Culinary schools in Illinois
Looking for culinary arts schools in Illinois? There are 18, including 18 public colleges. Chefs in Illinois earn a median $58,830 a year, according to the BLS.
- Schools
- 18
- Public colleges
- 18
- Median pay in IL
- $58,830
- Cities with schools
- 10
18 culinary arts schools
School results
City Colleges of Chicago - Kennedy-King College
Chicago, IL · Public
- Culinary arts
- Electrician
- HVAC technician
- +9
City Colleges of Chicago - Malcolm X College
Chicago, IL · Public
- Culinary arts
- Medical assistant
- Nursing assistant (CNA)
- +11
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Culinary schools by city
- Chicago (5 within 30 mi)
- Aurora (5 within 30 mi)
- Elgin (7 within 30 mi)
- Waukegan (4 within 30 mi)
- Arlington Heights (8 within 30 mi)
- Orland Park (5 within 30 mi)
- Lombard (7 within 30 mi)
- DeKalb (3 within 30 mi)
- McHenry (5 within 30 mi)
- Belvidere (3 within 30 mi)
What chefs earn in Illinois
Median pay means half earn more and half earn less. Pay grows with experience, certifications and overtime.
- Median pay
- $58,830
- $28.29 an hour
- Typical range
- $40,330–$88,420
- 10th to 90th percentile
- Jobs in IL
- 8,290
- 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 Illinois
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- 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 Illinois?
We list 18 schools in Illinois with culinary arts programs: 18 public colleges. Campuses are in Chicago, Glen Ellyn, Grayslake, Belleville, and River Grove.
Are there community college culinary arts programs in Illinois?
Yes. 18 public colleges in Illinois 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 Illinois?
Among the 18 schools here that report it to the U.S. Department of Education, the average yearly net price (after grants and scholarships) ranges from $1,672 to $12,961. 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 Illinois?
The median pay for chefs in Illinois is $58,830 a year, and most earn between $40,330 and $88,420, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How do I choose a culinary arts school in Illinois?
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 Illinois
- Cosmetology schools (64)
- IT schools (44)
- Criminal justice programs (44)
- Welding schools (44)
- CNA classes (42)
- Medical assistant schools (39)
- Auto mechanic schools (38)
- LPN programs (36)
- EMT and paramedic schools (36)
- Industrial maintenance schools (36)
- Medical billing and coding schools (34)
- Esthetician schools (32)
- HVAC schools (31)
- Drafting schools (30)
- Radiology tech schools (25)
- Phlebotomy classes (24)
Culinary schools in other states
- California (52)
- Florida (43)
- Texas (28)
- North Carolina (24)
- New York (20)
- Georgia (19)
- Pennsylvania (17)
- Wisconsin (15)
- Oklahoma (13)
- Virginia (13)
- Washington (13)
- Puerto Rico (13)
- New Jersey (12)
- Mississippi (11)
- Michigan (10)
- Ohio (10)