Washington D.C.--Cooking for the Capital Elite

Washington D.C. can be an exciting place to launch your culinary career. The city abounds with reputable culinary arts institutes, and a constant influx of tourists means many customers for hotels, restaurants, and other eateries. Washington D.C. is still primarily a Southern city (just south of the Mason-Dixon line,) but its popular barbecue joints jostle for position next to top-notch Lebanese, Ethiopian and other ethnic restaurants, catering to Washington D.C.'s steady stream of international visitors and residents.

Living in Washington D.C. can be a challenge--the cost of living is more than 30 percent higher than the national average. However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports mean 2007 annual wages of $51,320 for chefs and head cooks, making D.C. one of the top-paying culinary environments in the U.S. To really beat the system, many people live in nearby Virginia or Maryland and use Washington D.C.'s vast Metro network for an easy commute into the District. Maryland's cost of living is 10 percent lower than Washington D.C. Virginia, has a cost of living only 5 percent lower than the U.S. average, which can help chefs stretch their dollars earned in Washington D.C. even farther.

Why Obtain Chef Training in Washington D.C.?

One major advantage of working or training in Washington D.C. comes from exposure to many different cultures and cuisines. And there's no shortage of fine dining restaurants to keep all of those politicians and ambassadors happy. Lots of caterers are needed at swanky private parties for visiting dignitaries. With the city's extremely high numbers of tourists and business and political travelers, the local hospitality industry is humming.

Featured Schools

Culinary Institute of America

The Culinary Institute of America can prepare you for an exciting career in foodservice.

Campus Locations:

Hyde Park

Programs:

Culinary Arts
Culinary Arts Management

The Art Institutes

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

Campus Locations:

Arlington

Programs:

Culinary Arts (D)
Culinary Arts (AA)

Le Cordon Bleu Schools of North America

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

Campus Locations:

Hollywood
Scottsdale
Orlando
Portland
Saint Paul
Las Vegas

Programs:

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Portland - 12 Month Certificate in Culinary Arts
Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Las Vegas - Certificate in Culinary Arts