Culinary Arts and Related Services 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 and Related Services 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 and Related Services career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
Central New Mexico Community College ranks #17 among 137 Culinary Arts and Related Services 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 and Related Services 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 and Related Services 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% |
About Culinary Arts and Related Services Careers
Your career will likely begin in the controlled chaos of a professional kitchen. As a restaurant cook, you'll spend your days prepping ingredients with precision and working the line during a busy service, mastering the grill, sauté pans, and fryer. This path is seeing incredible growth, with huge demand for skilled cooks.
Read the full Culinary Arts and Related Services career guide →
Compare & Explore
Culinary Arts and Related Services Overview
Culinary Arts and Related Services at Other Schools
Other Majors at Central New Mexico Community College
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