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How much does a Culinary Specialist make?

The average salary for a Culinary Specialist is $38,989 per year in the US.

A Culinary Specialist plays a key role in preparing meals for many people. This job can be found in the military, schools, hospitals, and restaurants. The average yearly salary for a Culinary Specialist is around $38,989. This means that most Culinary Specialists earn between $30,000 and $44,318 each year.

The salary can change based on experience and location. For those just starting, the salary might be on the lower end. As Culinary Specialists gain more experience, they can earn more. Working in big cities or areas with a high cost of living can also lead to higher pay. Some Culinary Specialists might earn more if they work in special settings, like a five-star restaurant or a large hospital kitchen.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Culinary Specialist?

Culinary specialists can find some of the best pay in Washington, DC, where the average salary reaches $75,884. Riverside, CA, and San Jose, CA, follow closely with average salaries of $66,346 and $59,583. Los Angeles, CA, and Seattle, WA, also offer competitive salaries for culinary professionals.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Culinary Specialist jobs, highlighting Washington, DC with the highest at $75,884 and Denver, CO with the lowest at $43,022.
  1. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $75,884
    In Washington, DC, culinary professionals enjoy a vibrant food scene. They work in high-end restaurants and cater to a diverse clientele. Notable employers include Michelin-starred restaurants and government institutions.
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  2. Riverside, CA
    Average Salary: $66,346
    Riverside, CA offers a dynamic environment for culinary experts. They find opportunities in both upscale dining and casual eateries. Companies like local cafes and fine dining restaurants provide diverse experiences.
    Find Culinary Specialist jobs in Riverside, CA


  3. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $59,583
    San Jose, CA is a hub for culinary innovation. Professionals here work in tech-driven restaurants and food startups. Companies like Google and local eateries offer exciting career paths.
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  4. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $50,475
    Los Angeles, CA, is a city where culinary talent thrives. Professionals work in a variety of settings, from trendy restaurants to celebrity-owned eateries. Companies like Wolfgang Puck’s restaurants provide top-tier opportunities.
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  5. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $48,113
    Seattle, WA offers a unique culinary landscape. Professionals here work in both coffee-centric and seafood-focused environments. Companies like Starbucks and local seafood restaurants are prominent employers.
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  6. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $47,965
    Boston, MA provides a rich culinary environment. Professionals work in historic restaurants and modern bistros. Companies like Legal Sea Foods and local fine dining establishments offer diverse opportunities.
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  7. Philadelphia, PA
    Average Salary: $43,592
    Philadelphia, PA is known for its culinary heritage. Professionals work in iconic restaurants and modern eateries. Companies like Reading Terminal Market and local Italian restaurants provide exciting career paths.
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  8. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $43,384
    Chicago, IL offers a diverse culinary scene. Professionals here work in famous steakhouses and innovative restaurants. Companies like Giordano’s and local eateries provide a range of opportunities.
    Find Culinary Specialist jobs in Chicago, IL


  9. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $43,153
    San Diego, CA provides a vibrant culinary environment. Professionals work in beachside restaurants and upscale dining. Companies like local seafood restaurants and trendy cafes offer diverse experiences.
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  10. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $43,022
    Denver, CO offers a dynamic culinary scene. Professionals work in both mountain and urban settings. Companies like local breweries and fine dining restaurants provide exciting career paths.
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What are the best companies a Culinary Specialist can work for?

Oakmont Senior Living offers one of the highest salaries for Culinary Specialist jobs, averaging $83,955 per year. Goodwin Recruiting also provides a competitive salary, with an average of $69,269 annually. The Culinary Institute of America offers a solid average salary of $60,000 for culinary professionals.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Culinary Specialist jobs, highlighting Oakmont Senior Living with the highest at $83,955 and Chick-fil-A Restaurants with the lowest at $36,639.
  1. Oakmont Senior Living
    Average Salary: $83,955
    Oakmont Senior Living offers a rewarding career for Culinary Specialists. They focus on providing excellent dining experiences in senior living communities. Locations include Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.


  2. Goodwin Recruiting
    Average Salary: $69,269
    Goodwin Recruiting places Culinary Specialists in top-tier restaurants and hotels. They offer competitive salaries and opportunities for career growth. They work with clients across the United States and Canada.


  3. Culinary Institute of America
    Average Salary: $60,000
    The Culinary Institute of America provides Culinary Specialists with a chance to develop their skills in a prestigious environment. They offer positions in their own restaurants and hotels. Locations include New York, California, and Texas.


  4. Great Wolf Lodge
    Average Salary: $44,467
    Great Wolf Lodge offers exciting opportunities for Culinary Specialists in their family-friendly resorts. They focus on creating fun dining experiences. Locations include the United States and Canada.


  5. Monarch Healthcare Management
    Average Salary: $44,000
    Monarch Healthcare Management provides Culinary Specialists with roles in their senior living communities. They focus on creating enjoyable dining experiences. Locations include several states across the United States.


  6. Tommy Bahama
    Average Salary: $43,508
    Tommy Bahama offers a vibrant atmosphere for Culinary Specialists. They focus on creating a fun and relaxed dining experience. Locations include restaurants across the United States.


  7. CSC Generation
    Average Salary: $41,929
    CSC Generation provides Culinary Specialists with opportunities in their dining facilities. They focus on delivering high-quality meals. Locations include several states across the United States.


  8. CAVA
    Average Salary: $39,824
    CAVA offers a dynamic environment for Culinary Specialists. They focus on creating delicious Mediterranean dishes. Locations include restaurants across the United States.


  9. Sodexo
    Average Salary: $38,605
    Sodexo provides Culinary Specialists with roles in their dining facilities. They focus on delivering meals in various settings. Locations include schools, hospitals, and businesses across the United States.


  10. Chick-fil-A Restaurants
    Average Salary: $36,639
    Chick-fil-A Restaurants offer a welcoming environment for Culinary Specialists. They focus on providing delicious meals in a family-friendly setting. Locations include restaurants across the United States.

How to earn more as a Culinary Specialist?

A Culinary Specialist can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. Gaining experience in high-end restaurants or specialized cuisines can lead to higher pay. These environments often require advanced skills and knowledge, which can command a higher salary. Networking with other professionals in the industry can also open doors to better-paying opportunities. Attending culinary events and joining professional organizations can help build these connections.

Certifications and additional training can significantly boost a Culinary Specialist's earning potential. Earning credentials from recognized culinary institutions can demonstrate expertise and dedication. This can lead to promotions and higher-paying positions. Specialization in areas like pastry, molecular gastronomy, or international cuisine can also make a Culinary Specialist more valuable. Employers often pay more for these specialized skills. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest trends can keep a Culinary Specialist competitive in the job market.

Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a Culinary Specialist:

  1. Experience in High-End Restaurants: Working in upscale dining environments can lead to higher salaries.
  2. Networking: Building connections with industry professionals can open up better job opportunities.
  3. Certifications: Earning credentials from recognized culinary institutions can boost earning potential.
  4. Specialization: Focusing on specific areas like pastry or international cuisine can increase value.
  5. Continuous Learning: Staying updated with the latest trends can keep a Culinary Specialist competitive.

Currently 421 Culinary Specialist job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Culinary Specialist in the US?

Learn what a Culinary Specialist does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Culinary Specialist today.
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Culinary Specialist
421 Job Openings