Culinary Arts and Related Services at Texas State Technical College
serving 9,153 students in Waco, TX.
Program Analysis
Texas State Technical College's Culinary Arts and Related Services program produces graduates earning $21,144/yr — within striking distance of the $23,994 national average for this trade.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 44.4x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Culinary Arts and Related Services programs nationally.
The 31% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 20% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Culinary Arts and Related Services graduates.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $9,500 in median debt clears fast against $21,144 in annual earnings.
At #58 of 137 Culinary Arts and Related Services programs, Texas State Technical College scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Earnings grow from $21,144 to $29,932 over five years — a 42% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.
Culinary Arts and Related Services offers 17 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.
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 Texas State Technical College
Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree
Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.