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Thousands of students get their start at Mt. SAC every year. Take the path to your future career one step further by enrolling in our program. Apply NowBusiness Division
Culinary, Hospitality, Nutrition & Foods Department
This certificate provides comprehensive training in both foundational and advanced culinary techniques, with a focus on hot foods, cold foods, and baking. Students explore global flavor profiles through courses in World Cuisine and American Regional Cuisine, and gain experience in preparing meals for special diets in the Specialty Cuisines course. The Commercial Food Production class offers hands-on practice in high-volume cooking and catering operations. Together, these courses prepare students for the demands of the fast-paced culinary industry, equipping them with the skills and versatility needed for a variety of professional kitchen environments.
Required Courses
Higher Education, Higher Income:
This award offers multiple levels. Completion of all levels can lead to higher pay.
- Food Service Managers
Food Service Managers
SOC Career Code: 11-9051.00Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that serves food and beverages.
Typical Hourly Salary$23.33The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent.
All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SACTop Entry-Level EducationChart Legend- Doctoral Degree Or More
- Master's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Associate's Degree
- Some College
- Certificate
- High School Diploma Or Less
Median Salary Earnings$66,991.98Annual Job Openings5,781Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC
Historical Wages - Chefs and Head Cooks
Chefs and Head Cooks
SOC Career Code: 35-1011.00Direct and may participate in the preparation, seasoning, and cooking of salads, soups, fish, meats, vegetables, desserts, or other foods. May plan and price menu items, order supplies, and keep records and accounts.
Typical Hourly Salary$20.44The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent.
All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SACTop Entry-Level EducationChart Legend- Doctoral Degree Or More
- Master's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Associate's Degree
- Some College
- Certificate
- High School Diploma Or Less
Median Salary Earnings$60,259.36Annual Job Openings4,669Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC
Historical Wages - Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers
Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers
SOC Career Code: 35-1012.00Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in preparing and serving food.
Typical Hourly Salary$21.16The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent.
All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SACTop Entry-Level EducationChart Legend- Doctoral Degree Or More
- Master's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Associate's Degree
- Some College
- Certificate
- High School Diploma Or Less
Median Salary Earnings$46,849.56Annual Job Openings21,145Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC
Historical Wages - Fast Food Cooks
Fast Food Cooks
SOC Career Code: 35-2011.00Prepare and cook food in a fast food restaurant with a limited menu. Duties of these cooks are limited to preparation of a few basic items and normally involve operating large-volume single-purpose cooking equipment.
Typical Hourly Salary$17.70The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent.
All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SACTop Entry-Level EducationChart Legend- Doctoral Degree Or More
- Master's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Associate's Degree
- Some College
- Certificate
- High School Diploma Or Less
Median Salary Earnings$41,707.91Annual Job Openings18,586Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC
Historical Wages - Institution and Cafeteria Cooks
Institution and Cafeteria Cooks
SOC Career Code: 35-2012.00Prepare and cook large quantities of food for institutions, such as schools, hospitals, or cafeterias.
Typical Hourly Salary$19.12The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent.
All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SACTop Entry-Level EducationChart Legend- Doctoral Degree Or More
- Master's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Associate's Degree
- Some College
- Certificate
- High School Diploma Or Less
Median Salary Earnings$46,085.52Annual Job Openings6,164Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC
Historical Wages - Private Household Cooks
Private Household Cooks
SOC Career Code: 35-2013.00Prepare meals in private homes. Includes personal chefs.
Typical Hourly Salary$16.04The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent.
All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SACTop Entry-Level EducationChart Legend- Doctoral Degree Or More
- Master's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Associate's Degree
- Some College
- Certificate
- High School Diploma Or Less
Median Salary Earnings$34,838.45Annual Job Openings37Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC
Historical Wages - Restaurant Cooks
Restaurant Cooks
SOC Career Code: 35-2014.00Prepare, season, and cook dishes such as soups, meats, vegetables, or desserts in restaurants. May order supplies, keep records and accounts, price items on menu, or plan menu.
Typical Hourly Salary$18.21The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent.
All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SACTop Entry-Level EducationChart Legend- Doctoral Degree Or More
- Master's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Associate's Degree
- Some College
- Certificate
- High School Diploma Or Less
Median Salary Earnings$44,428.03Annual Job Openings26,232Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC
Historical Wages - Short Order Cooks
Short Order Cooks
SOC Career Code: 35-2015.00Prepare and cook to order a variety of foods that require only a short preparation time. May take orders from customers and serve patrons at counters or tables.
Typical Hourly Salary$18.20The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent.
All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SACTop Entry-Level EducationChart Legend- Doctoral Degree Or More
- Master's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Associate's Degree
- Some College
- Certificate
- High School Diploma Or Less
Median Salary Earnings$42,687.87Annual Job Openings4,641Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC
Historical Wages - Food Preparation Workers
Food Preparation Workers
SOC Career Code: 35-2021.00Perform a variety of food preparation duties other than cooking, such as preparing cold foods and shellfish, slicing meat, and brewing coffee or tea.
Typical Hourly Salary$17.61The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent.
All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SACTop Entry-Level EducationChart Legend- Doctoral Degree Or More
- Master's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Associate's Degree
- Some College
- Certificate
- High School Diploma Or Less
Median Salary Earnings$39,133.73Annual Job Openings20,421Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC
Historical Wages - Bartenders
Bartenders
SOC Career Code: 35-3011.00Mix and serve drinks to patrons, directly or through waitstaff.
Typical Hourly Salary$16.47The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent.
All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SACTop Entry-Level EducationChart Legend- Doctoral Degree Or More
- Master's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Associate's Degree
- Some College
- Certificate
- High School Diploma Or Less
Median Salary Earnings$36,188.86Annual Job Openings12,927Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC
Historical Wages - Fast Food and Counter Workers
Fast Food and Counter Workers
SOC Career Code: 35-3023.00Perform duties such as taking orders and serving food and beverages. Serve customers at counter or from a steam table. May take payment. May prepare food and beverages.
Typical Hourly Salary$17.63The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent.
All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SACTop Entry-Level EducationChart Legend- Doctoral Degree Or More
- Master's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Associate's Degree
- Some College
- Certificate
- High School Diploma Or Less
Median Salary Earnings$42,190.34Annual Job Openings110,645Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC
Historical Wages - Baristas
Baristas
SOC Career Code: 35-3023.01Prepare or serve specialty coffee or other beverages. Serve food such as baked goods or sandwiches to patrons.
Typical Hourly Salary$17.63The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent.
All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SACTop Entry-Level EducationChart Legend- Doctoral Degree Or More
- Master's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Associate's Degree
- Some College
- Certificate
- High School Diploma Or Less
Median Salary Earnings$42,190.34Annual Job Openings110,645Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC
Historical Wages - Waiters and Waitresses
Waiters and Waitresses
SOC Career Code: 35-3031.00Take orders and serve food and beverages to patrons at tables in dining establishment.
Typical Hourly Salary$16.53The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent.
All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SACTop Entry-Level EducationChart Legend- Doctoral Degree Or More
- Master's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Associate's Degree
- Some College
- Certificate
- High School Diploma Or Less
Median Salary Earnings$35,847.71Annual Job Openings47,928Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC
Historical Wages - Food Servers
Food Servers
SOC Career Code: 35-3041.00Serve food to individuals outside of a restaurant environment, such as in hotel rooms, hospital rooms, residential care facilities, or cars.
Typical Hourly Salary$17.52The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent.
All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SACTop Entry-Level EducationChart Legend- Doctoral Degree Or More
- Master's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Associate's Degree
- Some College
- Certificate
- High School Diploma Or Less
Median Salary Earnings$38,953.64Annual Job Openings6,315Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC
Historical Wages - Bakers
Bakers
SOC Career Code: 51-3011.00Mix and bake ingredients to produce breads, rolls, cookies, cakes, pies, pastries, or other baked goods.
Typical Hourly Salary$16.97The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent.
All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SACTop Entry-Level EducationChart Legend- Doctoral Degree Or More
- Master's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Associate's Degree
- Some College
- Certificate
- High School Diploma Or Less
Median Salary Earnings$41,358.29Annual Job Openings5,506Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC
Historical Wages - Butchers and Meat Cutters
Butchers and Meat Cutters
SOC Career Code: 51-3021.00Cut, trim, or prepare consumer-sized portions of meat for use or sale in retail establishments.
Typical Hourly Salary$17.68The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent.
All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SACTop Entry-Level EducationChart Legend- Doctoral Degree Or More
- Master's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Associate's Degree
- Some College
- Certificate
- High School Diploma Or Less
Median Salary Earnings$44,043.32Annual Job Openings2,376Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC
Historical Wages
- Food Service Managers
Guided Pathways
Mt. San Antonio College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, ethnic group identification, immigration status, religion, gender, gender identification, gender expression, military and veteran status, marital status, medical condition, ancestry, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law in its programs or activities. Inquiries about Title IX, Title II, or Section 504 may be referred to Ryan Wilson, Building 4 (Human Resources), (909) 274-5249, and eeo.titleix@mtsac.edu, or the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights.
Mt. San Antonio College offers classes in career and technical education (CTE) program areas such as Animation and Gaming, Culinary Arts, Geographic Information Systems, Veterinary Technology, Fire Technology, and many more, under its open admissions policy. For more information about CTE course offerings and admissions criteria, please refer to our Academic Divisions and Departments web page or contact the Career Education Office. Lack of English proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in career and technical education programs.
