If you want to start a career in the culinary field in the state of Nevada, this page is for you.
Here we have compiled information about the best culinary and pastry schools in your state, the programs they offer, how much they cost, and other factors that may help you choose which path works best for you.
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 Nevada was $62,020 in May 2023.
Bakers reportedly made $38,190 per year, on average- higher than the national average for this profession.
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.
Before applying for your first job in a restaurant, hotel, bakery, or similar setting, we invite you to take a look at the schools included in our list.
#1College of Southern Nevada
About the School
The College of Southern Nevada offers a Culinary Arts program that provides training for careers in both the culinary and pastry arts.
The program is designed to teach students the knowledge and skills to be successful in their chosen field.
The curriculum includes hands-on practical training in the college’s on-campus restaurant and kitchens.
Students may earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree or Certificate in Culinary Arts and Pastry Arts.
The Pastry Arts Certificate includes classes in:
- Principles of Baking
- Breads of the World
- Food Service Nutrition
- Retail Bakery Management
- Work Experience in Culinary Arts
- Sanitation for the Food Service Industry
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 6375 W. Charleston Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89146
- Phone: (702) 651-5000
- Website: https://www.csn.edu
#2Culinary Academy Las Vegas
About the School
Culinary Academy Las Vegas equips students with the skills to succeed in a hospitality career in Las Vegas.
The academy provides hands-on training.
Students learn in professional kitchens using industry-standard equipment.
They learn core techniques in cooking, baking, and food preparation, and build skills used in resort and restaurant kitchens.
Courses Offered
The Food and Beverage program at Culinary Academy Las Vegas is two weeks long and can be completed in two weeks.
Students learn table service support, customer service, dining room sanitation, and SNHD regulations.
The program requirements include:
- Being at least 17 years of age
- Hold a valid driver’s license or state ID, Social Security card, and Food Handler Safety Training card
- The ability to communicate effectively in English
Program cost is $1,200.
Contact Information
- Address: 710 W Lake Mead Blvd, North Las Vegas, NV 89030, United States
- Phone: (702) 651-5000
- Website: https://www.theculinaryacademy.org
#3Nevada Regional Technical Center
About the School
The Nevada Regional Technical Center offers a Culinary Arts program designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of cooking and food preparation.
The Culinary Arts program is for students who are interested in careers in the hospitality industry.
The program can be completed in two years.
Student chefs earn the National Restaurant Association’s ProStart Certification after completing the program.
The National Restaurant Association’s ProStart Certification is offered to all students.
The program includes skills in sanitation and safety, recipe development, food production, plate presentation, customer service, menu design, knife cuts, and catering.
Contact Information
- Address: 900 W. Ashland Street, Nevada, MO 64772
- Phone: 417-448-2090
- Website: https://nrtc.nevada.k12.mo.us
#4The Pastry Academy
About the School
The Pastry Academy offers a training program that takes students from the classroom to the kitchen, where they have the opportunity to master the technical and practical skills needed to create world-class pastries, chocolates, danishes, confectionery, breads, and plated desserts.
Students graduate with hands-on knowledge and a thorough understanding of the chemistry and theory behind the art of pastry.
The course can be completed in seven weeks.
Courses Offered
The curriculum includes:
- Introduction to Kitchen Management
- Petits Fours
- Bread and Breakfast Pastries
- Tartes & Gateaux de Voyage
- Plated Desserts
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 201 E. Charleston Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89104
- Website: https://www.thepastryacademy.com
#5Southwest Career and Technical Academy
About the School
The Southwest Career and Technical Academy is ranked among the best schools in the state.
It is a magnet school offering nine distinct programs of study.
Students may choose one of the following:
- Automotive Technology
- Culinary
- Dental Science
- Digital Game Development
- Video Production
- Nursing
- And more
The Culinary program prepares students for front-of-the-house and back-of-the-house operations.
Students learn:
- Safety and sanitation
- Knife skills
- Cooking methods
Students have the opportunity to become a ServSafe Manager and OSHA-certified.
The school has five full-sized commercial kitchens.
Contact Information
- Address: 7050 W Shelbourne Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89113
- Phone: (702) 799-5766
- Website: https://www.swcta.net
#6Northwest Career and Technical Academy
About the School
Northwest Career and Technical Academy offers programs that help students develop advanced skills through hands-on experiences in a professional setting.
The Culinary Arts program at Northwest Career and Technical Academy gives students the opportunity to learn essential cooking techniques, food safety, quality assurance, nutrition, and food planning.
Students also learn:
- Management techniques in the areas of inventory and food cost projecting
- Customer service
- Cost projecting
- Marketing
- And more
They also explore the latest trends in the food service industry.
Contact Information
- Address: 8200 W. Tropical Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89149
- Phone: (702) 799-4640
- Website: https://www.nwctahawks.net
#7East Career & Technical Academy
East Career & Technical Academy empowers students with the skills to problem solve, collaborate, and communicate effectively.
Courses Offered
The Culinary Arts program at East Career & Technical Academy prepares students for a broad range of career paths.
The program combines theory, practice, and the art of cooking.
Students practice cooking and pastry techniques, food safety, and production planning.
They also learn management techniques in the areas of inventory and food cost projecting, purchasing, and quality assurance.
The program also gives the opportunity to investigate international cuisine.
Students who successfully complete the program can earn up to five free college credits.
Contact Information
- Address: 6705 Vegas Valley Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89142
- Phone: (702) 799-8888
- Website: https://www.easttechtitans.com
#8Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
About the School
You may also earn a culinary degree or diploma without ever having to leave Nevada by enrolling in the online Culinary Arts program, which is provided by Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
The school 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 students 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
#9Le Gordon Bleu
About the School
Le Gordon Bleu offers world-class programs such as:
- Le Grand Diplome
- Diplôme de Cuisine
- Wine & Management Programs
- Gastronomy, Nutrition, and Food Trends Programs
- Gourment Short Courses
- And more
The pinnacle of Le Cordon Bleu’s hands-on training program is Le Grand Diplôme.
This combines the practice and knowledge of both cuisine and pastry disciplines.
Students are exposed to basic techniques and progressively learn more advanced techniques.
Contact Information
#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 Nevada
Estimated Earnings Range:| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
|
$35K
|
|
|
$62K
|
|
|
$92K
|
Culinary & Pastry Salary by Metro Area in Nevada
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas, NV | 3,990 | $62,360 | $29.98 | $92,160 | $35,200 |
| Reno, NV | 420 | $60,460 | $29.07 | $93,070 | $36,400 |
* Employment opportunities may differ based on your location.
Final Thoughts
Before being ready for employment in a restaurant, hotel, 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 Nevada, the next step is to continue researching and apply for the program that best fits your learning style and career aspirations.
