Culinary Arts at Central New Mexico Community College
with a mid-sized student body of 15,246 in Albuquerque, NM.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $23,139 track close to the $23,994 national median for Culinary Arts programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
With a 73.8x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 16% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Culinary Arts career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
Central New Mexico Community College ranks #17 among 137 Culinary Arts programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
A 20% earnings increase from $23,139 to $27,803 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.
The 17 apprenticeship pathways connected to Culinary Arts reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
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% |
Culinary Arts Career Guide
Explore what Culinary Arts graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 137 programs nationwide.
Compare & Explore
Culinary Arts Overview
Culinary Arts at Other Schools
Other Majors at Central New Mexico Community College
Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?
Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.