Culinary Arts at Hawaii Community College
a smaller institution with 1,470 students in Hilo, HI.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $25,027 track close to the $23,994 national median for Culinary Arts programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
The 56.5x 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.
AI risk is moderate — 20% task exposure — and the 28% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Culinary Arts graduates.
Ranked #30 out of 137 programs, Hawaii Community College's Culinary Arts program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $25,027 to $34,234 shows 37% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable 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
From day-one roles to senior positions, Culinary Arts careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering personal services.
Compare & Explore
Culinary Arts Overview
Culinary Arts at Other Schools
Other Majors at Hawaii Community College
Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?
Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.