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Culinary Arts Schools in California

9 accredited Culinary programs in CA

9

Schools in CA

$55,960

Avg. Salary

6-24 months

Program Length

5

Cities

Culinary Arts Schools in California

American River College

4700 College Oak Drive, Sacramento, CA 95841

American River College (ARC) is part of the Los Rios Community College District, located in north Sacramento. ARC offers a Welding Technology AS Degree and several certificates, plus the Sheet Metal Service Technician Apprenticeship AA which trains apprentices in HVAC servicing, start-up, and balancing. The North Highlands Center hosts an additional HVAC Technology program covering heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.3 (60)

$3,000

12-24 months

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Cerritos College

11110 Alondra Blvd, Norwalk, CA 90650-6298

Cerritos College is a public community college in Norwalk, California, offering over 180 degrees and certificates in nine divisions. It is recognized for its comprehensive vocational training, particularly in automotive technology, welding, and health sciences.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.1 (57)

$1,346

18-24 months

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Cosumnes River College

8401 Center Parkway, Sacramento, CA 95823

Cosumnes River College (CRC) is part of the Los Rios Community College District, located in south Sacramento. CRC offers a hybrid Welding Technology program (associate degree and certificates) accredited by the American Welding Society (AWS) for the Certified Welder Program. Curriculum covers arc welding, resistance welding, brazing, soldering, cutting, and advanced welding processes for entry-level and advancement training.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.4 (67)

$1,288

12-24 months

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East Los Angeles College

1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez, Monterey Park, CA 91754

East Los Angeles College (ELAC) is part of the Los Angeles Community College District serving primarily East LA and the San Gabriel Valley. ELAC is one of the largest community colleges in California, offering certificates and associate degrees across academic transfer, career and technical education (CTE), and continuing education programs. Strong CTE programs include automotive, administration of justice, allied health, and business.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.2 (52)

$2,800

24 months

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Los Angeles Trade-Technical College

400 West Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Los Angeles Trade-Technical College is a public community college specializing in career-technical education and transfer preparation. Established in 1925, it offers over 80 hands-on programs designed to move students into high-demand careers in two years or less.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.2 (36)

$2,476

2 years

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Pasadena City College

1570 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91106

Pasadena City College (PCC) is a public community college in Pasadena, just east of Los Angeles. PCC's Career Technical Education (CTE) division offers strong programs in automotive technology, welding (SMAW, GTAW/TIG, oxy-acetylene), HVAC/R, robotics, and airframe and powerplant (A&P) technology. The 1570 E. Colorado Blvd campus is one of the largest community college campuses in California.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.1 (49)

$2,200

9 months

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Sacramento City College

3835 Freeport Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95822

Sacramento City College is part of the Los Rios Community College District and serves central Sacramento. SCC offers 126 career-focused programs including HVAC Systems Design (32-unit certificate or 60-unit AS), Mechanical-Electrical Technology, welding, and broad allied health and IT offerings. The HVAC curriculum covers energy management, mechanical system commissioning, indoor air quality, building automation, refrigerant recovery, and electronic controls.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.2 (30)

$2,200

12-18 months

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San Diego City College

1313 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101

San Diego City College is part of the San Diego Community College District, located in downtown San Diego. The Business, Information Technology, Cosmetology, Engineering, and Trades (BICET) Department offers Skilled and Technical Trades certificate programs in electronics, HVAC (Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Environmental Control Technology), plumbing, sheet metal, upholstery, welding, and metal fabrication.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.5 (33)

$3,500

12-24 months

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San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE)

4343 Ocean View Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92113

San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE) is the adult education division of the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD). SDCCE offers 300+ tuition-free certificate programs and classes across seven campuses in San Diego, from Barrio Logan in the south to Miramar in the north. Skilled and Technical Trades programs include HVAC (Air Conditioning and Heating I & II), welding (SMAW and GTAW), plumbing, electronics, upholstery, and metal fabrication.

GI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On TrainingOnline Available
4.3 (66)

$0

12-24 months

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Culinary Arts Training in California

California offers excellent opportunities for aspiring culinary artss. With 9 accredited training programs across the state, you can find a program that fits your schedule and budget.

The average culinary arts in California earns around $55,960 per year, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. Job growth in this field is projected at 6% over the next decade, making it a strong career choice for job security and long-term earning potential.

Most Culinary programs in CA take 6-24 months to complete. Upon finishing your training, you'll be prepared to pursue industry certifications such as ServSafe Certification, ACF Certification, Pastry Arts Certificate, which can increase your employability and starting salary.

What to Expect from Culinary Training

Culinary Arts programs combine classroom instruction with practical, hands-on training. You'll learn both the theory and the real-world skills needed to succeed in this field. Here's what a typical program covers:

  • Technical fundamentals: Core concepts, safety procedures, and industry standards that form the foundation of your training.
  • Hands-on practice: Lab sessions and shop time where you apply what you've learned using industry-standard tools and equipment.
  • Certification prep: Focused preparation for exams like ServSafe Certification and ACF Certification that employers look for.
  • Career readiness: Resume building, interview prep, and job placement assistance to help you transition into the workforce.