Food Preparation/Professional Cooking/Kitchen Assistant
Program Availability
Schools Offering
54
74 total including inactive
States
19
Across 19 states
Graduates (2024)
932
Total completions
Food Preparation/Professional Cooking/Kitchen Assistant is offered as a certificate and associate program at schools across 19 states, making it a solid trade program. The most popular states are Georgia, Illinois and Wisconsin.
Career & Cost Overview
Median Salary
$36,210
Cooks, All Other
Job Growth
+5.5%
10-year projected growth
Median Tuition
$4,375
In-state annual rate
Graduates typically pursue careers as Cooks, All Other. In-state tuition ranges from $576 to $14,500, and the work is primarily indoor with moderate physical demands — suited for hands-on learners who enjoy practical work.
Graduate Demographics
Gender Distribution
Degree Level Distribution
Is This Career Right for You?
Is This Career Right for You?
Interest Profile (Holland Codes)
hands-on, practical work with tools and equipment; organizing, systematizing, and working with data; helping and working with people
What does this mean? ▼
This career is best suited for people who enjoy:
- Building things
- Working with hands
- Organization
- Data management
- Helping others
- Teaching
Ideal Candidate Profile
👤 Personality Traits
💡 Interests
⭐ Work Values
❓ Ask Yourself These Questions
Do you enjoy hands-on, practical work with tools and equipment; organizing, systematizing, and working with data; helping and working with people?
Do you value speaking?
Are you willing to develop the technical skills required for this field?
✓ This Career May Be Great For You If:
- • Hands-on learners who enjoy practical work
- • People-oriented individuals who enjoy helping others
- • Detail-oriented individuals who value organization
⚠ Consider These Challenges:
- • Those who prefer desk-based, theoretical work
- • Those who prefer working independently
- • Those who dislike repetitive tasks
Note: This assessment is based on typical requirements and characteristics for careers in this field. Individual experiences may vary. Consider your own interests, values, and goals when making career decisions.
Where Can You Study Food Preparation/Professional Cooking/Kitchen Assistant?
Click on any state to view schools offering this program.
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