Culinary Arts and Related Services at Ozarks Technical Community College
serving 8,194 students in Springfield, MO.
Program Analysis
At $25,879 per year, Culinary Arts and Related Services graduates from Ozarks Technical Community College earn slightly above the $23,994 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.
With a 38.0x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 15% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Culinary Arts and Related Services career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
The median debt load of $8,933 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
A #49 ranking among 137 Culinary Arts and Related Services programs places Ozarks Technical Community College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.
The limited growth from $25,879 to $30,961 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.
The 17 apprenticeship pathways connected to Culinary Arts and Related Services reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.
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 Ozarks Technical Community College
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.