Culinary Arts and Related Services at Fox Valley Technical College
with a mid-sized student body of 6,004 in Appleton, WI.
Program Analysis
At $34,736 per year, Culinary Arts and Related Services graduates from Fox Valley Technical College significantly outpace the $23,994 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.
The 42.5x 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 13%. Career paths for Culinary Arts and Related Services are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.
The median debt load of $11,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
A #13 ranking out of 137 Culinary Arts and Related Services programs nationally puts Fox Valley Technical College in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.
Earnings growth is modest: $34,736 to $40,883 over five years (18% 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 Fox Valley Technical College
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.