How to Become a Chef in Utah

Cooks typically work under executive chefs in order to learn the correct ways to prepare certain dishes, as well as important safety measures and traditional techniques to make sure things are running smoothly in the kitchen. After developing their skills, cooks may go on to become chefs themselves and be responsible for planning menus, supervising other cooks and ensuring each dish is prepared properly. [En Español]

Requirements for Becoming a Chef in Utah

In Utah, like all other states, there are no regulations in place for this career field. If you meet the minimum requirement of having a high school diploma or GED, you will be eligible to find employment as a cook in this state. You may also need some professional experience, while chefs will likely need a combination of education and experience in order to find employment.

Obtaining a food handler’s license, which is a card or permit that can be gained online for less than $30, may be a requirement to work as a cook or chef in certain cities across the U.S.

Utah Schools for Chefs

Completing a degree or certificate program for culinary artists is a great way to build your skill and expertise within the industry. Consider the programs below:

  • Utah Valley University’s Culinary Arts Institute is located in the city of Orem. The school offers an Associate in Applied Science in Culinary Arts, which will require about two years of study to complete. An in-house internship is also required to graduate.
  • Mountainland Technical College has multiple locations throughout the state of Utah. The school offers two certificate programs in culinary arts, which each take about one year to complete. After completing both certificate programs, students will be eligible to apply credit toward an Associate of Applied Science degree.
  • Davis Technical College is located in the city of Kaysville and offers a certificate program in culinary arts, which can be completed with 12 months of study. Topics will include knife skills, basic kitchen math, breakfast foods and much more.

National Certification for Chefs in Utah

The American Culinary Federation (ACF) offers nine certifications for culinary artists. These range from intermediate-level chefs to executive chef certifications. There are 16 ACF certifications in total, which include those for students, teachers, pastry chefs and military chefs. Earning certification is not required by law, but it may be a requirement to work in certain establishments. It could also lead to higher compensation in culinary establishments where certification is not mandatory. Earning these certifications may require professional experience, education or a combination of both.

Outlook and Salary Expectations

In 2016, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released data that showed there were 1,000 people employed as chefs in Utah. By 2026, the Projections Managing Partnership (PMP) expects this number will jump to 1,310, indicating a 30.9 percent increase in the job market during this 10-year period.

On average, chefs earned $20.07 per hour, or $41,740 per year, according to BLS data released in 2017. The top 10 percent of chefs earned an average of $63,500 during the same year.

Working as a Chef in Utah

Beryl, Brian Head and Cedar City are the places where some of the top-paid chefs in Utah can be found working. Employment will be available at local restaurants, banquet centers, casinos, private dining establishments or entertainment venues. With the popularity of social media, you can even leverage your online presence to become a freelance chef, or you might become a personal chef to public figures. If you’re passionate about the art of cooking and dedicated to developing your skills, you may want to get started on your journey to becoming a chef today.

Popular Colleges

College Programs

Logan, UT-ID Area

Bridgerland Applied Technology College

1301 North 600 West, Logan, Utah 84321
(435) 753-6780
Restaurant and Catering – Certificate Program

Bridgerland Applied Technology College’s Certificate-level Restaurant and Catering program is offered at their campus in the city of Logan. Most of the school’s 926 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The cost of tuition is in the order of $3,649 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $2,180, although this varies from program to program.

Ogden-Clearfield, UT Area

Davis Applied Technology College

550 E 300 S, Kaysville, Utah 84037-2699
(801) 593-2500
Culinary Arts – Certificate Program

Davis Applied Technology College’s Certificate-level Culinary Arts program is taught at their campus in Kaysville in Davis County. The majority of of the school’s 3,188 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Fees for tuition are usually about $343 per year. Study materials can cost in the order of $153, depending on the program chosen.

Ogden-Weber Applied Technology College

200 N Washington Blvd, Ogden, Utah 84404-4089
(801) 627-8300
Culinary Arts – Certificate Program

The Certificate program in Culinary Arts at Ogden-Weber Applied Technology College is taught at their campus in the city of Ogden, Utah. The college has in the region of 2,433 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The cost of tuition is in the order of $3,880 per year. Learning materials may cost in the order of $1,023, although this will vary with the program.

Provo-Orem, UT Area

Mountainland Applied Technology College

2301 West Ashton Blvd., Lehi, Utah 84043
(801) 753-4100 x4100
Culinary Arts – Certificate Program

The Certificate program in Culinary Arts at Mountainland Applied Technology College is taught at their campus in Lehi in Utah County, Utah. The college has around 2,117 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Tuition fees are around $445 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $57, depending on the program.

Utah Valley University

800 W University Parkway, Orem, Utah 84058-5999
(801) 863-8000
Culinary Arts – Associate Program

Utah Valley University’s Associate program is based at their campus in the city of Orem. This is a full, 4-year public college with 33,211 students, of which 99% are undergraduates. The university is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The cost of tuition for in-state students is usually around $5,530 and for out-of-state students in the order of $15,690 per year. Learning materials may cost in the order of $976, although this will vary with the program.

Salt Lake City, UT Area

Salt Lake Community College

4600 S Redwood Rd, Salt Lake City, Utah 84123
(801) 957-4111
Culinary Arts – Associate Program

The Associate’s program in Culinary Arts at Salt Lake Community College is based at their campus in Salt Lake City in Salt Lake County. The majority of of the school’s 29,350 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is roughly about $3,690 and for students from other states around $11,728 for each academic year. Learning materials may cost roughly $1,300, although this will vary with the program.

* Tuition fees and accredition status are correct at the time of writing, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (http://nces.ed.gov/). Confirm with college before applying.

Neighbor States

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