Culinary Arts Schools in Montana

Montana is an amazing place to work as a chef, not just because there are several employment opportunities, but also because those who have successfully secured employment can continue to leverage resources for career growth. The state also has amazing training destinations that can help candidates develop professional culinary arts skills even without prior experience in the industry.

Of course, anyone in the state who aspires to enter this profession must ensure that they do it correctly by following the standard guidelines. The purpose of the resources on this page is to inform readers about these guidelines and to highlight what to prioritize along the way.

How to Become a Chef in Montana

Below is a step-by-step overview of how to become a chef in Montana.

Early Preparation

Early preparation can be very valuable for prospective chefs in Montana. This is why candidates are advised to pay attention to basic science and home economics classes from high school onwards.

The majority of training programs in the state also tend to set a high school diploma or GED equivalent as a major admission requirement.

Completing a Program

The majority of successful chefs have completed formal training in a structured environment. Attending a culinary arts program accredited by the American Culinary Federation can help you acquire this kind of education.

These types of programs can be completed in just a few months, after which graduates will receive a certificate of completion. Some can also take a couple of years to complete, in which case, graduates would have earned an associate’s degree.

While some programs are designed as 4-year bachelor’s degree programs in food science, these are not the most common options.

Work Experience

Campus-based culinary establishments, internships, and prep cooking opportunities are all valid ways to gain some work experience as a freshly trained chef. Apprenticeship programs in Montana also offer direct on-the-job training opportunities for aspiring chefs.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become an HVAC technician in Montana

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Acquiring certification from the American Culinary Federation is not compulsory for chefs in Montana. However, the federation is the largest chef organization in North America, and certification can enhance a chef’s reputation, making them more suitable for promotions and job placement. Candidates who would like to become certified by the ACF in Montana may opt for specific credentials, including the Certified Culinarian, Certified Fundamental Cook, and Certified Pastry Culinarian credentials.

Before they can be certified, applicants must participate in an examination that covers both written and practical topics.

The only license needed to practice as a chef in Montana is a food handler’s license.

Top Culinary Arts Schools in Montana

Candidates may leverage any of the training programs below to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the culinary arts discipline in Montana.

Explore culinary arts schools in Montana by city:

• Culinary arts schools in Billings

Salary & Career Outlook

According to data provided by employment platforms across the state, the annual average salary of a chef in Montana can be distributed as follows:

• The top 10% earn an average annual salary of around $90,343.
• The bottom 10% make around $50,972 in annual average salary; and
• Professionals in the median category earn an average annual salary of around $67,860.

Naturally, the most common are those who fall in the median category. However, everyone can improve their yearly returns by focusing on relevant factors, such as experience, location, educational background, and credentials.

Focusing only on location, the annual average salary of chefs in Montana is distributed as follows:

• Big Sky, with an annual average salary of $81,481;
• Great Falls, with an annual average salary of $79,808;
• Bozeman, with an annual average salary of $75,300; and
• Red Lodge, with an annual average salary of $73,179.