Culinary Arts and Related Services at University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College

North Little Rock, AR · Public · Associate Degree

with a smaller student body of 3,791 in North Little Rock, AR.

Program Analysis

At $25,597 per year, Culinary Arts and Related Services graduates from University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College earn slightly above the $23,994 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The 33.1x 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.

AI risk is moderate — 20% task exposure — and the 17% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Culinary Arts and Related Services graduates.

The $17,953 debt-to-$25,597 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #54 out of 137 programs, University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College's Culinary Arts and Related Services offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $25,597 to $31,202 shows 22% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

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

62 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
59
Low End
62
Score
62
High End
Earnings $25,597/yr (7% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (80% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (789,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$323K
5.1% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
33.3x
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)
$9,696
Out-of-state: $14,496
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,953
8.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$31,202
22% growth from Year 1

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%
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 →

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 University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical 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

How does University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College's Culinary Arts and Related Services program score?
At 62/100, University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College's Culinary Arts and Related Services program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
How safe is Culinary Arts and Related Services from automation?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Culinary Arts and Related Services work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Our model rates it "AI-Proof" overall.
Are there apprenticeship options for Culinary Arts and Related Services?
There are 17 registered apprenticeships connected to Culinary Arts and Related Services occupations. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
How many job openings are there for Culinary Arts and Related Services graduates?
The career paths mapped to Culinary Arts and Related Services have roughly 789,200 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Trade careers in this field benefit from consistent replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →