Long-Term Prospects

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Job Satisfaction

General quality of life statement

We're going launch right into this by pulling the rug out from under you. Fame is likely for only a tiny percentage of professional chefs. Chances are you won't be the next Gordon Ramsay. Yep, turns out, it takes more than just yelling at people all the time. Who knew?

We aren't saying you should give up on that dream; just be realistic. After all, not every tee-ball player grows up to become Derek Jeter.

In fact, just landing a job in the culinary field isn't easy. With an unemployment rate of 7.3%, culinary arts graduates struggle more than most—the national unemployment rate is just 5.5% (source). However, the food service industry added 59,000 jobs in February 2015 alone (source), so things are looking up.

Hold on, though. Once you get that job, it might be tough to keep your soufflé from deflating…if you know what we mean. The satisfaction rate for this major is 45%. Womp womp. There goes your soufflé. Sorry.

When less than half of your peers are happy, you're either in IT or stuck in a 120-degree kitchen with a sous chef chucking a pot at your head. So yeah, don't expect a walk in the park, because that's for dog walkers…not people making food.

25th Percentile Salary

Median Salary

75th Percentile Salary

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