The culinary arts field in New Jersey is experiencing an incredible boom. If projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics are to be believed, this boom in demand and employment rate will continue to increase even more over the upcoming decade.
Readers of this page who happen to be aspiring chefs and culinary artists in New Jersey will be glad to know that we have analyzed everything they need to keep in mind to start their careers on a strong path below. We discuss the best training programs, educational options, licensing and certification requirements, and more.
The guide also provides a quick analysis of the state’s average annual salary for chefs and culinary artists.
How to Become a Chef in New Jersey
The framework below is the most popular and most prominent approach to launching a successful culinary arts career in New Jersey.
Basic Qualifications
Chefs are expected to have transferable skills such as communication, organization, planning, and dexterity. Many training programs also admit only high school graduates.
Those without a diploma can use a GED equivalent to secure admission into culinary arts programs in New Jersey.
Choosing a Training Destination
Several training destinations in New Jersey offer comprehensive culinary arts programs. These programs offer candidates a certificate or an associate degree, which is enough to start a successful career.
While the majority of training programs for culinary artists are scheduled as campus-only programs, it is also possible to find a hybrid program where the majority of classroom instructions are completed online.
Apprenticeship Programs
An apprenticeship program in New Jersey may be an alternative to academic programs for candidates who want to become chefs and culinary artists. However, a more commendable approach is to combine both academic training and apprenticeship training so that candidates can receive extensive classroom instruction and real-world knowledge.
Specialization & Career Opportunities
Culinary artists can choose a specialty field, such as international cuisines, baking, and pastry, kitchen management, or menu planning. Additionally, individuals in this field may take advantage of professional organizations and certifications to grow and establish themselves in the industry.
Explore trades with similar paths:
Licensure & Certification Requirements
Chefs in New Jersey don’t need a state license to start working professionally. They are only expected to register with the state when they start their businesses.
However, because they will be handling food, they will need a food handler’s license. Business and restaurant owners will also have to pursue relevant permits that may vary depending on their specific focus area.
No state law makes certification compulsory, either. However, several chefs and culinary artists choose to be certified in New Jersey anyway to demonstrate expertise, professionalism, and competence.
The American Culinary Federation offers credentials that candidates may pursue in this regard.
Top Culinary Arts Schools in New Jersey
The schools below offer amazing culinary arts programs for interested individuals in New Jersey.
County College of Morris
Randolph, NJ Campus Only
County College of Morris boasts a Culinary Arts and Science Associate of Applied Science degree through its Culinary and Hospitality Arts Institute. The 40-credit core curriculum covers food management, food production, baking, international cuisines, and food science and nutrition.
Tuition
$164 - $434 per CreditContact
(973) 328-5652
mcosgrove@ccm.edu
Rowan College at Burlington County
Mount Holly, NJ Campus Only
Rowan College at Burlington County features a 19,000-square-foot culinary arts center with state-of-the-art facilities.
Tuition
$296 - $346 per CreditContact
(856) 242-5231 Ext: 4426
jdkeefe@rcbc.edu
Passaic County Community College
Wanaque, NJ Campus Only
Passaic County Community College provides multiple culinary arts pathways, including an Associate in Applied Science program that prepares graduates for immediate employment in the hospitality industry. Students gain hands-on experience through an internship.
Tuition
$188 - $330 per CreditContact
(973) 248-3015
lhernandez@pccc.edu
Explore culinary arts schools in New Jersey by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
Data shows that the average annual salary of chefs in New Jersey can range between $41,392 and $93,095. The lowest-paid chefs are among the bottom 10 percent, who may not have had the time to optimize factors that influence earnings in this field.
The 10% highest-paid in the state are those on the higher end. Of course, most professionals will not fall into either of these categories but will be among the median earners.
Here, the annual average salary of chefs in New Jersey is $62,076.
Experience, location, educational background, and professional credentials all influence the yearly returns.
Prominent locations to work as a chef in New Jersey for a significant salary include Westfield, with an annual average salary of $73,417; Jersey City, with an annual average salary of $71,913; Mount Holly, with an annual average salary of $69,719; and Princeton, with an annual average salary of $68,125.
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