If you want to start a career in the culinary field in the state of Michigan, this page is for you.
Here we have compiled information about the best culinary and pastry schools in your state.
The schools included in our list offer hands-on training, certificate programs, and associate degrees, preparing students for careers as station chefs, sous chefs, pastry chefs, restaurant managers, catering managers, and other related jobs in the field.
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 Michigan was $56,730 in May 2023.
Bakers reportedly made $34,510 per year, on average.
These professions are expected to grow in the future at a rate that is higher than the average for all occupations.
Employment for chefs and head cooks across the United States is projected to grow 7 percent by 2034.
As more restaurants and dining places open, the public’s demand for high-quality dishes will grow.
Employment for bakers in the United States is projected to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034.
If you’re passionate about food and cooking and you want to turn this passion into a career, we encourage you to read our list.
#1Baker College
Baker College offers a culinary program at the Culinary Institute of Michigan.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the college:
- Associate Degree in Baking & Pastry
- Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
- Associate Degree in Food and Beverage Management
The Associate Degree in Culinary Arts includes courses such as:
- Sustainability in the Food Service Industry
- Food Service Career Skills
- Culinary Math
- Food Safety and Sanitation
- Nutritional Cooking
- Global Cuisine and Buffet Production
- Baking and Culinary Students
- Table Service
- Restaurant Techniques
- Menu Planning and Analysis
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1020 S Washington St, Owosso, MI 48867
- Phone: (800) 964-4299
- Website: https://www.baker.edu
#2Les Cheneaux Culinary School
About the School
Les Cheneaux Culinary School offers a culinary program that includes tailored instruction focused on the proper preparation of regionally sourced foods.
The Culinary Arts Chef Certificate from the Les Cheneaux Culinary School offers its students an opportunity to become culinary leaders in their communities.
Students learn in a 5,000-square-foot facility that features a state-of-the-art kitchen and a breathtaking, boathouse-themed dining room and deck.
Courses Offered
The 30-credit certificate includes the following courses:
- Beginning Cookery
- Culinary Safety
- Culinary Management
- Advanced Culinary Skills
- Service Operations
- Nutrition for Chefs
- Culinary Internship
During the last three months of the program, students perform their internship in the 75-seat Les Cheneaux Culinary School Restaurant.
Contact Information
- Address: 186 S. Pickford Ave. Hessel, MI 49745
- Phone: (906) 484-4800
- Website: https://lcculinary.org
#3Dorsey College
About the School
Dorsey College offers a Culinary School in Michigan that gives students the opportunity to turn their passion and talent into a rewarding career through culinary school education.
The college provides hands-on and real-world training for aspiring cooks and bakers to learn new techniques that could help students expand their abilities.
Culinary training takes place both in the classroom and kitchen settings.
Two culinary programs are available:
- Baking and Pastry Arts
- Culinary Arts
The Baking and Pastry Arts program blends classroom instruction with practical application in the kitchens on campus.
At the end of the program, students participate in an externship, offering students the opportunity to apply what they have learned and gain exposure within the industry.
Contact Information
- Address: 31739 John R Road, Madison Heights, Michigan 48071
- Phone: 248-588-9660
- Website: https://www.dorsey.edu
#4Lake Michigan College
About the School
Lake Michigan College offers a Culinary Management program for those who are passionate about food and dream of running their own restaurant or leading a kitchen.
Students learn how to create amazing dishes while also mastering restaurant operations, menu planning, and team leadership.
They get hands-on experience in both the kitchen and classroom, preparing students for a successful career in the culinary industry.
The culinary program trains students in every aspect of food preparation, from presentation to proper technique to pastry and more.
Courses Offered
The Culinary Management Associate in Applied Science program includes courses such as:
- Professionalism in the Workplace
- Professional Cooking
- Nutrition
- Cafe and Restaurant Operations
- Hospitality Cost Control Systems
- Garde Manger
- Fundamentals of Baking
- Food Technology
- Sanitation
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2755 E. Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
- Phone: 800-252-1562
- Website: https://www.lakemichigancollege.edu
#5Oakland Community College
About the School
Oakland Community College offers a Culinary Studies Institute that prepares students for careers as executive chefs with real-world industry experience.
The culinary arts program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation.
Students experience hands-on cooking and baking coursework.
They get top-notch skills that span the culinary industry, including cost analysis, event planning, guest services, menu development, and wine and spirits.
Courses Offered
The following culinary career pathways are available:
- Culinary Arts Degree
- Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
- Hospitality Management Certificate
- Food Service Foundations Certificate
The Culinary Arts Degree includes courses such as:
- Culinary Skills
- Cookery Techniques
- Butchery and Fabrication
- Baking
- Garde Manger
- Food Purchasing and Storage
- Modern Buffet Techniques
- Ice Carving
- Wine and Spirits
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2900 Featherstone Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
- Phone: 248.232.4100
- Website: https://www.oaklandcc.edu
#6Macomb Community College
Macomb Community College offers a culinary arts program that helps students master professional cooking techniques and prepare for today’s modern kitchens.
Courses Offered
Students learn skills such as:
- Culinary techniques
- International food and food culture
- Food ordering and handling
- Menu management
- Decorative food presentation
- Wine and food pairings
- Old-world bread baking
- Wedding cakes and other desserts
Students have the option of earning a certificate or an associate degree.
Culinary courses include:
- Culinary Techniques
- Food & Beverage Management
- Table Service
- Beverage Service
- Ice Carving & Design
- Wine Appreciation
- Plated Desserts
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Township, MI 48038-1139
- Phone: 586.445.7999
- Website: https://www.macomb.edu
#7Schoolcraft College
About the School
Schoolcraft College offers a Culinary, Brewing & Hospitality program with the following paths:
- Brewing and Distillation Technology
- Culinary and Dietary Operations Management
- Culinary Baking and Pastry Arts
- Professional Culinary Arts
The Professional Culinary Arts program offers the following degree options:
- Professional Culinary Arts Associate in Applied Science Degree
- Professional Culinary Arts Certificate
- Professional Culinary Arts Skills Certificate
The Certificate curriculum includes courses such as:
- Culinary Sanitation
- Introduction to Professional Cooking Skills and Techniques
- Baking
- Butchery
- Foundations of Health Cooking
- Dining Room
- Modern American Cuisine
- Wine and Spirits
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 18600 Haggerty Road, Livonia MI 48152
- Phone: 734-462-4400
- Website: https://www.schoolcraft.edu
#8Mott Community College
About the School
Mott Community College offers the Culinary Arts Institute for those who want to grab a bite to eat in Downtown Flint or on the MCC campus, or are looking to launch a culinary career.
Dining is available at the institute’s upscale casual restaurant.
The institute’s state-of-the-art facilities offer exciting opportunities to earn an associate degree or certificate in baking and pastry arts, culinary arts, food service management, and more.
The courses are taught by award-winning, certified executive chefs and food service professionals with years of industry experience.
The institute has a 36,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility.
Contact Information
- Address: 1401 E. Court St. Flint, MI 48503-2089
- Phone: (810) 762-0200
- Website: https://www.mcc.edu
#9LaPorte County Career & Technical Education
About the School
LaPorte County Career & Technical Education offers an on-site career cafe.
Students gain hands-on experience in food preparation, safety and sanitation, management, customer service, and catering.
The program emphasizes teamwork, creativity, communication, and self-confidence.
Classroom work includes demonstrations, guest speakers, video projects, and field trips.
Senior internships are available to provide even more hands-on experience.
The following culinary arts and hospitality courses are included:
- Principles of Culinary and Hospitality
- Basic Food Theory and Skills
- Nutrition
- Soups, Stocks, and Sauces
- Introduction to Baking
- Pantry and Breakfast
- Yeast Breads
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 817 Lafayette Street (A. K. Smith Campus), 1001 US-20 (South Campus), Michigan City, IN 46360
- Phone: (219) 873-2120
- Website: https://cte.educatemc.net
#10Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
About the School
An online program is provided by Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, a school that offers a business-focused curriculum with programs that may include topics in business and entrepreneurship.
Financial aid is available for students who qualify.
Courses Offered
The following paths are available:
- Culinary Arts
- Plant-Based Culinary Arts
- Baking & Pastry Arts
- Holistic Nutrition & Wellness
- Food Entrepreneurship
- Hospitality & Restaurant Operations Management
Escoffier offers an online Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations and an Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in Culinary Arts.
The programs provide students with a basic understanding of culinary techniques and practical business skills that can set them apart from their peers.
Students can complete their training in 60 weeks.
The online culinary arts programs are designed to work with students’ schedules.
An online diploma in Professional Pastry Arts and an Associate of Occupational Studies degree in Baking & Pastry are also available.
Diploma courses include:
- Fundamentals of Baking and Pastry
- Menu Design and Management
- Contemporary Pastry Arts
- Foundations of Bread
- Foodservice Management
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 637 South Broadway, Suite H, Boulder, CO 80305
- Phone: 877-249-0305
- Website: https://www.escoffier.edu
Schools Summary Table
Culinary & Pastry Average Salary in Michigan
Estimated Earnings Range:| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
|
$38K
|
|
|
$59K
|
|
|
$77K
|
Culinary & Pastry Salary by Metro Area in Michigan
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MI | 280 | $62,380 | $29.99 | $79,980 | $40,270 |
| Battle Creek, MI | 100 | $59,130 | $28.43 | $77,270 | $42,640 |
| Bay City, MI | 40 | $48,620 | $23.37 | $65,900 | $30,940 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | 2,490 | $60,550 | $29.11 | $78,550 | $40,200 |
| Flint, MI | 110 | $55,470 | $26.67 | $70,270 | $37,210 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI | 580 | $60,140 | $28.91 | $79,970 | $40,070 |
| Jackson, MI | 50 | $58,130 | $27.95 | $70,090 | $45,500 |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI | 140 | $61,140 | $29.40 | $74,310 | $46,460 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | 210 | $59,710 | $28.71 | $78,720 | $38,810 |
| Midland, MI | 40 | $59,690 | $28.70 | $77,790 | $33,420 |
| Monroe, MI | 60 | $55,110 | $26.49 | $71,230 | $36,150 |
| Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | 50 | $53,870 | $25.90 | $69,980 | $34,830 |
| Niles, MI | 90 | $60,750 | $29.21 | $78,230 | $45,400 |
| Saginaw, MI | 100 | $55,410 | $26.64 | $71,320 | $37,670 |
| Traverse City, MI | 130 | $57,400 | $27.60 | $75,210 | $38,730 |
* Employment opportunities may differ based on your location.
Final Thoughts
Before being ready for employment in a restaurant or another establishment that serves food, you have to complete a program that teaches you the required skills for this profession.
Now that you have read our selection of the best culinary and baking schools in Michigan, the next step is to continue researching and apply for the program that best fits your learning style and career aspirations.
