Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

Asheville, NC · Public · Associate Degree · Culinary Arts and Related Services

with a smaller student body of 4,909 in Asheville, NC.

Program Analysis

At $32,602 per year, Culinary Arts graduates from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College significantly outpace the $23,994 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

With a 59.2x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most careers in Culinary Arts involve physical, hands-on work that current AI cannot replicate.

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College ranks #6 among 137 Culinary Arts programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $32,602 to $33,786 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

The 17 apprenticeship pathways connected to Culinary Arts reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

74 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
72
Low End
74
Score
74
High End
Earnings $32,602/yr (36% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (80% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (789,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$341K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
59.2x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
13 of 13
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$5,764
Out-of-state: $18,052
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$33,786
4% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Culinary Arts graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Food scientists and technologists $85,310 +6.5% 65%
Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490 +1.8% 100%
Food service managers $65,310 +6.4% 58%
Food scientists and technologists
$85,310
+6.5% growth 65% AI-proof
Postsecondary teachers, all other
$78,490
+1.8% growth 100% AI-proof
Food service managers
$65,310
+6.4% growth 58% AI-proof

View all 13 career paths with full salary data →

Culinary Arts Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Culinary Arts careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering personal services.

Read the full Culinary Arts career guide →

Compare & Explore

Culinary Arts Overview

Culinary Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 74/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College?
At 74/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
How AI-proof is a career in Culinary Arts?
For Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College graduates, AI risk is minimal. Culinary Arts rated "AI-Proof" — 80% of the work involves hands-on skills that current AI simply can't perform.
Why does Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College rank so high for Culinary Arts?
Among 137 Culinary Arts programs, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College's #6 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Culinary Arts graduates?
The DOL recognizes 17 apprenticeship pathways related to Culinary Arts. For students weighing Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Will Culinary Arts graduates from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College find jobs?
At 789,200 annual openings, Culinary Arts has a very large employment base. Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →