Culinary & hospitality
Chef / head cook
Plan food preparation, coordinate kitchen teams and maintain quality and safety.
BLS · May 2025
EDUCATION & ENTRY
Kitchen experience; culinary training is one route
Culinary study can develop technique and kitchen operations skills. Chef and head-cook positions generally build on practical experience; compare paid entry roles and formal training costs.
The state’s typical entry education classification is “Postsecondary training (non-degree).” This describes the occupation broadly; employers, programs and licensing bodies set specific requirements.
CONNECT THE CAREER TO A PLACE TO LEARN
Oregon training options
These are related routes to investigate. Confirm the full preparation, current admissions and eligibility for your intended role with the provider.
Southwestern Oregon Community College
Culinary Arts
Develop cooking, kitchen operations and restaurant skills through practical culinary study.
Ask: Where would my final-term externship be, and would relocation or unpaid time affect my budget?
Program page reviewed September 15, 2026
Central Oregon Community College
Culinary Arts
The cohort-based culinary AAS develops cooking techniques and restaurant operations. A fall start is strongly encouraged to follow the intended course progression.
Ask: Which preparation, timetable and complete budget apply to my Culinary Arts plan?
Program page reviewed September 15, 2026
Take this question to a counselor.
Would I enjoy coordinating people and producing consistent food during a busy service?
Before choosing a program, ask for prerequisites, the complete timeline, class and placement schedules, and a full cost estimate including supplies, exams, travel and living expenses.
Build a working cost estimate →Understand the numbers.
The median is the midpoint of estimated wages for Oregon workers in this occupation. The hourly median is $30.58. These figures describe workers across experience levels; they are not starting pay or the earnings of graduates from the programs below.
Oregon projects employment moving from 3,880 jobs in 2024 to 4,379 in 2034. The projected 5,143 openings over the decade include growth and replacement needs as workers leave an occupation. Dividing that total by ten gives the rounded annual average shown above. These are projections, not today’s vacancies.
How to read wage information →