How to become a chef in Montana

Culinary experts can be pastry chefs, executive chefs, cooks, and more. Many begin their professional lives as cooks and spend much of their time preparing ingredients, cooking, and cleaning their workspace. Over time, they can progress through the ranks to become chefs, who typically take on a supervisory role and plan menus.[ En español ]

Requirements to become a chef in Montana

There are no state requirements to become a chef in Montana. In many cases, having a high school diploma or GED, previous cooking experience, and certification from the American Culinary Federation (ACF) can help aspiring chefs and cooks land more competitive jobs.

Chef Schools in Montana

Formal culinary training is available at several schools in Montana. The following are two popular options that students should consider:

Big Sky Culinary Institute at the University of Montana. Students at the Big Sky Culinary Institute can earn professional certificates in culinary arts, as well as associate degrees in hospitality and food service management. The Institute includes a student-run restaurant where students can put their skills to use.
Fortin Culinary Center. The Billings Food Bank operates the Fortin Culinary Center, which offers 10-week courses in food preparation, safety, and professional skills. Each course includes two additional weeks of job shadowing in a food establishment and assistance in finding work.

Getting certified to become a chef in Montana

Individuals interested in becoming chefs as their careers develop should consider becoming ACF certified. While this certification is not required, it can give culinary professionals an edge when applying for new jobs. The ACF offers nine levels of certification, from Certified Fundamentals Cook to Certified Master Chef, and successful completion of each level will depend in part on one’s culinary education and work experience.

Food handlers may be required to attend a ServSafe course or similar training, depending on the needs of their employer and local regulations, if any.

Job Outlook and Salary Expectations

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, chefs and head cooks are likely to experience 9.6 percent job growth nationally in the decade from 2016 to 2026. Cooks will benefit from 4.2 percent growth over the same time period. Meanwhile, jobs for Montana’s top chefs and cooks are projected to increase by 10.4 percent, and jobs for cooks will likely increase by 5.7 percent.

Chefs and head cooks in Montana have a median salary of $45,600 per year. Cooks typically have an average annual salary of $23,797.

Working as a chef in Montana

Chefs and cooks can work anywhere that serves food, depending on their experience. These opportunities include schools, hospitals and other institutions, restaurants, fast food businesses, and hotels, among others. The most abundant job opportunities and highest salaries are likely to be found in metropolitan areas, such as Billings, Montana. Major ski resorts also offer ample options.

Working as a chef requires a keen attention to detail and the ability to multitask under pressure. Those who are new to the industry might work in fast-paced, collaborative environments that allow them to produce creative work every day.

Popular Schools

Missoula, MT Area

The University of Montana

Missoula, Montana, Missoula, Montana 59812
(406) 243-0211
Food Service Management – Associate Program , Culinary Arts – Certificate Program

Western Montana nonmetropolitan area Area

Flathead Valley Community College

777 Grandview Dr, Kalispell, Montana 59901
(406) 756-3822
Culinary – Associate Program

Neighboring States

Montana residents also have options in the states of Idaho , Wyoming , North Dakota and South Dakota .