Culinary Arts at Kennebec Valley Community College

Fairfield, ME · Public · Associate Degree · Culinary Arts and Related Services

with a smaller student body of 1,538 in Fairfield, ME.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $28,893/yr, edging above the $23,994 national average for Culinary Arts — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 42.4x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Culinary Arts programs nationally.

AI disruption models show minimal impact on this program's career paths. The gap between optimistic and pessimistic scenarios is just 0% — this trade's hands-on core resists automation.

At #25 of 137 nationally, this is a top-5% Culinary Arts program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Culinary Arts offers 17 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

67 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
66
Low End
67
Score
67
High End
Earnings $28,893/yr (20% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (80% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (789,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$302K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
42.4x
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)
$7,124
Out-of-state: $12,884

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

What can you do with a Culinary Arts credential from Kennebec Valley Community College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Culinary Arts career guide →

Compare & Explore

Culinary Arts Overview

Culinary Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at Kennebec Valley Community College

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 67/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Culinary Arts at Kennebec Valley Community College?
A score of 67/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Culinary Arts field.
Is Culinary Arts from Kennebec Valley Community College a future-proof career choice?
Highly resilient. Culinary Arts careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Kennebec Valley Community College graduates retain 13 of 13 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
Is Kennebec Valley Community College one of the best schools for Culinary Arts?
Among 137 Culinary Arts programs, Kennebec Valley Community College's #25 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Can I learn Culinary Arts through an apprenticeship instead of Kennebec Valley Community College?
The DOL recognizes 17 apprenticeship pathways related to Culinary Arts. For students weighing Kennebec Valley Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
How many job openings are there for Culinary Arts graduates?
At 789,200 annual openings, Culinary Arts has a very large employment base. Kennebec Valley Community College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →