Culinary Arts at Hillsborough Community College

Tampa, FL · Public · Associate Degree · Culinary Arts and Related Services

with a mid-sized student body of 19,998 in Tampa, FL.

Program Analysis

At $29,451 per year, Culinary Arts graduates from Hillsborough Community College earn slightly above the $23,994 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The 61.5x 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 0%. Career paths for Culinary Arts are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

A #9 ranking out of 137 Culinary Arts programs nationally puts Hillsborough Community College in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.

With 17 registered apprenticeships mapped to Culinary Arts, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

72 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
70
Low End
72
Score
72
High End
Earnings $29,451/yr (23% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (80% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (789,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$308K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
61.5x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
13 of 13
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$5,012
Out-of-state: $18,222

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%
Food scientists and technologists
$85,310
+6.5% growth 65% AI-proof
Postsecondary teachers, all other
$78,490
+1.8% growth 100% AI-proof
Food service managers
$65,310
+6.4% growth 58% AI-proof

View all 13 career paths with full salary data →

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.

Read the full Culinary Arts career guide →

Compare & Explore

Culinary Arts Overview

Culinary Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at Hillsborough Community College

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 72/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Culinary Arts at Hillsborough Community College?
A score of 72/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Hillsborough Community College's Culinary Arts graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
Will AI replace Culinary Arts jobs?
For Hillsborough Community College graduates, AI risk is minimal. Culinary Arts rated "AI-Proof" — 80% of the work involves hands-on skills that current AI simply can't perform.
Are there apprenticeship options for Culinary Arts?
If Hillsborough Community College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 17 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Culinary Arts. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
How many job openings are there for Culinary Arts graduates?
The career paths mapped to Culinary Arts have roughly 789,200 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Demand is driven by consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →