Welcome to our selection of the best culinary and pastry schools in Alabama.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage reported by chefs and sous chefs in Alabama was $64,310 as of May 2023, while bakers reportedly made $30,730 per year, on average.
Salaries vary depending on experience, education, location, and industry of employment.
One way to improve your earning prospects is by completing a diploma or degree in culinary science or a related field.
The schools included in our list take between a few months and two years to complete and offer hands-on training, certificate programs, and associate degrees, preparing students for employment in restaurants, bakeries, and other dining establishments.
Before being ready for your first job as a chef, you have to learn a few skills, such as:
- Cooking techniques
- Checking ingredients
- Following safety and sanitation standards
- Planning menus
- Inspecting supplies
- Monitoring sanitation practices
- Ordering and maintaining an inventory of foods
- And more
As more restaurants and dining places are expected to open across the nation, employment for chefs and head cooks is projected to grow 7 percent by 2034.
Employment for bakers in the United States is projected to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.
If you’re passionate about food, we encourage you to read our list and find out more about the culinary and baking schools in Alabama.
#1Lawson State Community College
About the School
Lawson State Community College offers a Culinary Arts program that combines theoretical classroom instruction with hands-on training and teaches students how to use current culinary technology and equipment.
Culinary students learn about:
- Food science and nutrition
- Identifying flavors and flavor development
- Creative menu planning
- Successful food pairing
- Stylish plating presentation
- Sanitary and safety
The program offers a short certificate, a certificate, and an Associate in Applied Science Degree.
Graduates are prepared to work in restaurants, own food trucks, or work in catering businesses.
They may also become personal chefs.
Contact Information
- Address: 3060 Wilson Road, SW, Birmingham, AL 35221
- Phone: (205) 929-6440
- Website: https://www.lawsonstate.edu
#2Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center
About the School
Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center offers a variety of courses, including:
- Hotel and Restaurant Management
- Event Management
- Culinary Science
- Brewing Science and Operations
- Trinchero Family Estates Wine Appreciation Laboratory
- Distilled Spirits Laboratory
- Viking Culinary Exhibition Laboratory
The Culinary Science program is designed to attract students who pursue careers in the commercial and non-commercial food production and service industry.
The Culinary Science curriculum includes the following courses:
- Culinary Fundamentals
- Fundamentals of Baking
- Patisserie and Confectionery
- Global Gastronomy
Contact Information
- Address: 3084 Haley Center, Auburn, Alabama 36849- Auburn University- College of Human Sciences
- Phone: (334) 844-3265
- Website: https://www.auburn.edu
#3Bishop State Community College
About the School
Bishop State Community College offers a Culinary Arts program that provides students with the opportunity to turn their passion for food into a rewarding career.
The program is hands-on in order to immerse students in the art and science of cooking, offering a comprehensive curriculum that helps students build a strong foundation in culinary techniques.
Students start by mastering essential skills and advance to learning advanced cooking methods.
The program also covers critical topics such as:
- Food safety
- Nutrition and kitchen management
- Ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the food service industry.
This program leads to a Culinary Arts, Associate in Applied Science degree.
Courses Offered
The A.A.S. program includes the following requirements:
- Basic Food Preparation
- Foundations in Nutrition
- Sanitation and Safety
- Foundations of Baking
- Advanced Baking
- Dietary Management
- Menu Design
- Restaurant Management and Supervision
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 351 North Broad Street, Mobile, AL 36603
- Phone: (251) 405-7005
- Website: https://www.bishop.edu
#4Trenholm State Community College
About the School
Trenholm State Community College is an accredited college that offers certificate and diploma programs at an approved degree level.
The college has two campuses in Alabama: Trenholm and Patterson.
Among many other career paths, the college offers a Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management program.
Courses Offered
The following Associate’s Degree programs are available:
- Associate of Applied Science- Culinary Arts- 74 semester hours
- Associate of Applied Science- Culinary Arts- Hospitality Management Concentration- 74 semester hours
The curriculum includes courses such as:
- Catering
- Basic Food Preparation
- Sanitation, Safety, and Food Service
- Basic Food Preparation Lab
- Culinary Art Apprenticeship
- Foundations of Baking
- Advanced Baking
- Beverage Management
- Menu Design
- Restaurant Management and Supervision
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 8 Commerce St, Suite 100, Montgomery, AL 36104
- Phone: 334-420-4493
- Website: https://www.trenholmstate.edu
#5Sobre Mesa
About the School
Sobre Mesa is a cooking school that gives participants the opportunity to travel through a variety of different traditions, flavors, and stories.
A range of cooking classes are available at the school, and are tailored from approachable to anyone to advanced, specialized skills.
Courses Offered
Available are classes such as:
- Spanish Brunch
- Authentic Paella
- Tavola Italiana
- Artisan Bakery
All Mediterranean cooking classes are hands-on and include shared meals and drinks- all around the table.
Contact Information
- Address: 2357 Whitesburg Dr, Suite D, Huntsville, AL 35801
- Phone: 256-279-6686
- Website: https://www.sobremesa-hsv.com
#6Jefferson State Community College
About the School
Jefferson State Community College offers a Culinary & Hospitality Institute that prepares students for a variety of positions in health care institutions, schools, restaurants, hotels, and other lodging operations.
The department offers a degree with four options:
- Culinary Apprentice
- Culinary/Nutrition Science
- Baking/Pastry
- Catering/Event Planning
Courses Offered
The Culinary Apprentice program includes the following courses:
- Basic Food Preparation
- Foundations in Nutrition
- Food Purchasing
- Special Topics in Hospitality Service
- Advanced Baking
- Beverage Management
- And more
In total, students need 71 total credit hours for an Associate in Applied Science Degree.
Certificates are also available at the college.
A Baking and Pastry Certificate is also available and includes:
- Basic Food Preparation
- Foundations in Nutrition
- Basic Food Preparation Lab
- Chocolate and Truffles
- Specialty Breads
- Cake Decorating and Design
- Foundations of Baking
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2601 Carson Road, Birmingham, Alabama 35215
- Phone: 1-888-4JEFFST
- Website: https://www.jeffersonstate.edu
#7Coastal Alabama Community College
Coastal Alabama Community College offers programs at several locations, including Atmore, Bay Minette, Brewton, Fairhope, and online.
Courses Offered
Culinary Arts and Pastry Baking programs are available at the college.
The Culinary Arts program is designed for students who want to go directly into the labor market upon completion.
The program is four-semester long.
It is available at the Gulf Shores Campus.
Culinary Arts students take classes in:
- Food Preparation
- Sanitation and Safety
- Foundations of Baking
- Foundations in Nutrition
- Food Processing and Cost Control
- Culinary Capstone
- Beverage Selection and Appreciation
- And more
The Pastry program is also four semesters long.
Financial Aid is available for students who qualify.
Pastry students take classes such as:
- Sanitation and Safety
- Foundations of Baking
- Food Preparation
- Pastries
- Foundations in Nutrition
- Advanced Baking
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 3275 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
- Phone: (800) 381-3722
- Website: https://www.coastalalabama.edu
#8Cooking with C.C.
About the School
Cooking with C.C. offers cooking classes tailored to meet different needs.
C.C. teaches small group cooking classes.
Each class gives students the chance to try new foods or ingredients and teaches them new recipes they can use with their families or friends.
Classes include a recipe pack and instructions on how to prepare the recipe.
Courses Offered
The following classes are available:
- Bon Appétit and Beyond: French Fair Meets Southern Charm
- Italian Spring Dinner
- Holiday Breakfast Cooking Class
- Summer Dinner Class
- South of France Dinner Class
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 107 Sycamorebend Dr. Huntsville, AL 35806
- Phone: 256-726-9871
- Website: https://cookingwithcc.com
#9Wallace State
About the School
Wallace State offers four pathways students can choose as they begin their college careers:
- Health Sciences
- S.T.E.M.
- Liberal Arts General Studies
- Applied Technologies
Courses Offered
The Culinary Arts program at Wallace State provides the ingredients needed for a career in the hospitality industry.
The courses of study offer organized, specialized learning experiences that include theory, laboratory, and shop experience.
Students learn about nutrition, planning, selection, purchasing, preserving, preparing, and serving food and food products.
The following programs are available:
- Culinary Program Associate in Applied Science
- Advanced Certificate in Culinary STC
- Culinary Arts STC
Tuition varies depending on the chosen path.
In-state students who want to obtain a Culinary Arts STC pay approximately $4,300.
Contact Information
- Address: 801 Main Street NW , P.O. Box 2000, Hanceville, AL 35077-2000
- Phone: (866) 350-9722
- Website: https://www.wallacestate.edu
#10Culinary Institute of America
About the School
The Culinary Institute of America offers a variety of online programs for students who are looking to upgrade their resumes and improve their career prospects.
The online degrees are designed for food industry professionals.
Master’s programs that include short residencies at the school’s California and New York campuses are available.
The bachelor’s program is delivered exclusively online.
Courses Offered
The Bachelor’s Degree is designed for CIA Associate Graduates Only.
Students need to have at least four years of full-time, progressive work experience after graduating from the institute’s associate degree program.
This gives them the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree without interrupting their work schedule.
Students get comprehensive food-specific skills.
They explore topics such as economics, sustainability of food systems, and key principles of business leadership.
Up to 30 transfer credits from a college other than CIA can be applied to complete the degree even faster.
Contact Information
- Address: 312 Pearl Parkway, Building 2, Suite 2102, San Antonio, TX 78215
- Phone: 800-CULINARY
- Website: https://www.ciachef.edu
Schools Summary Table
Culinary & Pastry Average Salary in Alabama
Estimated Earnings Range:| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
|
$36K
|
|
|
$63K
|
|
|
$84K
|
Culinary & Pastry Salary by Metro Area in Alabama
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn-Opelika, AL | 70 | $65,180 | $31.34 | $84,360 | $36,720 |
| Birmingham, AL | 260 | $67,080 | $32.25 | $94,580 | $40,300 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL | 110 | $65,950 | $31.71 | $81,270 | $36,160 |
| Huntsville, AL | 130 | $65,060 | $31.28 | $84,920 | $32,900 |
| Mobile, AL | 130 | $66,910 | $32.17 | $80,490 | $37,140 |
| Montgomery, AL | 120 | $61,820 | $29.72 | $80,630 | $37,200 |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | 90 | $67,910 | $32.65 | $94,080 | $36,710 |
* Employment opportunities may differ based on your location.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have read our selection of the best culinary and baking schools in Alabama, it’s time to choose the program that best suits you.
This is an important step, so take your time and make sure you choose a school that fits your budget and learning style.
