Pennsylvania Culinary Arts Schools, Baking & Pastry Schools, Hospitality Management Schools

Culinary Schools in Pennsylvania

The Keystone State is a big player in the culinary world. This might be surprising since more people know Pennsylvania for the Philadelphia cheesesteak, Pennsylvania Dutch cooking, Philadelphia style porter beer, and being the potato chip capital of the country. But there is so much more. Lancaster County is known for its German-style pretzels, and the country's oldest brewery - D. G. Yuengling & Son, which has been operating since 1829. Thanks to its agricultural bounty, the state has had a long tradition of farmer's markets and the farm-to-table movement, though it still competes with meat and potatoes, is gaining strength. The official state fish, the brook trout, is often prepared by Philly based chefs, and the state has some 60,000 farms from which to source local produce, and is fourth in the country in terms of both dairy production and apple production.

In Pennsylvania, the culinary arts industry is a $21 billion dollar per year business behemoth, employing more than 561,000 people across the state, according to the National Restaurant Association's 2016 data. And that number is expected to reach 579,600 in 2016. With nearly 25,434 drinking and eating establishments across the state, the employment opportunities are very promising for graduates of culinary schools in Pennsylvania. Looking ahead to 2026, the National Restaurant Association projects 7.9% growth in the culinary field, representing 44,200 additional jobs across the state. According to employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), individual careers such as chefs, bakers, and food service managers are projected to see mild job growth in Pennsylvania into 2022. Statewide average salaries for chefs and head cooks is about $47,000, while bakers see $26,000, and food service managers can expect $56,000 annually.

These numbers show an amazing opportunity for anyone interested in a culinary career here. In Pennsylvania, there are a variety of educational paths to consider including Culinary Arts, Culinary Management, Hospitality Management, and Baking & Pastry Arts. Completing a degree program from a Pennsylvania culinary school can set the foundation for employment both in and out of the kitchen, as a sous chef, chef de cuisine, pastry chef, baker, hospitality director and even, restaurant owner. In addition to earning an Associate’s in Applied Science–Culinary Arts Degree, students are eligible for Certificates from the Educational Foundation of the National Restaurant Association. Though a degree is not required culinary arts schools in Pennsylvania can give students professional training that will help in negotiating the best job. There are over 36 cooking schools, state colleges, community colleges and technical colleges that offer culinary programs so you have ample choices to map out your future.

As Pennsylvania's culinary traditions merge with new restaurateurs and new techniques, the state promises to be a rewarding environment. Given Pennsylvania’s farms, access to seafood, brewing and wine industry, tastes are changing and new experiences are being welcomed by the most ardent meat and potatoes stalwarts. Aspiring chefs who are interested in culinary schools in Pennsylvania will likely find themselves as part of a current surges in the foodie scene in both Philly and Pittsburgh that has been evolving for the last decade.