Culinary Schools In Texas
The current demand for culinary arts professionals is heating up in Texas where the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts credible growth for any number of food-related professionals through 2022 at a minimum. Though not always required, formal training in culinary schools in Texas can prepare graduates to succeed in an increasingly competitive field, especially in high-end restaurants, among others.
According to BLS statistics for 2015, Texas is one of 13 states that has the highest employment rates for chefs and head cooks with an average salary of $43,300, and Texas is number three after California and New York overall so it’s an enviable state considering its population of 27 million. The Dallas Metro area, Houston, San Antonio and Austin are the main drivers for the vibrant restaurant scene. In Texas, there are 26 accredited schools where culinary classes can help you find employment after graduation. The National Restaurant Association (NRA) suggests there were 42,523 eating and drinking locations in 2015 throughout the state, and that 12% of the state population is employed in food service, with just over 1.2 Million jobs, and looking at an increase by 2026 of nearly 18%.
At the top of the state’s culinary schools are a few of the country’s most recognizable like The Culinary Institute of America, Texas Culinary Academy, Le Cordon Bleu, and The International Culinary Schools at Art Institutes, in Dallas, and Houston. However there are notable programs also found at universities, community colleges and technical schools. The range of food service industry degrees available in Texas is impressive. Dietetics and restaurant management are taught at the Bachelor’s Degree level, and many diplomas and certificates are awarded to professional cooks, kitchen workers, hospitality supervisors, baking and pastry arts, restaurant management, hospitality management, bartending and mixology, and sommelier training. Available degrees include Culinary Certificate, Associates Degree in Culinary, and Bachelors Degree in Culinary, among others.
The food culture of Texas is influenced by an amalgam of diverse food traditions, and a strong agricultural component. Texas leads the country in beef production, so there is a vibrant BBQ culture, but an equally strong commercial fishing industry. Quail farms are some of the best in the nation, and the Tex-Mex food category has become a popular fixture in American restaurants. This all good news for culinary students since Texas produces a lion’s share of U.S. produce, leaving creative culinary professionals with plenty of fresh food to plate. One look into the Texas food scene is enough to motivate any would-be chef.
List of Texas Culinary Schools:
Texas Woman's UniversityDenton TX
Laredo Community CollegeLaredo TX
Lamar Institute of TechnologyBeaumont TX
South Texas CollegeMcAllen TX
Tarrant County College District
Fort Worth TX
Austin Community College District
Austin TX
Texas State Technical College-Waco
Waco TX
Amarillo College
Amarillo TX
Collin County Community College District
McKinney TX
Houston Community College
Houston TX
Alvin Community College
Alvin TX
Texas State Technical College-Harlingen
Harlingen TX
El Paso Community College
El Paso TX
South Plains College
Levelland TX
Grayson College
Denison TX
Del Mar College
Corpus Christi TX
Galveston College
Galveston TX
Kilgore College
Kilgore TX
Lee College
Baytown TX
Vernon College
Vernon TX
Texas State Technical College-West Texas
Sweetwater TX
San Jacinto Community College
Pasadena TX
El Centro College
Dallas TX
St Philip's College
San Antonio TX
Texarkana College
Texarkana TX
Northeast Texas Community College
Mount Pleasant TX
Odessa College
Odessa TX
The Art Institute of Austin
Austin TX
Ranger College
Ranger TX
South University-The Art Institute of Dallas
Dallas TX
The Art Institute of Houston
Houston TX
The Art Institute of San Antonio
San Antonio TX
www.artinstitutes.edu/san-antonio
Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts-Austin
Austin TX
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts-Austin
Austin TX
Culinary Institute Inc
Houston TX
Culinary Institute of America
San Antonio TX