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Job outlook for culinary artists in the United States
Are culinary artist jobs in demand?
Culinary artist job and salary trends over time
Culinary artist jobs over time
Culinary artist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 40 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 31 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 39 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 39 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 40 | 0.00% |
Average culinary artist salary over time
Culinary artist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $40,757 | $19.59 | +3.6% |
| 2024 | $39,344 | $18.92 | +6.3% |
| 2023 | $37,000 | $17.79 | +5.5% |
| 2022 | $35,084 | $16.87 | +6.4% |
| 2021 | $32,969 | $15.85 | +4.0% |
Culinary artist jobs by state
Most common states for culinary artists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 140 | 3% |
| 2 | California | 39,536,653 | 358 | 1% |
| 3 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 77 | 1% |
| 4 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 73 | 1% |
| 5 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 61 | 1% |
| 6 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 57 | 1% |
| 7 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 46 | 1% |
| 8 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 44 | 1% |
| 9 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 37 | 1% |
| 10 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 24 | 1% |
| 11 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 21 | 1% |
| 12 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 12 | 1% |
| 13 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 10 | 1% |
| 14 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 6 | 1% |
| 15 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 6 | 1% |
| 16 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 5 | 1% |
| 17 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 4 | 1% |
| 18 | New York | 19,849,399 | 80 | 0% |
| 19 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 27 | 0% |
| 20 | Alaska | 739,795 | 3 | 0% |
Most common cities for culinary artists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Richmond | 1 | 3% | $30,930 |
| 2 | Austin | 1 | 0% | $38,533 |
Culinary Artist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of culinary artist experts
The University of Southern Mississippi
Elmhurst University
Alma College
Arizona State University
Northwestern Oklahoma State University
Arkansas Baptist College
Independence Community College
What general advice would you give to a Culinary Artist?
Todd Dellinger: Have a diverse and relevant toolkit of skills and expertise - creative and artistic ones, yes - but perhaps even more importantly, skills and expertise which translate into multiple, diverse corners of arts & entertainment and into other sectors. Know how to translate your artistic wizardry from the stage to a phone, from the studio to a streaming platform, from one arts discipline or style or genre to multiple others. But also, know how write up a marketing piece, a grant narrative, plan an event, manage a budget. You might find day-work in the very place where you're sharing your talent at night.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Culinary Artists to find work opportunities?
Dr. Ashley Allen Ph.D.: Music educators can gain employment in any state in the United States, as long as they take the steps necessary to become licensed in that state. I don't think this has changed significantly because of COVID. I do see more students accepting positions in private, online, and charter schools. I also see more students accepting positions in alternative (but related) fields.
Rick Arnold
Assistant Professor of Design and TechnologyElmhurst University
Department of Theatre & Dance
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Culinary Artists?
Rick Arnold: The entertainment industry has been hit very hard. Theatre, concerts, and other forms of entertainment were the first places to close or stop work. Pretty much everyone who works in the industry stopped in March. Many are gig workers-entrepreneurs who are dependent on finding the next job. I have seen lots of people change their careers because they cannot wait or are just tired of hustling for work. I think this is one of those times where there will be an opportunity for early-career folks. Once we do get back into the theatres, studios, and arenas, the industry will boom because everyone will want to get out of the house and see or do something.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Culinary Artists?
Rosely Conz: The Covid-19 pandemic is already having a huge impact on the performing arts industry with cancellations; theatres closed, furloughs, and seasons going online. I believe the solution will be for graduates to reinvent themselves - to find new abilities (video editing, social media skills, anything related to the online environment...), to look for funding in grants, and to prepare to combine their dance majors with maybe a second area or major - business, health professions, education, etc. Also, taking advantage of online classes and workshops to keep yourself moving and motivated as much as possible. Meanwhile, we as artists need to unite and fight for better working conditions, health insurance, etc.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Culinary Artists to find work opportunities?
David Barker: I suggest seeking areas where film, television, and media arts are still prominent. Fortunately for graduates of Arizona State University, we have positioned exactly the same distance (400 miles) from 2 of those areas: Hollywood, CA, and Albuquerque, NM. However, "good places" now exist virtually. So, all graduates must develop a strong online presence using the many social, artistic, and business websites and apps.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Culinary Artists to find work opportunities?
Alison Petty Ragguette: Most teaching opportunities are online at the moment. Our alums who graduate did gain some online teaching skills, so I would say they have an advantage.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Culinary Artists?
Kimberly Weast: I believe it will take longer for some to get employment. This is why it is so important to begin to create one's unique work.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Culinary Artists?
Rev.Henry Parker: Yes! The positive impact is occurring as we speak. The industry is adapting to a virtual marketplace. Those persons adept at social media marketing, the ability to do deep-work, and produce at very high levels will lead in the future. Negatively, I believe it will be quite some time before sizable venues will be a prominent and lucrative opportunity economically.
Paul Molnar
Associate Professor of TheatreIndependence Community College
Fine Arts
What general advice would you give to a Culinary Artist?
Paul Molnar: I believe that flexibility, out-of-the-box thinking, and passion will be required. The good news is, those things have always been required. The difference is, individuals will have to look to create their opportunities more aggressively. Looking at the challenges we all face as potential opportunities is a start, and understanding that we are all in this together will be essential. Also, I think that focusing on one's community will serve the artists well. Even during lock-downs and social distancing, people still need theatre and the arts. Create local art to help your local community.