Home to a rich culinary history, Rhode Island is a great place to start a career as a chef or cook.
According to the reports published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2023, this was the second-highest paying state for chefs and head cooks.
To help you start your culinary journey, we have compiled information about the best culinary and pastry schools in your state and the programs they offer.
The schools included in our list offer hands-on training programs that lead to certificates or associate degrees, preparing students for employment in restaurants and other places that serve food.
Before being ready for your first job as a chef, you have to learn a few skills, such as:
- Checking ingredients
- Following safety and sanitation standards
- Planning menus
- Inspecting supplies
- Monitor sanitation practices
- Ordering and maintaining an inventory of foods
- And more
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage reported by chefs and sous chefs in Rhode Island was $81,170 as of May 2023, while bakers reportedly made $34,570 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.
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 see what culinary and baking schools in Rhode Island have to offer.
#1Community College of Rhode Island
About the School
Community College of Rhode Island offers a Culinary Craftsmanship Associate in Arts program that provides a comprehensive education in the art and science of cooking, food preparation, and kitchen management.
Students gain hands-on experience in professional kitchens, where they learn:
- Culinary techniques
- Food safety
- Nutrition
- Menu planning
The program combines classroom instruction with real-world practice.
Courses Offered
The courses included in the program are:
- The Human Health & Disease
- Business Mathematics
- Kitchen Function Essentials
- Cooking Production Methods
- Baking and Pastry
- World Cuisine
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 400 East Ave. Warwick, RI 02886-1807
- Phone: (401) 825-1000
- Website: https://www.ccri.edu
#2Pawtucket School Department
About the School
Pawtucket School Department offers a CTE- Culinary Arts program for students who enjoy pairing new and unique flavors and food combinations.
Students learn to multitask, listen carefully, and communicate clearly.
They gain authentic food preparation and hospitality skills using the ProStart Curriculum.
Students also gain experience in the planning and production of catering opportunities such as trade shows and community functions.
The plan of study consists of:
- Year 1- Restaurant & Culinary Foundations
- Year 2- Restaurant Management Essentials
- Year 3- Advanced Principles in Food Preparation
- Year 4- Restaurant Professional & Internship
The program includes the following credentials:
- Level 1- ProStart National Certification
- Level2- ProStart National Certification
- ServSafe Manager Certification
Contact Information
- Address: 286 Main St, Pawtucket, RI 02860
- Phone: 401.729.6300
- Website: https://www.psdri.net
#3Newport Area Career & Technical Center
About the School
Newport Area Career & Technical Center offers a variety of career training programs, including:
- Advertising, Design & New Media
- Automotive Technology
- Construction Technology
- Cosmetology
- Culinary Arts
Courses Offered
The Culinary Arts program at Newport Area Career & Technical Center is offered on the campus of Rogers High School.
This is a multi-year nationally certified culinary arts & hospitality vocational educational & career-oriented program affiliated with the American Restaurant Association and the Rhode Island Hospitality Educational Foundation.
Students attend the program on a part-time basis.
They attend classes in the morning or afternoon and take their core and general educational classes at their district high school.
Contact Information
- Address: 109 Old Fort Road, Newport, RI 02840-3989
- Phone: (401)-619-7127
- Website: https://www.npsri.net
#4Regional Career Center at CHS
About the School
The Regional Career Center at CHS offers a Culinary Arts program that provides students with an exploration of the hospitality and food service industries.
Students are trained in all aspects of the restaurant industry.
The curriculum is accredited through the American Culinary Federation curriculum and the ProStart curriculum.
Trainees apply concepts and skills in a full-service restaurant open to the public.
Senior students may concentrate in a specialty area and have the opportunity to intern with the school’s chef teachers.
Those who successfully pass both the written and performance assessment of the American Culinary Federation exam and receive an ACF Certificate as either a Junior or Secondary Culinarian.
The following certifications are available:
- American Culinary Federation
- ProStart
- ServSafe Food Manager
Contact Information
- Address: 40 Reservoir Road, Coventry, RI 02816
- Phone: (401)822-9499
- Website: https://rctc.coventryschools.net
#5Rhode Island Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
About the School
The Amos Culinary Education program available through the Rhode Island Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment & Training can be completed in eight weeks.
The program gives classroom, kitchen, and real-world experiences with practicum rotations in culinary arts.
Students attend 30 hours per week.
The program covers:
- Food safety and sanitation
- Basic nutritional science
- Recipes and menu development
- Kitchen knife skills
- Kitchen management
- Customer service
- The history and diversity of food preparation
- And more
In total, the program includes 240 hours.
The program offers industry certifications, including:
- ServSafe Food Handler
- ServSafe Allergen
- TIPS
- CPR/First Aid/AED
- ServSafe Manager
Contact Information
- Phone: (401) 270-9421
- Website: https://risnapet.org
#6Newport Cooks
Newport Cooks offers private cooking classes for a variety of events, including birthdays, bachelorette parties, and team building.
Custom classes are also available.
Courses Offered
Newport Cooks provides classes such as:
- Lebanese Stuffed Grape Leaves with Amale Chamseddine
- Bread Baking 101- Italian Bread, Whole Grain Bread, and Focaccia
- Pies & Crusts- Sweet & Savory
- Viva L’Italia- Italian Cooking & Baking Camp for Children 8-14 years old
- Baking Camp for Children 8-14 years old
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 796 Aquidneck Ave, Middletown, RI 02842
- Phone: 401 293 0740
- Website: https://newportcooks.com
#7Johnson & Wales University
About the School
Johnson & Wales University offers a Culinary Arts program that leads to an Associate in Science degree that provides a foundation of culinary craft skills, comprehensive food production and service experience, as well as leadership and teamwork skills.
The hands-on curriculum expands students’ understanding of classical and contemporary cuisines and techniques.
Students learn to develop recipes, implement cost controls, and earn a Conference for Food Protection-approved Food Safety Manager Certification.
They refine their skills through competitions and skills classes.
As they advance in their training, students get to put their learning into action by:
- Honing their professional skills in a fast-paced hotel, restaurant, country club, resort, casino, or retail internship
- Gaining industry experience through study abroad options
- Pitching their food entrepreneurship ideas at SharkFest or the Future Food All-Stars competition.
The program includes courses such as:
- Global a la Carte
- Introduction to Culinary Skills & Techniques
- Introduction to Menu Planning & Cost Controls
- Contemporary Restaurant Operations & Management
- Baking & Pastry Concepts for Culinary Operations
- CFIT Intermediate Internship
Contact Information
- Address: 8 Abbott Park Place, Providence, RI 02903
- Phone: 800-342-5598
- Website: https://www.jwu.edu
#8Bristol Community College
About the School
Located in Massachusetts, Bristol Community College offers a Culinary Arts program designed to ignite students’ culinary passion and transform it into a lifelong calling.
The college offers a diverse range of courses designed to enhance students’ learning journey and equip them for a rewarding career in the foodservice industry.
Courses Offered
The courses include:
- Fundamental Culinary Skills & Techniques
- Classical Cuisine
- Restaurant à la Carte Cooking
- Dining Room Management
- Modern Cooking Techniques
After completing the courses, students can:
- Develop a complete menu for a multi-course meal
- Prepare food to an acceptable industry standard
- Operate professional food service equipment
- Write standard recipes for food service operations
- Apply cost control principles
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 11 Field Road, Attleboro, MA 02703
- Phone: 774.357.2811
- Website: https://bristolcc.edu
#9Culinary Institute of America
Culinary classes are also available online.
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.
To qualify for admission into the program, 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
#10Bauman College
About the School
Bauman College offers a Holistic Chef program that can be completed online.
The program helps students become professional holistic chefs in 12 months.
The online program teaches students to prepare fresh, nutritious, and delicious foods using sustainable ingredients and practices.
Courses Offered
The program combines professional culinary techniques with a nutrition-centered approach to food preparation- in addition to teaching students the business skills they need to advance their careers.
The curriculum and culinary classes include entrepreneurial lessons that give trainees the tools to succeed as professional chefs.
The college offers its students the opportunity to work in a real-world environment in their home region and prepare them to enter the workforce after completing the Holistic Chef program.
Contact Information
- Address: 5900 Doyle Street, Emeryville, CA 94608
- Phone: (800) 987-7530
- Website: https://baumancollege.org
Schools Summary Table
Culinary & Pastry Average Salary in Rhode Island
Estimated Earnings Range:| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
|
$64K
|
|
|
$87K
|
|
|
$122K
|
Culinary & Pastry Salary by Metro Area in Rhode Island
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | 1,020 | $81,590 | $39.23 | $116,410 | $51,120 |
* Employment opportunities may differ based on your location.
Final Thoughts
If you want to transform your passion for food into a rewarding career, the schools included in our list are designed to prepare you for a career in a restaurant, bakeries, catering companies, and other similar settings.
Now that you have read our list of the best culinary and baking schools available to residents of Rhode Island, it’s time to continue the research and apply for the program that best fits your learning style and career aspirations.
