Culinary schools in San Mateo, CA

6 schools within 30 miles of San Mateo, CA offer culinary arts programs, and the closest is City College of San Francisco in San Francisco, 14 miles away. Chefs in California earn a median $64,500 a year, according to the BLS.

Within 30 miles
6
Closest
14 mi
Public colleges
4
Median pay in CA
$64,500

6 culinary arts schools within 30 mi of San Mateo, CA

School results

  1. City College of San Francisco

    San Francisco, CA · 14 mi · Public

    • Culinary arts
    • Electrician
    • HVAC technician
    • +23
  2. Laney College

    Oakland, CA · 17 mi · Public

    • Culinary arts
    • Electrician
    • HVAC technician
    • +8
  3. National Holistic Institute

    Emeryville, CA · 19 mi · Private

    • Culinary arts
    • Massage therapy
  4. Hear from the best fits near San Mateo, CA

    One short form. Up to 3 schools send you costs, schedules and financial aid options.

  5. Mission College

    Santa Clara, CA · 22 mi · Public

    • Culinary arts
    • Automotive technician
    • Practical nursing (LPN/LVN)
    • +4
  6. Contra Costa College

    San Pablo, CA · 28 mi · Public

    • Culinary arts
    • Automotive technician
    • Medical assistant
    • +4
  7. CET-San Jose

    San Jose, CA · 28 mi · Private

    • Culinary arts
    • Electrician
    • HVAC technician
    • +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 San Mateo

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 San Mateo?

The closest are City College of San Francisco (San Francisco, 14 mi), Laney College (Oakland, 17 mi), and National Holistic Institute (Emeryville, 19 mi). In total, 6 schools within 30 miles teach culinary arts.

How much do culinary arts programs near San Mateo cost?

For the 6 schools nearby that report it, the average yearly net price after aid ranges from $5,080 to $33,287. Ask each school for the full program cost, including tools, books and exam fees.

How much do chefs make near San Mateo?

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 San Mateo?

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.