Culinary Arts Schools in Oregon

Oregon Culinary Schools and the Restaurant Sector

The restaurant and tourism sector is a strong part of Oregon’s economy. The Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association (ORLA) recently reported that the state's food service and lodging industry is responsible for 170,000 jobs, bringing in nearly $7 billion in annual sales. The ORLA also reported that their industry generates 54 percent of the annual tourism dollars spent in Oregon. In addition, the National Restaurant Association asserts that more than 170,000 Oregon residents are employed in the state's eating and drinking places, which is projected to rise 13.1 percent by 2012. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated the mean annual income for Oregon's chefs and head cooks was $45,020 in May 2011, making this the highest-paying career choice in the state's food service sector.

Though a culinary arts degree isn't necessary to enter Oregon's food service industry, it can give students valuable training that may help them succeed in the workforce. Oregon culinary arts schools offer degrees and certifications that help ensure a job candidate has both the technical knowledge and expertise needed to succeed in a professional setting. Be sure to look over the list of culinary schools in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest to discover more information.

Additional Resources for Oregon Culinary Arts Students:
Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association: Training page
National Restaurant Association information on the restaurant industry in Oregon
Bureau of Labor Statistics career profile for chefs and head cooks
Occupational Information Network (O*NET) job profiles for chefs and food service managers