Oregon Wineries Enhance Career Opportunities for Those in the Culinary Arts
Oregon is known for its wineries; over 300 of them produce wine from over 72 grape varieties. Culinary school graduates, including graduates of restaurant management programs, enjoy the job opportunities brought by wine tasting rooms, bed and breakfasts, and fine dining establishments built around Oregon's famous wineries.
Chefs Work in Oregon's Large Cities and Casinos
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that approximately 150,230 workers are employed in Oregon's food preparation and serving industry, which includes chefs and caterers. Graduates of a culinary arts program in OR are advised to consider large cities such as Portland and Salem for the best career opportunities. Fine dining restaurants in the state's casinos are an additional option for these graduates.
According to Salary.com, an executive chef in Portland may earn between $48,911 and $109,351 annually. A fine dining cook in Portland may have annual earnings between $29,130 and $38,333, and most executive sous chefs in the city earn between $45,807 and $83,937. Figures are based on chef experience and restaurant type. While no culinary education can guarantee a particular career or salary, hiring managers in these competitive industries generally prefer or require prior culinary arts education.
Oregon Draws Chefs and Restaurateurs
Oregon's cost of living is about 8 percent higher than the national average, meaning that Oregonians pay slightly more for transportation, food, and housing expenses. However, Oregon has no sales tax, a boon for caterers and restaurateurs who must regularly purchase their own supplies.
Culinary Schools in the United States
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington DC
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Featured Schools
Develop your portfolio at The Art Institutes, and get a competitive advantage.
- Portland
- Culinary Arts (AA)
- Baking & Pastry (D)
Bring Your Fire to the Plate. Le Cordon Bleu. Learn the Way.
- Orlando
- Scottsdale
- Portland
- Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Portland - 12 Month Certificate in Culinary Arts
- Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Scottsdale - Certificate in Culinary Arts
Prepare for a career in the culinary arts in as little as 40 weeks.
- Portland
- Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Management
- Diploma Culinary Arts
Advance your career with Oregon Coast Culinary Institute.
- Coos Bay
- Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts Management
- Associate of Applied Science in Baking & Pastry Arts
Earn Your Diploma from Home!
- Online
- Cooking and Catering
- Hotel and Restaurant Management
Advance your career with our affordable, self-paced, career-focused distance education programs.
- Online
- Caterer
- Hotel/Restaurant Management
Earn your degree or diploma on your schedule and succeed at Ashworth College.
- Online
- Hotel/Restaurant Management
