The culinary arts profession in Wyoming is thriving. Individuals from all over the state are encouraged to apply for professional training at top-class learning destinations located right within their borders.
The entire process of entering this discipline as a resident of Wyoming is as straightforward as it gets, thanks to minimal government interference. Below, we break down everything that an interested person needs to consider when launching their culinary arts career in Wyoming.
We thoroughly discuss educational requirements, licensing opportunities, and other essential steps.
How to Become a Chef in Wyoming
The following steps are needed to become a chef in Wyoming.
High School Diploma or GED
Entry-level culinary training programs in Wyoming, whether offered by an apprenticeship program or a community college, typically set basic requirements that include a high school diploma or a GED. Less common but also possible are those that set a minimum age requirement of 16 to 18.
Classroom Culinary Education
Both apprenticeship programs and academic programs offer classroom culinary education as the starting point for accepted applicants. This provides all candidates with a solid basis upon which to build practical skills in the classroom.
Some of the major topics covered by training programs are basic and advanced cooking techniques, safety and sanitation, kitchen operations, and more. Candidates are also encouraged to develop transferable and professional traits.
Real-World Education
All training destinations for prospective chefs must provide practical education in an actual kitchen. Academic programs offer these experiences through laboratory work, hands-on cooking experiences, and internships.
Apprenticeship programs also enable candidates to work in real-world environments under the guidance of experienced chefs. Both are valuable pathways to certification.
Specialization
Chefs anywhere in the country can choose to specialize in a particular area to enhance their career prospects. Some possible specialty areas include pastry chefs, seafood chefs, chefs specializing in international cuisines, nutritionists and dietitian chefs, and more.
Concerning their work environment, candidates may choose to work as research and development chefs, private and personal chefs, catering chefs, butcher chefs, and farm-to-table chefs, among others.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
When starting a culinary arts career in Wyoming, individuals must obtain a food handler’s license within 30 days of employment. However, this is not a unique licensing requirement for chefs or culinary artists but a common requirement for anyone working closely in the food service industry.
Additionally, even though no law mandates certification for professionals in this field, it is also very popular. Certification is popular among chefs in Wyoming because, among other benefits, it can lead to increased credibility, enhanced networking opportunities, continued education, a higher salary, and career advancement.
Chefs in Wyoming who would like to become certified may consider the credentials offered by the American Culinary Federation. These include the Certified Culinarian and Certified Fundamental Cook credentials, among others.
Top Culinary Arts Schools in Wyoming
The schools listed below offer exceptional training programs for aspiring chefs in Wyoming.
Central Wyoming College
Riverton, WY Campus Only
Central Wyoming College offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in culinary arts, covering essential culinary skills, food preparation, baking, kitchen management, and international cuisine.
Tuition
$105 - $315 per CreditContact
(307) 855-2115
admit@cwc.edu
Sheridan College
Sheridan, WY Campus Only
Sheridan College offers a Culinary Arts & Hospitality program that prepares students with fundamental culinary techniques, food safety training, baking skills, and menu planning. The curriculum also includes customer service, business operations, and restaurant management, equipping graduates for careers in both the culinary and hospitality industries.
Tuition
$4,830 per YearContact
(307) 675-0505
elameres@sheridan.edu
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Salary & Career Outlook
The annual average salary of chefs in Wyoming can be categorized by location. In this case, data shows Jelm as the highest-paying city for chefs in the state, with an annual average salary of $133,984.
Also prominent are Teton Village, with an annual average salary of $77,460; Saratoga, where chefs manage an annual average salary of $71,945; and Gillette, with an annual average salary of $68,468.
Experience, work environment, and educational background can also influence the annual average salary of professionals in this field.
Generally, chefs in Wyoming who earn an annual average salary of $40,144 are among the bottom 10%, while those who earn an annual average salary of $87,861 are among the top 10%. The median category shows that chefs in the state earn as high as $59,389 per year on average.