Culinary schools in Tacoma, WA

6 schools within 30 miles of Tacoma, WA offer culinary arts programs, and one is in Tacoma itself. Chefs in Washington earn a median $76,010 a year, according to the BLS.

Within 30 miles
6
Closest
<1 mi
Public colleges
6
Median pay in WA
$76,010

6 culinary arts schools within 30 mi of Tacoma, WA

School results

  1. Bates Technical College

    Tacoma, WA · 0.6 mi · Public

    • Culinary arts
    • Electrician
    • HVAC technician
    • +22
  2. Clover Park Technical College

    Lakewood, WA · 5.6 mi · Public

    • Culinary arts
    • HVAC technician
    • Welding
    • +16
  3. South Seattle College

    Seattle, WA · 21 mi · Public

    • Culinary arts
    • Welding
    • Automotive technician
    • +2
  4. Hear from the best fits near Tacoma, WA

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

  5. Renton Technical College

    Renton, WA · 21 mi · Public

    • Culinary arts
    • HVAC technician
    • Carpentry
    • +19
  6. Olympic College

    Bremerton, WA · 24 mi · Public

    • Culinary arts
    • Welding
    • Medical assistant
    • +8
  7. South Puget Sound Community College

    Olympia, WA · 27 mi · Public

    • Culinary arts
    • Welding
    • CNC machining
    • +7

What chefs earn in Washington

Median pay means half earn more and half earn less. Pay grows with experience, certifications and overtime.

Median pay
$76,010
$36.54 an hour
Typical range
$49,920–$95,990
10th to 90th percentile
Jobs in WA
5,320
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 Tacoma

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 Tacoma?

The closest are Bates Technical College (Tacoma, under 1 mile), Clover Park Technical College (Lakewood, 6 mi), and South Seattle College (Seattle, 21 mi). In total, 6 schools within 30 miles teach culinary arts.

How much do culinary arts programs near Tacoma cost?

For the 6 schools nearby that report it, the average yearly net price after aid ranges from $6,004 to $9,864. Ask each school for the full program cost, including tools, books and exam fees.

How much do chefs make near Tacoma?

Across Washington, the median pay is $76,010 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 Tacoma?

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.