Nestled in the deep south, Mississippi is known for its rich and decadent food. Mississippi is home to 2.9 million residents and countless tourists, all of whom can enjoy the delicious offerings of Mississippi chefs. Some of the largest cities in Mississippi include Jackson, Gulfport, and Southaven. Mississippi has many different high-rated restaurants, including Kabuki, City Bagel Cafe, and Volta Taverna.
A big benefit of living in Mississippi is its low cost of living. The cost of living in Mississippi is about 14% lower than the national average. In addition, the U.S. Census Bureau reports that the average house cost is over $80,000 lower than the national average house cost.
Overall, there are six culinary arts programs in Mississippi that are dispersed throughout the state. Mississippi, with an average tuition cost of $2,711, has some of the lowest tuition costs in the state. Furthermore, you can lower your tuition cost even more by applying for scholarships. The average scholarship award in Mississippi is $1,764. It is important to note that the average acceptance rate in Mississippi is 44%, so you may need a strong application to get accepted into your program of choice.
Each culinary program in Mississippi runs in roughly the same way. You learn the basic skills that you will need at every step of your culinary career and then move onto more technically and mentally challenging tasks. However, your instructors may expect you to keep practicing even after you have learned a new skill. Developing speed and accuracy in a variety of tasks can help you succeed in your program.
Some of the main topics covered in Mississippi culinary programs include food prep, kitchen safety and hygiene, and menu planning. How much you focus on each topic depends on your school and what they consider important. In addition to these core subjects, you may also be able to take special courses in different cooking techniques, different cuisines, and baking.
Employment Information:
What do you want to do with your degree or certificate after completing culinary school? One of the most popular choices across the nation is restaurant work, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 46% of chefs work in a restaurant. However, many chefs also explore the fields of catering and private cooking. You can choose to work for a catering company or open your own, or you can work independently as a private chef.
In Mississippi, some of the biggest culinary employers are Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano, Landry’s Restaurants, and Gaming Hospitality Executive.
While there are different types of certification you can pursue to bolster your career and make it easier to find a job, Mississippi does not have any licensure or certification laws for cooks and chefs. One of the most popular optional certifications in the country is American Culinary Federation certification.
Culinary salaries are prone to different variables and fluctuations, although you usually earn more money as you move up the ranks from line chef to executive chef. In addition, the more seniority you have at a restaurant, the more earning potential you may have. The average salary for a cook in Mississippi is $18,900 per year (O*Net, 2012). Chefs in Mississippi earn, on average, $42,800 per year (O*Net, 2012).
In general, the job outlook for culinary professionals is on the rise. The demand for restaurant cooks is expected to increase by 3% between 2010 and 2020 (O*Net, 2010). Chefs can anticipate a 4% increase in job openings in that same time frame (O*Net, 2010).