Culinary Career Outlook

Booming Culinary Industry

Americans have become increasingly sophisticated about the kinds of foods they enjoy eating, and as a result, the culinary industry is booming. Across the country, chefs are enjoying greater prestige, with some even reaching celebrity status. The demand for locally grown, organic produce continues to increase, at the same time the public is becoming more curious about global cuisine. The convergence of these two trends has led to a sudden increase in the number of fine dining restaurants.

Find Culinary Arts Degree Programs

Demand for Highly Skilled Chefs

The restaurant industry is currently the nation’s second largest employer, providing jobs for approximately 12.8 million people, according to the National Restaurant Association. However, while the demand for trained chefs is growing, you should still expect to have to compete for executive chef positions at high-end restaurants. (Read more about the culinary industry statistics.)

Find Culinary Arts Degree Programs

Executive Chefs

Chefs who gain experience in a supervisory capacity, may become executive chefs with responsibility for more than one kitchen. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment growth will be stimulated by increases in population, income and leisure time, which will encourage people to dine out and take vacations more often.

As the affluent 55-plus population, who tend to frequent fine dining restaurants, increases, the demand for highly skilled cooks and chefs is also expected to increase.