Culinary Arts and Related Services 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 and Related Services 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 and Related Services are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.
Ranked #18 out of 137 programs, Central Piedmont Community College's Culinary Arts and Related Services 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 and Related Services, 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 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 Piedmont Community College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.