary Institute of America has been a leader in culinary education and training for decades.
St. Helena Campus – 2555 Main Street – St. Helena, CA 94574
American River College is among northern California’s most respected culinary arts programs. The program emphasizes business theory and hands-on cooking. In addition, classes focus on job skills and professional fine-dining cuisine. The program can be completed in 18 months, including a semester working in the kitchen of The Oak Café, the college’s 4-star restaurant.
Sacramento Campus – 4700 College Oak Drive, Sacramento, Calif. 95841
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the outlook for restaurant, food service, and hospitality jobs is good, with projected growth rates. The table below demonstrates some vital information you may want to consider when deciding if going to culinary school and working in California is right for you.
| Occupation | Total Employment in California (2014) | Average Salary in California (2014) | Annual Hourly Wage |
| Bakers | 27,900 | $26,490 | $12.73 |
| Bartenders | 57,450 | $24,720 | $11.89 |
| Butchers & Meat Cutters | 20,840 | $29,740 | $14.30 |
| Chefs & Head Cooks | 15,840 | $45,340 | $21.80 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | 126,360 | $24,750 | $11.90 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | 109,620 | $20,060 | $9.64 |
| Cooks, Short Order | 19,080 | $23,950 | $11.52 |
| Food Service Managers | 34,600 | $52,010 | $25.01 |
| Hosts and Hostesses | 43,200 | $20,650 | $9.93 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014
The restaurant industry in California is a huge part of their economy and generates jobs for thousands of California residents, plus significant tax revenues to the state. For every dollar spent in California restaurants, an additional 61 cents is generated in the state’s economy.
According to restaurant.org:
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