Culinary Arts at Des Moines Area Community College
with a mid-sized student body of 10,406 in Ankeny, IA.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $26,913 at Des Moines Area Community College come in 12% above the national median of $23,994 for Culinary Arts programs.
The 41.3x 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.
AI exposure is significant at 20% of job tasks, producing a 39% spread between best and worst-case decade earnings. The field isn't immune to disruption.
With first-year pay of $26,913 far exceeding the $8,334 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Ranked #33 out of 137 programs, Des Moines Area Community College's Culinary Arts program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.
Earnings growth from $26,913 to $41,811 over five years (55% increase) indicates that graduates in this trade see meaningful salary progression.
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 Des Moines Area Community College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.