Culinary Arts Schools in Kansas

One of the most fulfilling decisions that anyone can make in their lives is to pursue a professional career in their area of interest. This is why individuals who have a passion for cooking are usually encouraged to pursue a culinary arts career.

Luckily for Kansas residents, the city is an amazing place to work as a professional chef. Not only are the projections for the future very favorable, but there are also ample learning opportunities, a thriving professional organization, and numerous career growth pathways.

The resources on this page introduce interested individuals to all of the steps and considerations they will have to make to become thriving chefs in Kansas. We also provide additional, helpful resources like specific training programs and salary figures.

How to Become a Chef in Kansas

These are the steps involved in launching a thriving chef career in Kansas.

Step 1: Basic Requirements

The basic requirements to become a chef are typically set by employers and training destinations, as opposed to state or federal regulatory bodies. These typically include a high school diploma or GED and an affinity for the profession.

Step 2: Technical Education

The American Culinary Federation Education Foundation is responsible for accrediting culinary training programs in Kansas and across the country. Schools and specific programs usually have to meet a high standard before they can become accredited.

This is one reason candidates are advised to prioritize accredited training. During a training program, students learn important skills in cooking methods, types of cuisines, kitchen safety, nutrition, and more.

The very best programs also have a way of combining both classroom and practical education, making sure that graduates are as well-rounded as possible.

Step 3: Real-World Consolidation

Chefs in Kansas can build real-world confidence by participating in an internship as part of their training credits or completing an apprenticeship program. Several establishments in the state also offer culinary arts graduates the opportunity to consolidate their skills in the real world through entry-level positions as line cooks and prep cooks.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become an electrician in Kansas

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Chefs in Kansas have to receive a food handler’s license no more than 30 days after securing employment. This is the only license they will need to start working under an existing establishment.

However, in launching their catering outfit or restaurant, they will need to seek further permits and follow the general steps expected of anyone incorporating a business in the state. The next issue of focus is certification, although this is not compulsory either.

Chefs all over the country choose to become certified because it is a great way to establish credibility and enjoy opportunities that may come from networking and continuing education. The American Culinary Federation has a few distinct credentialing categories that candidates may consider.

Top Culinary Arts Schools in Kansas

Prospective chefs in Kansas may receive a comprehensive education from any of the institutions below.

Explore culinary arts schools in Kansas by city:

• Culinary arts schools in Wichita

Salary & Career Outlook

The factors that influence the annual average salary of a chef in Kansas can range from experience and location to networking, educational background, and business approach. All of these factors work together to separate candidates into top, median, and bottom earning categories depending on how much they make at the end of each year.

Those who manage an annual average salary of $40,404 are considered to be among the bottom earners. In contrast, those who manage an annual average salary of $68,878 are considered to be among the top earners. Chefs in Kansas with an annual average salary of $52,753 are among the median earners.

As for location, Manhattan is the highest-paying destination for chefs in Kansas, thanks to an annual average salary of $68,869. Those who work in Mulvane and Prairie Village are second and third, with annual average salaries of $65,065 and $62,027, respectively.