Culinary artists and chefs are in high demand in Ohio. The state is especially favorable for professionals in this field due to the straightforward entry-level process and the incredible training programs that provide a comprehensive education.
In the following guide, interested individuals will discover everything they need to know to enter the culinary arts discipline as residents of Ohio and do so on an excellent path. They will also discover the best programs and certification pathways for career growth.
Lastly, the article explores the annual average projections for culinary artists in Ohio based on a few determining criteria.
How to Become a Chef in Ohio
The following is a step-by-step breakdown of how to become a chef in Ohio.
Basic Requirements
Chefs in Ohio are expected to have a basic high school education before they secure admission into an advanced training program. High school foundation in basic home economics and sciences will also prove to be very important along the way.
Training Considerations
Prospective chefs in Ohio must ensure that their training approach covers two key areas: academic and on-the-job training.
Academic Education
Academic institutions for prospective chefs offer rigorous training along with the possibility of earning an associate degree or a certificate. It is also common for training programs, even academic ones, to have restaurants where students can work to continue to build their skills and prepare extensively for full-time employment.
Some courses and topics covered in academic programs for prospective chefs include ingredient identification, cost analysis, preparation, safety, and more.
On-the-job Training
Even though academic programs are excellent at helping candidates gain a strong foundation for their culinary arts careers, candidates still need extensive training “on the job” before they can be confident enough to carry out their duties at the professional level.
As mentioned earlier, some schools have top-class restaurants where candidates can learn in an immersive, hands-on environment. For those without this luxury, it is too possible to secure externship placement at hotels, catering services, and restaurants for on-the-job experience.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Chefs and culinary artists in Ohio don’t have to pursue a specific chef license to start their careers. Licensing and permits are only necessary for those who will be running a business, such as restaurants.
However, for safety purposes, professionals in the field are expected to receive a food handler’s license after passing a food safety test. The specific business licenses a professional will acquire will also depend on specific services, including liquor and catering business licenses.
Certification is not a mandatory part of being a culinary artist, but it is an important one. Those who would like to become certified may consider the American Culinary Federation, which is the premier authority on chef certification nationwide.
Top Culinary Arts Schools in Ohio
Aspiring culinary artists in Ohio can attend any of the following institutions for quality programs.
Columbus State
Columbus, OH Campus Only
Columbus State Community College offers hands-on training in modern culinary techniques. Under certified chefs, students work in state-of-the-art facilities and gain practical experience in student-run restaurants and cafes.
Tuition
$182 - $443 per CreditContact
(614) 287-2220
byoung38@cscc.edu
Cincinnati State
Cincinnati, OH Campus Only
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College’s Culinary Arts program covers food preparation, presentation, and techniques for sauces, soups, pastries, and confectioneries.
Email: gregory.skibinski@cincinnatistate.edu
Tuition
$188 - $378 per CreditContact
(513) 569-1637
Email in Bio
Hocking College
Nelsonville, OH Campus Only
Hocking College provides intensive culinary training led by master chefs. Students start with culinary fundamentals and management before advancing to topics like international cuisines, hospitality supervision, and financial accounting.
Tuition
$168 - $336 per CreditContact
(740) 753-7050
admissions@hocking.edu
Explore culinary arts schools in Ohio by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
Westerville, with an annual average salary of $61,188; Oxford, with an annual average salary of $61,172; Columbus, with an annual average salary of $57,246; and Dayton, with an annual average salary of $57,242, are the places where chefs earn the highest annual average income in Ohio. Naturally, experience is also another factor that can help professionals significantly improve their earnings.
However, without focusing on any singular criterion, chefs in Ohio make an annual average salary of $33,243 in the low-earning range and $85,031 in the high-earning range.
Professionals in the field commonly fall in the median range as opposed to the low or high-earning category. For those in this median range, the annual average salary to expect is usually around $53,166.
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