Culinary Arts Program

The culinary arts program at Lake Washington Institute of Technology 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 Washington colleges that offer culinary arts program.

Learn more by requesting information now!

Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech)

1101 S Yakima Ave, Tacoma, WA

History

Lake Washington Institute of Technology, located in Kirkland, Washington, was founded in 1949 as a vocational school, when it was known as the Lake Washington Technical College. Originally the school only had a program for sewing, but over the years has added and expanded its programs. In 1991 LWIT became a degree granting technical college. In addition to the main campus, LWIT operates two satellite campuses in Redmond and Duvall.

Academics

LWIT offers certificate, associate's and bachelor's for a variety of majors and operates with the goal offering quality education to students in order to prepare them for their careers. Alongside degree programs, LWIT offers certificate programs to add additional skills for those already working and looking to increase marketability.

Programs of study include:

• Accounting
• Culinary Arts
• Physical Therapist Assistant
• Massage Practitioner
• Applied Design

Admissions and Financial Aid

Students interested in degree programs, or plan to enroll in more than 15 credits must submit an application. All students must be a high school graduate or equivalent or be 18 years of age or older. Program enrollment may be limited, and some programs may require additional application processes.

Financial aid is available and interested students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and visit the financial aid website for helpful tips and resources.

Students Enrolled in the Culinary Arts Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. LWTech has offered the following program levels for students:

• Less Than One Year Certificate
• Less Than Two-Year Award
• Associate's Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

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

• Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 1
  • Average Hourly Rate: $26.99
  • Average Annual Salary: $56130
• Tacoma-Lakewood, WA Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 160
  • Average Hourly Rate: $22.24
  • Average Annual Salary: $46250

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

• Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 12
  • Average Hourly Rate: $13.58
  • Average Annual Salary: $28250
• Tacoma-Lakewood, WA Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 2
  • Average Hourly Rate: $12.65
  • Average Annual Salary: $26310

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