With its huge tourist industry, Nevada can be one of the best places for new chefs and culinary students. There are almost 2.8 million people in the state, but Nevada’s largest cities see many more people come through on an annual basis. Some of Nevada’s largest cities, including Las Vegas, Henderson, and Reno, are also its largest tourist centers.
Nevada has some of the best restaurants in the country, including Star Hotel and Restaurant, Evan’s Old Town Grille, and J T Basque Wine Bar & Dining Room. Despite its huge potential for chefs, the cost of living in Nevada is 5% below the national average.
In Nevada, there are five schools with culinary arts programs. All five of them are located in one of Nevada’s big cities. However, tuition still remains fairly affordable. The average cost of tuition in Nevada is $8,434. It is partially offset by the average scholarship award of $1,762. Nevada has an average acceptance rate of 76%, which is remarkably high.
There are three different types of degrees you can start with as a culinary student. You may want to get a certificate, which takes about one year to earn. An Associate’s degree is the next step up, and it requires two years of full-time study. For the most in-depth education, you can earn a Bachelor’s degree in four years.
Culinary arts programs in Nevada tackle several main subjects. You need to be able to carry out line chef duties, like prep work, taking orders, and prioritizing food orders. However, you also need to be efficient in executive chef duties. Higher-level courses teach you how to create menus, how to analyze food cost, and what elements must be present on a plate.
Some schools offer extra educational opportunities. If you plan on owning a restaurant or catering company, you may need to take business or management classes on top of your culinary courses.
Fully considering all of your employment options can help you find the right culinary workplace for you. As you begin your job search, most jobs may be in restaurants. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 46% of chefs work in a restaurant setting.
You may also consider working as a private chef or caterer. You can either work for a catering company or open your own private catering business. Another option for those who wish to be self-employed is owning a restaurant.
Some of the largest culinary employers in Nevada are Green Valley Ranch Resort, LSG Sky Chefs, and Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House.
Nevada gives you lots of freedom to work when and where you want. They do not currently have any laws regarding the licensure or certification of chefs and cooks. However, if you want to prove your culinary prowess to possible employers, American Culinary Federation is a great option. You pass a written and skills test to get your certificate.
In general, chef and cook salaries in Nevada are higher than national averages. This is particularly true when you work in one of the tourist cities of Nevada. However, individual salaries are impacted by seniority, experience, and what type of restaurant you work for.
The average cook’s salary in Nevada is $27,400 per year (O*Net, 2012). Chefs earn an average salary of $46,700 per year (O*Net, 2012).
While the national outlook for cooks is bright, it is even better in Nevada. Restaurant cooks can anticipate an 18% increase in job openings between 2010 and 2020 (O*Net, 2010). The demand for chefs is expected to increase by 4% in the same time frame (O*Net, 2010).