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Culinary Arts at Washtenaw Community College

Ann Arbor, MI · Public · Associate Degree · Culinary Arts and Related Services

serving 7,736 students in Ann Arbor, MI.

Program Analysis

At $33,382 per year, Culinary Arts graduates from Washtenaw Community College significantly outpace the $23,994 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

The 63.8x 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.

With only 20% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 0%. Career paths for Culinary Arts are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

Ranked #4 out of 137 programs, Washtenaw Community College's Culinary Arts program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

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

75 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
74
Low End
75
Score
76
High End
Earnings $33,382/yr (39% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (80% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (789,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Year 1 Earnings
$33K
Reported median after graduation
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
63.8x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
13 of 13
Occupations with strong AI resilience
Program Tuition (In-State)
$5,472
Out-of-state: $12,672
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$31,812
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

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

Explore what Culinary Arts graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 137 programs nationwide.

Read the full Culinary Arts career guide →

Compare & Explore

Culinary Arts Overview

View all 137 schools offering Culinary Arts →

Culinary Arts at Other Schools

Johnson County Community College ($38,977) Southeast Community College Area ($36,734) Cincinnati State Technical and Community College ($36,330) Fox Valley Technical College ($34,736) Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College ($32,602) Saint Paul College ($32,478) Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science ($32,023) Salt Lake Community College ($31,788)

Other Majors at Washtenaw Community College

Nursing ($70,145) Criminal Justice ($67,732) Allied Health Professions ($54,371) Business Operations Support ($46,821) Industrial Production Technology ($42,813) Business Administration ($41,152) Medical Assisting ($39,704) Vehicle Repair Technology ($37,457)

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Compare Culinary Arts degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Culinary Arts at Washtenaw Community College?
This program scores 75/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Culinary Arts nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
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. Washtenaw Community College's score of 75/100 reflects this durability.
Why does Washtenaw Community College rank so high for Culinary Arts?
The #4 ranking out of 137 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Can I learn Culinary Arts through an apprenticeship instead of Washtenaw Community College?
If Washtenaw Community College'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.
Will Culinary Arts graduates from Washtenaw Community College find jobs?
At 789,200 annual openings, Culinary Arts has a very large employment base. Washtenaw 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 →