If you’re passionate about food and cooking and you want to turn your passion into a rewarding career, this page provides you with information about the best schools that can prepare you for this path.
Here we have compiled information about the best culinary and pastry schools in Kansas.
The schools included in our list offer hands-on training, certificate programs, and associate degrees, preparing students for careers as cooks, bakers, station chefs, sous chefs, pastry chefs, restaurant managers, catering managers, and other food service specialist roles.
The programs focus on teaching skills such as: food preparation, culinary safety and sanitation, baking principles, contemporary cuisine, and more.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage reported by chefs and head cooks in Kansas was $56,990 as of May 2023, while bakers reportedly made $32,020 per year, on average.
Employment for chefs and head cooks across the United States is projected to grow 7 percent by 2034.
As more restaurants and dining places are expected to open, the demand for high-quality dishes will grow, and skilled cooks and chefs will be needed in order to prepare them.
Employment for bakers in the United States is projected to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.
You can start preparing for employment in a restaurant, bakery, or another establishment that serves food by completing a certificate or degree program offered by one of the schools in our list.
Program duration ranges between a few months and a few years, depending on the school and the credential you want to pursue.
Many schools offer flexible schedules, so students are able to keep their jobs while preparing for a new career.
#1Washburn Tech University
About the School
Washburn Tech University offers a Culinary Arts program that prepares students to be productive members of any restaurant or culinary staff.
Students learn culinary math, food safety and sanitation, use and care of equipment, and food preparation and cooking skills.
The courses also cover baking, menu planning, and an introduction to restaurant supervision and management, among other skills.
Students must pass the ServSafe certification before continuing the program.
Those who attend classes full-time can complete the program in two semesters.
Part-time and high school students can finish the program in four semesters.
After completing the program, students earn a 48-credit technical certificate and are eligible to complete an Associate of Applied Science Degree offered by Washburn Tech and conferred by Washburn University.
Morning and afternoon schedules are available.
The program can be completed in two years.
Financial Aid is available for students who qualify and have a high school diploma or GED.
Courses Offered
The culinary arts program includes courses such as:
- Culinary Math
- Sanitation/Safety
- Basic Cooking Principles
- Food Prep
- Baking Principles
- International Cuisine
- And more
Tuition for this program is $7,920.
Additional fees sum up to approximately $2,500.
Contact Information
- Address: 5724 SW Huntoon, Topeka, Kansas 66604
- Phone: 785.670.2010
- Website: https://www.washburntech.edu
#2Kansas City Kansas Community College
About the School
Kansas City, Kansas Community College helps students prepare for today’s in-demand careers and tomorrow’s challenges.
The college offers degrees and certificates.
Courses Offered
The Culinary Arts program at Kansas City, Kansas Community College includes the following degree options:
- Culinary Arts, A.A.S.
- Culinary Arts Certificate
An A.A.S. program takes two years to complete, while students can obtain a certificate in 9-18 months.
The culinary arts certificate program teaches students to master the fundamental skills of food service.
The program includes daily classroom instruction with practical experience in food service preparation.
Students take classes such as:
- Servsafe
- Equipment and the Industry
- Cooking Methods
- Food Production
- International Cooking
- Beginning Baking
- Cooking Methods
- Advanced Baking
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 7250 State Ave, Kansas City, Kansas 66112
- Phone: 913-334-1100
- Website: https://www.kckcc.edu
#3Johnson County Community College
About the School
Johnson County Community College is an accredited community college that offers small class sizes, experienced faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities.
The college offers certificate and associate degree programs that are flexible to fit students’ schedules and timelines.
86 degrees/certificates are available in 45 programs of study.
Courses Offered
The Wylie Hospitality and Culinary Academy has five culinary labs, an innovation kitchen, and a demonstration kitchen in a culinary theater, as well as a dining room, a patio, and offices.
The following hospitality and culinary programs are available at the college:
- Chef Apprenticeship, AAS
- Pastry/Baking Certificate
The Chef Apprenticeship AAS program is an intensive three-year program.
To be eligible for this program, students must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a high school diploma or the equivalent
Contact Information
- Address: 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66210
- Phone: 913-469-8500
- Website: https://www.jccc.edu
#4Butler Community College
About the School
Butler Community College offers the Redler Institute of Culinary Arts.
Here, students practice the latest professional techniques, diverse global cuisines, hospitality, and business management skills.
Students are immersed in the world of culinary arts and use industry-standard commercial kitchen equipment, dedicated pastry and savory kitchens, and modern classroom instruction.
The college offers real-world experience in an elegant indoor/outdoor dining venue.
Courses Offered
The following degree and certificate options are available at the college:
- Culinary Arts- Associate in Applied Science- a program that includes 60-61 credit hours and costs approximately $11,000
- Professional Culinary Arts- Certificate A- a 16-credit program that costs approximately $2,600.
- Professional Culinary Arts Certificate B- students pay approximately $5,100 for this 31-credit-hour program
- Professional Culinary Arts Certificate C- this 45-46 credit hour program costs approximately $7,600
Contact Information
- Address: 901 S Haverhill Rd, El Dorado, KS 67042
- Phone: 316.321.2222
- Website: https://www.butlercc.edu
#5Fort Hays Tech | North Central
Fort Hays Tech | North Central offers a diverse range of programs designed to cater to students’ interests and career aspirations.
Courses Offered
The Culinary Arts program available at Fort Hays Tech provides students with the job knowledge and skills to enter the food service industry.
Students gain valuable hands-on instruction in: nutrition, quality foods, buffet decoration, catering, and baking.
During the one-year program, students craft amazing and fun foods using flames, knives, and creative chemistry.
They work alongside a professional chef to create gourmet cuisine, cakes, and pastries.
Students also get to develop entrepreneurial skills.
Those who successfully complete the program receive a Culinary Arts Certificate.
Required courses include:
- Sanitation, Safety, and Housekeeping
- Standard Kitchen Tools & Equipment
- Understanding & Cooking Meats, Fish & Shellfish
- Food Purchasing & Inventory
- Recipe Structure & Uses
- Quality Baking
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 3033 US HWY 24, Beloit, Kansas 67420
- Phone: 800-658-4655
- Website: https://fhtechnc.edu
#6Flint Hills Technical College
About the School
Flint Hills Technical College is a two-year public technical college located in Emporia, Kansas.
The college maintains full accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
The Hospitality Culinary Arts program is a unique program that combines culinary and baking arts as well as hospitality management.
Students have real-world catering experiences and the opportunity to use the Fusion Food Truck, one of the only food trucks in the program curriculum in Kansas.
The following degrees are available:
- Associate Degree
- Technical Certificate
The Technical Certificate includes courses such as:
- Culinary Techniques & Theory
- Introduction to Baking and Pastries
- Introduction to Garde Mager
- Food Sanitation
- Sustainability and Environmental Issues
- Baking Theory, Pastry, and Confections
- Catering and Banquet Production
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 3301 West 18th Avenue, Emporia, KS 66801
- Phone: 620.343.4600
- Website: https://fhtc.edu
#7Olathe Public Schools
About the School
Olathe Public Schools offers a Culinary Arts program that provides students with the opportunity to work side-by-side with industry experts.
Students learn how to design menus, execute multi-course meals, and deliver exceptional service to the public through Finesse: A Culinary Experience, a student-run fine dining restaurant.
Courses Offered
The program includes:
- Expert instruction
- State-of-the-art facilities
- High-end culinary production
- Community service opportunities
- Industry certifications
- College articulation opportunities
- Certificate of Achievement
- Scholarship opportunities
Students graduate ready to excel in the world’s largest and most diverse industry, from intimate fine dining to large-scale catering events.
Contact Information
- Address: 14160 Black Bob Road, P.O. Box 2000, Olathe, KS 66063
- Phone: 913-780-7000
- Website: https://www.olatheschools.org
#8National Institute for Culinary and Hospitality Education
About the School
The National Institute for Culinary and Hospitality Education combines innovative curriculum with business operations to prepare a highly skilled and passionate workforce.
The following culinary arts and hospitality programs are available at the institute:
- Associate of Applied Science- a two-year program
- Technical Certificate- a one-year program
Certificate of Completion- usually completed in less than one semester
The Culinary Arts program is designed to prepare individuals with little or no industry experience for entry-level and secondary food service positions.
The curriculum covers diverse options, from artisanal breads and pastries to global cuisine classes and places.
It emphasizes maximizing lab contact hours and providing real-world experience in an urban location.
The program emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning.
Students spend more than 1,000 hours in the kitchen.
Graduates are equipped with the skills to assist in menu and product development.
Courses Offered
The Technical Certificate in Culinary Arts includes courses such as:
- Culinary Fundamentals
- Culinary Nutrition
- Modern Banquet Cookery
- Baking & Pastry Skill Development
- Sanitation & Safety
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 124 S. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67202
- Website: https://nicheks.com
#9Metropolitan Community College
About the School
Located in the neighboring state of Nebraska, Metropolitan Community College offers a Culinary Arts program that consists of two pathways:
- Culinary Arts & Management
- Hospitality & Restaurant Leadership
During their training, students learn the ins and outs of working in the service industry, building strong leadership and teamwork skills.
Courses Offered
The following degrees and certificates are offered:
- Sustainable Baking Management- Associate in Applied Science
- Sustainable Culinary Management- Associate in Applied Science
- Food Studies Certificate of Achievement
- Hospitality Leadership Certificate of Achievement
- Bakeshop Operations Career Certificate
- Basic Gastronomy Career Certificate
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 5300 N. 30th St., Omaha, NE 68111
- Phone: 531-622-2272
- Website: https://www.mccneb.edu
#10The Culinary Center of Kansas City
About the School
The Culinary Center of Kansas City offers classes and team-building events for all ages at two convenient Kansas City locations.
Courses Offered
Featured classes include:
- The Bake Shop: Peppermint Cookies & Decadent Brownies
- The Italian Kitchen: Rustic, Fresh, Delicious
- Elevate Your Steak
- The Mother Sauces
- Midweek Spring Escape
- Pizza and Calzone Workshop
- Family-Friendly Cinnamon Rolls
- Spring Cookie Decorating Workshop
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 7920 Santa Fe Dr
- Phone: 913-341-4455
- Website: https://kcculinary.com
Schools Summary Table
Culinary & Pastry Average Salary in Kansas
Estimated Earnings Range:| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
|
$35K
|
|
|
$60K
|
|
|
$87K
|
Culinary & Pastry Salary by Metro Area in Kansas
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence, KS | 70 | $49,470 | $23.78 | $81,170 | $35,590 |
| Manhattan, KS | 60 | $52,420 | $25.20 | $74,990 | $33,940 |
| Topeka, KS | 70 | $63,320 | $30.44 | $83,400 | $39,380 |
| Wichita, KS | 190 | $57,830 | $27.80 | $79,910 | $34,370 |
* Employment opportunities may differ based on your location.
Final Thoughts
If you live in Kansas, you’re passionate about baking and cooking, and you want to turn this passion into a full-time career, the schools included in our list can prepare you with the skills and credentials that will get you job-ready in less than two years.
Now that you have read our selection, it’s time to continue the research and decide what format best fits your schedule, budget, and career aspirations.
