Getting started
How to choose a trade school
Start with the work you want to do, then compare the training routes that can get you there. A familiar school name or a short course is not enough on its own.
Read the guide →Explore a trade family · 07
Culinary arts & hospitality
Discover kitchen, baking, hospitality and food-business training.
734 institutions23 reported subjects41 related occupations
Find the right training subject
Kitchen practice, placements and realistic total costs. Start with a subject below, then compare the specific award, campus and current curriculum.
- Baking and Pastry Arts/Baker/Pastry Chef191 institutions →
- Bartending/Bartender4 institutions →
- Brewery/Brewpub Operations/Management4 institutions →
- Casino Dealing1 institutions →
- Casino Management11 institutions →
- Cooking and Related Culinary Arts, General164 institutions →
- Culinary Arts and Related Services, Other22 institutions →
- Culinary Arts/Chef Training375 institutions →
- Culinary Science/Culinology4 institutions →
- Food Preparation/Professional Cooking/Kitchen Assistant75 institutions →
- Food Service, Waiter/Waitress, and Dining Room Management/Manager19 institutions →
- Hospitality Administration/Management, General290 institutions →
- Hospitality Administration/Management, Other25 institutions →
- Hotel, Motel, and Restaurant Management51 institutions →
- Hotel/Motel Administration/Management98 institutions →
- Institutional Food Workers27 institutions →
- Meat Cutting/Meat Cutter15 institutions →
- Meeting and Event Planning54 institutions →
- Resort Management13 institutions →
- Restaurant, Culinary, and Catering Management/Manager143 institutions →
- Restaurant/Food Services Management66 institutions →
- Tourism and Travel Services Management45 institutions →
- Wine Steward/Sommelier3 institutions →
School counts are based on relevant certificate and associate-level records in IPEDS 2024. They do not confirm current course availability.
Questions that matter in this field
- How much practical kitchen time is included each week?
- Who secures an externship, and will it be paid?
- Does the course cost include ingredients, knives, uniforms and travel to placements?
A school course, an apprenticeship and an industry credential can play different roles. Check the route required for the occupation and state where you intend to work.
Explore the work behind the training
- BakersCareer guide →
- BartendersCareer guide →
- Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site ManagersCareer guide →
- Business Continuity PlannersCareer guide →
- Business Operations Specialists, All OtherCareer guide →
- Business Teachers, PostsecondaryCareer guide →
- Butchers and Meat CuttersCareer guide →
- Chefs and Head CooksCareer guide →
- Compliance ManagersCareer guide →
- Cooks, All OtherCareer guide →
- Cooks, Institution and CafeteriaCareer guide →
- Cooks, Private HouseholdCareer guide →
- Cooks, RestaurantCareer guide →
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except GamblingCareer guide →
- Facilities ManagersCareer guide →
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving WorkersCareer guide →
- First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services WorkersCareer guide →
- Fitness and Wellness CoordinatorsCareer guide →
Plan your route
Paying for training
What trade school really costs
A useful budget separates tuition, additional training expenses and the cost of living while you study. An annual institution average is a starting point, not a quote for your program.
Read the guide →Make the whole plan
Connect the next steps
Compare routesSchool, apprenticeship and employer options.Read actual course evidenceCurriculum, practical learning and published costs.Explore fundingOriginal grants, awards and workforce routes.Plan attendance supportChildcare, travel, food and accessibility.Prepare for learningOpen resources, terminology and practice.Prepare for workPortfolio, interviews, offers and progression.