Washington's Culinary Riches: Flavor Fusion

Nestled in the Pacific Northwest, the state of Washington, characterized by its coastal regions, mountains, and strong economic growth, is also drawing attention for its culinary features. While regional foods such as salmon, oysters, crabs, apples, and cherries remain popular, Washington's culinary schools are teaching students to branch out into fusions of international cuisine. Students can brush up on their culinary skills, train to become professional chefs, or prepare to enter the catering profession in Washington.

The Lure of Washington Culinary Careers

Washington is home to over six million people, with most residing in the cities of Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane. Attractions for Washington visitors and residents include Mt. Rainier National Park, the Cascade Mountains, Seattle's Pike Place Market, and the culturally diverse Seattle Art Museum.

A career in Washington's culinary arts has the potential to be quite rewarding. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the average wage for chefs and head cooks in Washington was $46,720 annually, in 2007. During that period, restaurant managers earned a mean salary of approximately $51,000. Because Washington attracts many visitors and new residents, the demand for excellent food continues to fuel the need for culinary arts education.


Featured Schools

The Art Institutes

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Develop your portfolio at The Art Institutes, and get a competitive advantage.

Campus Locations:
  • Portland
  • Seattle
Programs:
  • Culinary Arts (AA)
  • Culinary Arts (AAA)
Le Cordon Bleu Schools of North America

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Bring Your Fire to the Plate. Le Cordon Bleu. Learn the Way.

Campus Locations:
  • Scottsdale
  • Seattle
  • Orlando
Programs:
  • Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Seattle - Certificate in Culinary Arts
  • Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Scottsdale - Certificate in Culinary Arts
Oregon Culinary Institute

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Prepare for a career in the culinary arts in as little as 40 weeks.

Campus Locations:
  • Portland
Programs:
  • Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Management
  • Diploma Culinary Arts
Oregon Coast Culinary Institute

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Advance your career with Oregon Coast Culinary Institute.

Campus Locations:
  • Coos Bay
Programs:
  • Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts Management
  • Associate of Applied Science in Baking & Pastry Arts
Stratford Career Institute

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Earn Your Diploma from Home!

Campus Locations:
  • Online
Programs:
  • Cooking and Catering
  • Hotel and Restaurant Management
Penn Foster Schools

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Advance your career with our affordable, self-paced, career-focused distance education programs.

Campus Locations:
  • Online
Programs:
  • Caterer
  • Hotel/Restaurant Management
Ashworth College

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Earn your degree or diploma on your schedule and succeed at Ashworth College.

Campus Locations:
  • Online
Programs:
  • Hotel/Restaurant Management