Online Cooking Course – Program Overview | Penn Foster

What types of careers can I begin with a gourmet cooking certificate?

A certificate-level program in gourmet cooking can help you learn culinary basics or take the skills you have to the next level. However, a certificate alone won’t necessarily qualify you for a job as a chef or cook in a restaurant. Combined with additional education, credentials, or work experience, you could potentially qualify for jobs like line cook, professional chef, or roles in catering and foodservice.

Is a culinary certificate worth it?

Learning to cook well can be beneficial for many reasons, meaning that taking online cooking courses can definitely be worth the time! Whether you want to learn how to prepare more meals at home so you can avoid take-out every night, or you want to impress family and friends with your culinary skills, gourmet cooking classes can help you take the first step. 

What is the average salary for a chef?

The average chef salary in the United States was $48,868 per year as of May 27, 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, according to Salary.com, the salary range typically falls between $39,787 and $60,977.¹ Salary can vary based on experience, where you work, and what kind of chef you are. It’s important to note that, to become a chef, you may need more culinary education and experience than offered in a certificate-level program and many chefs initially start their careers as line cooks, sous chefs, or in other assistant kitchen roles.

What is the career outlook for the restaurant industry?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment in the restaurant industry is predicted to grow 10% by 2029, adding about 1,065,300 openings for food and beverage serving and related workers each year.2