Culinary Arts Program

The culinary arts program at Harper College prepares students for a career as an executive chef, restaurateur, food and beverage manager, food writer, research chef, or a culinary educator. The program focuses on cooking related services in restaurants and other commercial food establishments. Program courses include: recipe and menu planning, preparing and cooking foods, supervising and training kitchen assistants, managing food supplies and kitchen resources, food presentation, and a variety of cuisines and culinary techniques. Get more details below including other Illinois colleges that offer culinary arts program.

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Harper College

501 College Ave, Wheaton, IL

Harper College, a two-year community college located in Palatine, Illinois, offers associate degrees of two types. One track leads directly to the workplace, particularly to in-demand legal, business and medical positions. The other track leads to baccalaureate institutions and higher degrees. Harper is named for its first president, William Rainey Harper, a pioneer in the junior college movement. The school offers programs that fit the schedules of busy learners. Adults often choose Harper because the weekend college and accelerated/fast track options allow them to fit school into their busy personal and professional lives.

Extracurricular activities at Harper allow students to explore their interests and develop new skills. Opportunities include working out on the latest in fitness equipment at the college’s recreational facility or gaining valuable experience working at the student-run newspaper or radio station.

In a world where the thought of paying for higher education conjures images of financial enslavement, Harper’s tuition rates are liberating. Students seeking admission to Harper College should contact the admissions office as requirements vary from program to program. Students who desire value and quality for their education dollar should check with Harper first.

Students Enrolled in the Culinary Arts Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Harper College offers a less than two-year award program in culinary arts.

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Chefs and Head Cooks

Description

Direct 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.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, chefs and head cooks employment is expected to grow at a rate of 8.9% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 2
  • Average Hourly Rate: $23.13
  • Average Annual Salary: $48110
• Gary, IN Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 100
  • Average Hourly Rate: $21.11
  • Average Annual Salary: $43910
• Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 240
  • Average Hourly Rate: $30.41
  • Average Annual Salary: $63240

First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers

Description

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in preparing and serving food.

Cooks, Private Household

Description

Prepare meals in private homes. Includes personal chefs.

Cooks, Restaurant

Description

Prepare, 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.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, cooks, restaurant employment is expected to grow at a rate of 14.3% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 27
  • Average Hourly Rate: $11.75
  • Average Annual Salary: $24440
• Gary, IN Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 2
  • Average Hourly Rate: $9.99
  • Average Annual Salary: $20770
• Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 2
  • Average Hourly Rate: $13.32
  • Average Annual Salary: $27700

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).