Known for its robust culinary culture, New Jersey is an exciting state for culinary students. New Jersey is one of the most densely populated states in the country, giving you plenty of opportunities to impress the people of New Jersey. New Jersey’s largest cities, including Newark, Jersey City, and Paterson, are home to some of the state’s most impressive restaurants. Some of New Jersey’s most popular restaurants include Blu, Cucharamama, and Ninety Acres.
The cost of living in New Jersey is 35% above the national average. However, the median household income is almost $20,000 over the national average, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
New Jersey’s dedication to food and education is clear when you look at the 12 high-quality culinary schools available in the state. These schools have an average tuition cost of $5,551, but that is offset by the scholarship award of $1,679. As a new student, you may be able to choose between a culinary arts program, a baking/pastry arts program, or a chef training course.
A culinary arts program is the broadest type of program you can attend in New Jersey. It offers a thorough education in many different culinary fields. A baking and pastry arts concentration allows you to focus specifically on desserts and baking. If you attend a chef training program, you may focus more on executive chef duties like menu planning, managing staff, and running a busy kitchen.
One of the benefits of attending a culinary arts program is that you do not need to know very much going in. You instructors will provide hands-on instruction in every aspect of working as a chef. By the time you graduate, you should feel comfortable working in any kitchen in the country.
Throughout the course of your schooling, you may be assessed in a variety of ways. While you may take some written exams that test your memory and knowledge, the majority of your exams will likely be practical in nature.
As a new culinary graduate, you have a wide range of skills and abilities that can be put to use in many different careers. Most chefs end up working in restaurants, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 46% of chefs stay employed in this setting.
There are other options if you want to stay out of restaurants. Being a private chef for different clients is a great opportunity, as is working for a catering company. Ambitious chefs often open their own restaurants or catering companies and succeed that way.
There are many important culinary employers in New Jersey, including Landry’s Restaurants, Bravo Brio Restaurant Group, and Bento Sushi.
Don’t worry about applying for a license or certificate after completing your culinary program. New Jersey does not have any laws that require this extra step for chefs. Although certification is not necessary, it may help if you are a new chef. American Culinary Federation certification is one of the most popular choices in New Jersey.
Like in any other field, your salary can be impacted by a variety of influences. Typically, the more experience and seniority you have, the higher your earning potential is. In a kitchen, this works out so executive chefs earn the highest salaries. Sous chefs earn slightly less, followed by line chefs.
In New Jersey, cooks earn an average salary of $25,000 per year (O*Net, 2012). Chefs earn, on average, $52,400 per year (O*Net, 2012).
Across the nation, the need for skilled chefs and cooks is on the rise. This trend rings true in New Jersey. Restaurant cooks can expect an 11% increase in job openings between 2010 and 2020 (O*Net, 2010). However, O*Net predicts little to no change in demand for chefs.