Culinary Arts at Lincoln Technical Institute-Shelton

Shelton, CT · Private for-profit · Certificate · Culinary Arts and Related Services

a compact campus enrolling 798 students in Shelton, CT.

Program Analysis

Lincoln Technical Institute-Shelton's Culinary Arts program produces graduates earning $24,128/yr — within striking distance of the $23,994 national average for this trade.

AI exposure is significant at 20% of job tasks, producing a 31% spread between best and worst-case decade earnings. The field isn't immune to disruption.

The $12,096 debt-to-$24,128 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #73 out of 137 programs, Lincoln Technical Institute-Shelton's financial outcomes for Culinary Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $24,128 to $33,904 shows 41% 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.

60 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
58
Low End
60
Score
61
High End
Earnings $24,128/yr (1% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (80% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (789,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$364K
8.9% annual growth
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.

Median Debt at Graduation
$12,096
6.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$33,904
41% growth from Year 1

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

See the full career breakdown for Culinary Arts — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Lincoln Technical Institute-Shelton and 136 other schools.

Read the full Culinary Arts career guide →

Compare & Explore

Culinary Arts Overview

Culinary Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at Lincoln Technical Institute-Shelton

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Culinary Arts at Lincoln Technical Institute-Shelton?
At 60/100, the score looks reasonable — but Culinary Arts is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Will AI replace Culinary Arts jobs?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Culinary Arts work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Lincoln Technical Institute-Shelton's score of 60/100 reflects this durability.
Are there apprenticeship options for Culinary Arts?
If Lincoln Technical Institute-Shelton'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?
Job availability for Culinary Arts is strong — 789,200 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Lincoln Technical Institute-Shelton graduates specifically, local market conditions in CT may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →