Culinary Arts Schools in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is home to some of the world’s finest institutions. For individuals seeking a high-quality culinary arts education, there is no shortage of exceptional training destinations to consider.

However, as important as choosing the right training institution is, this is only one of several considerations that individuals need to make on their journey to becoming successful chefs in the state. The guide below introduces students to additional aspects of the process, including licensing and certification, continuing education, networking, and career growth.

How to Become a Chef in Massachusetts

The majority of successful chefs in Massachusetts begin their careers through the pathway below.

Basic Requirements

The most common admission requirements into culinary arts training programs are a high school diploma or GED. Some schools may also set a minimal admission age of 17, but this is less common.

Training Approaches

Residents of Massachusetts can receive a comprehensive culinary arts education through either on-the-job training or an academic setting.

• On-the-Job Approach - On-the-job training programs allow candidates to learn under the direct supervision of a qualified chef, typically in a work environment.
• Academic Approach—Before entering a work environment, aspiring chefs in Massachusetts can attend an academic program at a community college or technical institution to earn an associate’s degree.
• Combination Approach—The most common approach, however, is for candidates first to complete an academic program and then consolidate their knowledge through an internship or apprenticeship to gain more real-world experience.

Employment & Career Growth

Properly trained chefs may secure employment after receiving mentorship from a seasoned chef. They may also go on to start their businesses and obtain the relevant permits.

We discuss the licensing and certification requirements further below.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a dental assistant in Massachusetts

Licensure & Certification Requirements

As a chef in Massachusetts just starting in the profession, I know it is possible to secure employment at any establishment without needing to obtain a state agency license. However, like any professional who works with food, a food handler’s license is compulsory, which demonstrates that a candidate possesses knowledge of kitchen safety.

Is it possible to become certified as a chef in Massachusetts, but this is not compulsory by law either? Individuals who are interested in obtaining certification may do so immediately upon graduating from an ACF-accredited program from the ACF itself.

The Certified Culinarian credential is one of the most popular options for individuals who have recently completed a training program.

Top Culinary Arts Schools in Massachusetts

All of the entries below offer amazing training programs for future chefs in Massachusetts.

Explore culinary arts schools in Massachusetts by city:

• Culinary arts schools in Boston

Salary & Career Outlook

The following figures reflect the annual average salary of chefs in Massachusetts when grouped by location:

• Framingham, with an annual average salary of $82,161;
• Boston, with an annual average salary of $79,376;
• Cambridge, with an annual average salary of $78,744;
• Burlington, with an annual average salary of $78,735; and
• Wilmington, with an annual average salary of $73,698.

Without analyzing through the lens of any single factor, the same figures are distributed as follows:

• An annual average salary of $75,392 for the median category
• An annual average salary of $99,428 for the top 10% category
• An annual average salary of $57,167 for the bottom 10% category

Along with the specific location, the annual average salary of a chef in Massachusetts can also be influenced by their experience, educational background, work environment, and business strategy.