Culinary Arts at Central Piedmont Community College
with a mid-sized student body of 13,640 in Charlotte, NC.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $27,127 at Central Piedmont Community College come in 13% above the national median of $23,994 for Culinary Arts programs.
The 55.5x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.
With only 20% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 9%. Career paths for Culinary Arts are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.
Ranked #18 out of 137 programs, Central Piedmont Community College's Culinary Arts program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.
Earnings growth is modest: $27,127 to $30,521 over five years (13% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.
With 17 registered apprenticeships mapped to Culinary Arts, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.
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 Piedmont Community College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.