Retraining ReportJob training public funding can pay for

Find training

Culinary school in Los Angeles, California

17 culinary programs with costs, results and funding that can make them free

14 schools offer these culinary arts programs with classes in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim area, and every one is approved for workforce funding. Each shows its price if you pay yourself and how past students did.

Chefs and head cooks run the daily food preparation in restaurants and other places that serve food. Most start with a high school diploma and kitchen experience; some go through a culinary program at a community college, technical school or culinary school, and others learn in an apprenticeship.1

In Los Angeles, 7 of the 17 programs take students without a high school diploma, 7 ask for a diploma or equivalent and 3 ask for earlier courses first.

By kind, the 17 programs here are culinary arts certificate or diploma (11 programs), baking and pastry certificate or diploma (3 programs), cooking and kitchen job training (1 program), culinary apprenticeship (1 program), and 1 more of one other kind.

See the 17 programs

All 73 culinary programs in California, including online programs

How much does culinary school cost in Los Angeles?

$1,951 to $5,388 is what most culinary programs in Los Angeles cost if you pay yourself

That is the middle half of the 16 programs with a price. All of them: $690 to $14,568

In the typical program

Finished the program
77%
Working 6 months later
74%
Earned a year, estimated
about $36,500
Length
19 to 36 weeks

Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Only programs approved for workforce funding are listed; other schools in Los Angeles may also offer culinary school. How these figures are made

Is there free culinary school in Los Angeles?

Who qualifies, and other ways to pay: financial aid, grants and the GI Bill

All 17 culinary programs in Los Angeles approved for WIOA funding

Filters
What you need to enroll
Kind of program
School
How it's taught
How to show the list

17 programs

  • Culinary arts certificate or diplomaHybridNo diploma needed

    Advanced Culinary Arts Certificate of Achievement

    Saddleback College

    Mission Viejo

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    Saddleback College, Mission ViejoCulinary arts certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolHybrid · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$1,978
    School website, Advanced Culinary Arts Certificate of Achievement at Saddleback College
    More details about Advanced Culinary Arts Certificate of Achievement at Saddleback College
    Finished
    35%
    Working at 6 months
    85%
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    104 weeks, 22 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,819
    Students counted
    2,272
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,978
    School website, Advanced Culinary Arts Certificate of Achievement at Saddleback College

  • Culinary arts certificate or diplomaIn personNo diploma needed

    Culinary Specialist

    Los Angeles Mission College

    Sylmar

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    Los Angeles Mission College, SylmarCulinary arts certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$690
    Program website, Culinary Specialist at Los Angeles Mission College
    More details about Culinary Specialist at Los Angeles Mission College
    Finished
    45%
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    32 weeks, 13 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $2,877
    Students counted
    394
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $690
    Program website, Culinary Specialist at Los Angeles Mission College

  • Culinary arts certificate or diplomaIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Culinary Art-Chef Assistant

    Maxine Waters Employment Prep Center - LAUSD

    Los Angeles

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Maxine Waters Employment Prep Center - LAUSD, Los AngelesCulinary arts certificate or diplomaIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$50,500
    Price if you pay yourself$1,960

    27 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Culinary Art-Chef Assistant at Maxine Waters Employment Prep Center - LAUSD
    More details about Culinary Art-Chef Assistant at Maxine Waters Employment Prep Center - LAUSD
    Finished
    67%
    Working at 6 months
    42%
    Earned in a quarter
    $12,618
    Length
    19 weeks, 29 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,749
    Students counted
    297
    Earned a year, estimated
    $50,500
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,960
    students trained with WIOA funding
    27
    Program website, Culinary Art-Chef Assistant at Maxine Waters Employment Prep Center - LAUSD

  • Culinary arts certificate or diplomaIn personNo diploma needed

    Culinary Arts: Chef Assistant

    Richard N. Slawson Occupational Center - LAUSD

    Los Angeles

    No diploma needed

    Richard N. Slawson Occupational Center - LAUSD, Los AngelesCulinary arts certificate or diplomaIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimated$35,300
    Price if you pay yourself$1,925
    Program website, Culinary Arts: Chef Assistant at Richard N. Slawson Occupational Center - LAUSD
    More details about Culinary Arts: Chef Assistant at Richard N. Slawson Occupational Center - LAUSD
    Finished
    82%
    Working at 6 months
    73%
    Earned in a quarter
    $8,830
    Length
    20 weeks, 26 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,493
    Students counted
    192
    Earned a year, estimated
    $35,300
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,925
    Program website, Culinary Arts: Chef Assistant at Richard N. Slawson Occupational Center - LAUSD

  • Cooking and kitchen job trainingIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Professional Sushi Chef Course I and II

    Sushi Chef Institute

    Torrance

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Sushi Chef Institute, TorranceCooking and kitchen job trainingIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$4,900

    3 students trained with WIOA funding

    More details about Professional Sushi Chef Course I and II at Sushi Chef Institute
    Finished
    95%
    Working at 6 months
    71%
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    8 weeks, 25 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,600
    Students counted
    113
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $4,900
    students trained with WIOA funding
    3

  • Baking and pastry certificate or diplomaIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Chef Assistant/Baker

    Maxine Waters Employment Prep Center - LAUSD

    Los Angeles

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Maxine Waters Employment Prep Center - LAUSD, Los AngelesBaking and pastry certificate or diplomaIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$56,500
    Price if you pay yourself$1,890
    Program website, Chef Assistant/Baker at Maxine Waters Employment Prep Center - LAUSD
    More details about Chef Assistant/Baker at Maxine Waters Employment Prep Center - LAUSD
    Finished
    58%
    Working at 6 months
    36%
    Earned in a quarter
    $14,134
    Length
    18 weeks, 30 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,530
    Students counted
    99
    Earned a year, estimated
    $56,500
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,890
    Program website, Chef Assistant/Baker at Maxine Waters Employment Prep Center - LAUSD

  • Baking and pastry certificate or diplomaIn personNo diploma needed

    Culinary Arts: Baking and Catering

    West Valley Occupational Center - LAUSD

    Woodland Hills

    No diploma needed

    West Valley Occupational Center - LAUSD, Woodland HillsBaking and pastry certificate or diplomaIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimated$56,500
    Price if you pay yourself$1,260
    Program website, Culinary Arts: Baking and Catering at West Valley Occupational Center - LAUSD
    More details about Culinary Arts: Baking and Catering at West Valley Occupational Center - LAUSD
    Finished
    73%
    Working at 6 months
    23%
    Earned in a quarter
    $14,134
    Length
    20 weeks, 18 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,501
    Students counted
    83
    Earned a year, estimated
    $56,500
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,260
    Program website, Culinary Arts: Baking and Catering at West Valley Occupational Center - LAUSD

  • Culinary arts certificate or diplomaIn personEducation and courses

    Food Service & Hospitality

    Baldwin Park Adult and Community Education

    Baldwin Park

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    Baldwin Park Adult and Community Education, Baldwin ParkCulinary arts certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported

    15 students trained with WIOA funding

    More details about Food Service & Hospitality at Baldwin Park Adult and Community Education
    Finished
    65%
    Working at 6 months
    76%
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    29 weeks, 24 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    71
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    Not reported
    students trained with WIOA funding
    15

  • Culinary arts certificate or diplomaIn personEducation and courses

    Chef's Training Certificate of Achievement

    Cerritos College

    Norwalk

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    Cerritos College, NorwalkCulinary arts certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$2,295
    School website, Chef's Training Certificate of Achievement at Cerritos College
    More details about Chef's Training Certificate of Achievement at Cerritos College
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    72 weeks, 10 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $842
    Students counted
    60
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $2,295
    School website, Chef's Training Certificate of Achievement at Cerritos College

  • Baking and pastry certificate or diplomaIn personEducation and courses

    Professional Baking and Pastry Certificate of Achievement

    Cerritos College

    Norwalk

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    Cerritos College, NorwalkBaking and pastry certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$5,500
    School website, Professional Baking and Pastry Certificate of Achievement at Cerritos College
    More details about Professional Baking and Pastry Certificate of Achievement at Cerritos College
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    54 weeks, 6 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,500
    Students counted
    38
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $5,500
    School website, Professional Baking and Pastry Certificate of Achievement at Cerritos College

  • Culinary arts certificate or diplomaIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Culinary Arts Academy

    Hacienda La Puente Adult Education

    La Puente

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Hacienda La Puente Adult Education, La PuenteCulinary arts certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$34,500
    Price if you pay yourself$2,360
    School website, Culinary Arts Academy at Hacienda La Puente Adult Education
    More details about Culinary Arts Academy at Hacienda La Puente Adult Education
    Finished
    92%
    Working at 6 months
    90%
    Earned in a quarter
    $8,621
    Length
    35 weeks, 31 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,475
    Students counted
    37
    Earned a year, estimated
    $34,500
    Price if you pay yourself
    $2,360
    School website, Culinary Arts Academy at Hacienda La Puente Adult Education

  • Culinary arts certificate or diplomaIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management

    University of Antelope Valley

    Lancaster

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    University of Antelope Valley, LancasterCulinary arts certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$14,568
    Program website, Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management at University of Antelope Valley
    More details about Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management at University of Antelope Valley
    Finished
    57%
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    35 weeks, 22 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $2,303
    Students counted
    29
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $14,568
    Program website, Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management at University of Antelope Valley

  • Culinary arts certificate or diplomaIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Culinary Arts Certificate Program

    Los Angeles Hospitality Education Center

    Inglewood

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Los Angeles Hospitality Education Center, InglewoodCulinary arts certificate or diplomaIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$33,300
    Price if you pay yourself$10,000
    Program website, Culinary Arts Certificate Program at Los Angeles Hospitality Education Center
    More details about Culinary Arts Certificate Program at Los Angeles Hospitality Education Center
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    100%
    Earned in a quarter
    $8,320
    Length
    26 weeks, 17 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,143
    Students counted
    14
    Earned a year, estimated
    $33,300
    Price if you pay yourself
    $10,000
    Program website, Culinary Arts Certificate Program at Los Angeles Hospitality Education Center

  • Culinary apprenticeshipIn personNo diploma needed

    HTA Line Cook/Chef de Partie Apprenticeship Program

    Hospitality Training Academy (HTA) JATC

    Los Angeles

    No diploma needed

    Hospitality Training Academy (HTA) JATC, Los AngelesCulinary apprenticeshipIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimated$36,500
    Price if you pay yourself$5,350
    More details about HTA Line Cook/Chef de Partie Apprenticeship Program at Hospitality Training Academy (HTA) JATC
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    100%
    Earned in a quarter
    $9,124
    Length
    8 weeks, 24 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $500
    Students counted
    10
    Earned a year, estimated
    $36,500
    Price if you pay yourself
    $5,350

  • Culinary arts certificate or diplomaIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Culinary Arts Preparation Training

    Cerritos College

    Norwalk

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Cerritos College, NorwalkCulinary arts certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$2,600
    Program website, Culinary Arts Preparation Training at Cerritos College
    More details about Culinary Arts Preparation Training at Cerritos College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    6 weeks, 21 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $900
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $2,600
    Program website, Culinary Arts Preparation Training at Cerritos College

  • Culinary arts certificate or diplomaIn personNo diploma needed

    Culinary Cook / Chef

    Los Angeles Trade Technical College

    Los Angeles

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    Los Angeles Trade Technical College, Los AngelesCulinary arts certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$3,477
    School website, Culinary Cook / Chef at Los Angeles Trade Technical College
    More details about Culinary Cook / Chef at Los Angeles Trade Technical College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    36 weeks, 30 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $80
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $3,477
    School website, Culinary Cook / Chef at Los Angeles Trade Technical College

  • Culinary program (level not stated)In personNo diploma needed

    Culinary Arts Management - Sous Chef

    United Youth of America, Inc

    Los Angeles

    No diploma needed

    United Youth of America, Inc, Los AngelesCulinary program (level not stated)In person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$10,050
    Program website, Culinary Arts Management - Sous Chef at United Youth of America, Inc
    More details about Culinary Arts Management - Sous Chef at United Youth of America, Inc
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    99 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,650
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $10,050
    Program website, Culinary Arts Management - Sous Chef at United Youth of America, Inc

How to pay for culinary school in Los Angeles

WIOA funding can pay for culinary school in Los Angeles

Every program on this page is approved for it. Whether you qualify, how much your local area pays and how to apply are on our page Does WIOA pay for job training?

Financial aid and grants for culinary school

Most students can get federal student aid for college, career school or trade school. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, usually doesn't have to be repaid. Ask the school whether its program qualifies.67

GI Bill for culinary school

Veterans, service members and qualified dependents can use GI Bill benefits for non-college training programs.8

The program list does not show which programs accept these. Ask the school.

Other training in Los Angeles

How culinary school compares with the rest of food and hospitality across California: Culinary and hospitality programs in California

Where the Los Angeles culinary arts program numbers come from

Which Los Angeles culinary arts programs are on this list?

These are the culinary arts programs with classes in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim area that are approved for WIOA funding (public workforce funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), as reported to the US Department of Labor for program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Each state keeps its approved programs on an eligible training provider list (ETPL).9 The list here covers programs approved as of June 30, 2025. Online programs are left out here; they are on the California page. Schools that never applied for approval are missing, so this is a part of what the area offers.

How the prices and results of Los Angeles culinary arts programs are measured

Prices are tuition and required fees for someone paying without workforce funding, as the school reported them; check the current price with the school. Results describe students who left each program in recent years, so they are no guarantee, and the yearly earnings are the reported quarter times four, an estimate. A program without a "Trained with WIOA funding" line may still take WIOA students. Where a field was left empty or withheld, the page says "Not reported", and "Left out" where a figure was filed but failed one of our checks; nothing is estimated to fill a gap. Where the numbers come from explains each figure in full.

Sources for the facts about culinary school in Los Angeles

Show the 9 sourcesHide the sources
  1. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Chefs and Head Cooks
  2. US Department of Labor, TrainingProviderResults.gov: About This Site
  3. US Department of Labor: WIOA Adult Program
  4. Code of Federal Regulations, title 20, part 680, sections 680.220, 680.230 and 680.310: career services before training, other grants such as Pell Grants first, and limits on Individual Training Accounts (GovInfo, 2024 edition)
  5. US Department of Labor: American Job Centers
  6. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Eligibility for Federal Student Aid
  7. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Don't Miss Out on Federal Pell Grants
  8. US Department of Veterans Affairs: GI Bill benefits for non-college degree programs
  9. US Department of Labor, Training and Employment Guidance Letter 8-19, Attachment I: Requirements for Training Providers, Program Eligibility, and the State Eligible Training Provider (ETP) List