Culinary schools in California
We found 52 schools offering culinary arts training in California, with campuses in Sacramento, Pasadena, Santa Maria, and San Francisco and more. Chefs in California earn a median $64,500 a year, according to the BLS.
- Schools
- 52
- Public colleges
- 49
- Median pay in CA
- $64,500
- Cities with schools
- 35
24 culinary arts schools
School results
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Baldwin Park Adult & Community Education
Baldwin Park, CA · Public
- Culinary arts
- Electrician
- HVAC technician
- +5
Grossmont College
El Cajon, CA · Public
- Culinary arts
- Respiratory therapist
- Police academy & criminal justice
Lake Tahoe Community College
South Lake Tahoe, CA · Public
- Culinary arts
- Dental assistant
- IT support & networking
- +2
Culinary schools by city
- Los Angeles (11 within 30 mi)
- San Diego (3 within 30 mi)
- San Jose (3 within 30 mi)
- Sacramento (3 within 30 mi)
- Long Beach (12 within 30 mi)
- Oakland (6 within 30 mi)
- Anaheim (13 within 30 mi)
- Riverside (5 within 30 mi)
- Santa Clarita (5 within 30 mi)
- Fremont (3 within 30 mi)
- San Bernardino (4 within 30 mi)
- Rancho Cucamonga (6 within 30 mi)
- Roseville (4 within 30 mi)
- Pasadena (12 within 30 mi)
- Simi Valley (3 within 30 mi)
- Concord (6 within 30 mi)
- Vallejo (6 within 30 mi)
- Fairfield (3 within 30 mi)
- Menifee (4 within 30 mi)
- Costa Mesa (10 within 30 mi)
- Vacaville (3 within 30 mi)
- San Mateo (6 within 30 mi)
- Hesperia (3 within 30 mi)
- Mission Viejo (5 within 30 mi)
- Livermore (4 within 30 mi)
- Woodland (3 within 30 mi)
- Santa Cruz (4 within 30 mi)
- San Rafael (6 within 30 mi)
- Beaumont (3 within 30 mi)
- Petaluma (3 within 30 mi)
- Glendora (12 within 30 mi)
- Los Altos (3 within 30 mi)
- Galt (3 within 30 mi)
- Reedley (3 within 30 mi)
- Imperial Beach (3 within 30 mi)
What chefs earn in California
Median pay means half earn more and half earn less. Pay grows with experience, certifications and overtime.
- Median pay
- $64,500
- $31.01 an hour
- Typical range
- $37,380–$101,870
- 10th to 90th percentile
- Jobs in CA
- 31,670
- Job growth, 2025–35
- +6.6%
- 25,200 openings a year (U.S.)
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, and Employment Projections.
Hear from the best fits near California
One short form. Up to 3 schools send you costs, schedules and financial aid options. Free, with no obligation.
- Compare real costs and start dates
- Ask about financial aid and apprenticeships
- Your info goes only to the schools you're matched with
Step 1 of 3: Your trade
Frequently asked questions
How many culinary arts schools are in California?
We list 52 schools in California with culinary arts programs: 49 public colleges, 1 private nonprofit school, and 2 private career schools. Campuses are in Sacramento, Pasadena, Santa Maria, San Francisco, and Visalia.
Are there community college culinary arts programs in California?
Yes. 49 public colleges in California offer culinary arts. Public programs often cost less and are usually eligible for federal financial aid. Confirm costs and aid with each school.
How much does culinary arts school cost in California?
Among the 50 schools here that report it to the U.S. Department of Education, the average yearly net price (after grants and scholarships) ranges from $480 to $33,287. That figure covers the whole school, not just this program, so ask each school for the program's total cost.
How much do chefs make in California?
The median pay for chefs in California is $64,500 a year, and most earn between $37,380 and $101,870, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How do I choose a culinary arts school in California?
Ask each school about accreditation, total cost after financial aid, hands-on lab hours, certification exam prep, class sizes and job placement. Request info from two or three schools so you can compare their answers side by side.
Other programs in California
- Medical assistant schools (152)
- Cosmetology schools (119)
- Criminal justice programs (109)
- Auto mechanic schools (83)
- Dental assistant schools (83)
- LPN programs (83)
- IT schools (83)
- Esthetician schools (76)
- HVAC schools (71)
- Welding schools (69)
- Barber schools (68)
- Pharmacy technician schools (66)
- Medical billing and coding schools (63)
- Industrial maintenance schools (60)
- Electrician schools (58)
- Fire science programs (57)
Culinary schools in other states
- Florida (43)
- Texas (28)
- North Carolina (24)
- New York (20)
- Georgia (19)
- Illinois (18)
- Pennsylvania (17)
- Wisconsin (15)
- Oklahoma (13)
- Virginia (13)
- Washington (13)
- Puerto Rico (13)
- New Jersey (12)
- Mississippi (11)
- Michigan (10)
- Ohio (10)