Culinary Arts Schools in Tennessee

Aspiring chefs in Tennessee can have an edge over competitors in several ways. One way to achieve this is to acquire an understanding of the steps involved in launching a successful career as a chef in the state as early as possible.

This will not only enable them to make informed decisions about their educational options and training programs but also equip them with the necessary composure to make the right decisions when unforeseen challenges arise.

The guide below discusses all the major considerations to keep in mind and provides additional resources on top training programs and what they have to offer. Finally, we conclude with the annual average salary projections for professionals in this field, along with the relevant factors to consider when optimizing yearly returns as a chef in Tennessee.

How to Become a Chef in Tennessee

Residents of Tennessee can begin a successful chef career by following the steps below.

First Requirements

Some requirements that individuals must meet before starting the journey to become a chef in Tennessee include a high school diploma or GED, and sometimes a minimum age of 16 to 18.

Applicants should also be prepared to purchase the necessary tools and uniforms.

Formal Education

The majority of prospective chefs in Tennessee choose to acquire formal education at a community college or technical institution because it is the best way to get structured learning while also gaining many practical skills.

The best training programs typically hold accreditation from reputable organizations, such as the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation. This ensures that graduates are able to qualify for certification examinations and guarantees that the program in question operates at a standard that merits accreditation.

Not all culinary programs offer the same awards. Some may lead to a certificate or a diploma, while others lead to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

Real-World Confidence

To build real-world confidence, aspiring chefs typically work in an assisting position at a restaurant or catering establishment for a while. Students also tend to participate in internships and apprenticeships for this very purpose.

In fact, some registered apprenticeship programs allow candidates to apply without prior training or experience in the field. Afterward, candidates may consider certification and employment, effectively becoming full-fledged chefs in the state of Tennessee.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a carpenter in Tennessee

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Certification can be absolutely beneficial for chefs in Tennessee. However, there is no law in the state making it compulsory.

Licensing is not a compulsory requirement either, and there is no state agency where candidates are expected to register before they can start working legally. That said, starting a business requires the government’s permission, and all food service workers are expected to have a food handler’s license.

For those who wish to become certified, attending an ACF-accredited training program enables candidates to qualify for the Certified Culinarian credential examination offered by the ACF itself.

The federation also offers other highly rated credentials, such as the Certified Fundamental Cook and the Certified Executive Chef credentials.

Top Culinary Arts Schools in Tennessee

The following are the top training programs for future culinary artists in Tennessee.

Explore culinary arts schools in Tennessee by city:

• Culinary arts schools in Nashville

Salary & Career Outlook

Anyone just starting as a chef in Tennessee can expect an annual average salary of $28,611 in the bottom 10% category and $51,205 in the median category. It may take some time, but they may also ultimately expect an annual average salary of up to $91,643 or more in the top 10% category.

Along with time, a professional’s credentials, networking prowess, work environment, educational background, and other factors can also impact their yearly returns.

Focusing on location, chefs in Gatlinburg are the highest-paid in Tennessee, with an annual average salary of $94,470. They are followed by those in Chattanooga, who earn an average annual salary of $68,255.

Nashville, with an annual average salary of $67,773, and Franklin, with an annual average salary of $66,536. Brentwood, with an average annual salary of $65,437, is also in the top five.