Culinary schools in Fairfield, CA

3 schools within 30 miles of Fairfield, CA offer culinary arts programs, and the closest is Napa Valley College in Napa, 13 miles away. Chefs in California earn a median $64,500 a year, according to the BLS.

Within 30 miles
3
Closest
13 mi
Public colleges
3
Median pay in CA
$64,500

3 culinary arts schools within 30 mi of Fairfield, CA

School results

  1. Napa Valley College

    Napa, CA · 13 mi · Public

    • Culinary arts
    • Welding
    • CNC machining
    • +4
  2. Diablo Valley College

    Pleasant Hill, CA · 20 mi · Public

    • Culinary arts
    • Plumbing
    • Dental assistant
    • +6
  3. Contra Costa College

    San Pablo, CA · 26 mi · Public

    • Culinary arts
    • Automotive technician
    • Medical assistant
    • +4

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 Fairfield

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

Compare culinary schools

Free · Takes 60 seconds · No obligation

Frequently asked questions

What are the closest culinary arts schools to Fairfield?

The closest are Napa Valley College (Napa, 13 mi), Diablo Valley College (Pleasant Hill, 20 mi), and Contra Costa College (San Pablo, 26 mi). In total, 3 schools within 30 miles teach culinary arts.

How much do culinary arts programs near Fairfield cost?

For the 3 schools nearby that report it, the average yearly net price after aid ranges from $8,312 to $14,644. Ask each school for the full program cost, including tools, books and exam fees.

How much do chefs make near Fairfield?

Across California, the median pay is $64,500 a year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay varies by employer, experience and certifications.

How do I choose a culinary arts school in Fairfield?

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.