Seattle Public Schools

Programs and Career Pathways

Culinary and Hospitality Pathway

Culinary and Hospitality Pathway

Is this the right pathway for me?

  • Do you love to cook for and host other people?
  • Are you passionate about bringing joy to others?
  • Would you like to work in a fast-paced, sometimes stressful environment?

What is Culinary Arts and Hospitality?

a hamburger and fries

Culinary Arts and Hospitality is the preparation, cooking, and presentation of food and meals. Many people in this field work in restaurants or hotels, as cooks or chefs, but also in roles like hosts, servers, greeters, and more. Catering is a big business that involves preparing food for large events including weddings, conventions, or meetings.

What sort of work would I do?

As a cook or chef, you will plan menus, prepare food to be used, cook and bake as well as prepare the final presentation for the customer. Waiters and hosts greet customers, take their orders, serve their food, and deliver great customer service. You might purchase food, manage inventory, or maintain equipment.

Leads to these Careers

a student working at a restaurant
  • Caterer
  • Certified Personal Chef
  • Chef and Head Cook
  • Dietitian and Nutritionist
  • Food Preparation Supervisor
  • Food Service Manager
  • Pastry Chef
  • Restaurant Cook or Owner
  • Sous Chef

In-Demand Occupations

Typical Education RequiredCareer TitleAverage Annual SalaryJob Outlook in WA State (2020-2030)
Less than high school Baker $40,267 18% increase 
High School Chef or Head Cook $74,730 35% increase 
Associate Degree (or Certificate) Chef or Head Cook $74,730 35% increase 
Bachelor’s Degree Dietitian or Nutritionist $77,412 21% increase 
Check Career One Stop, Bureau of Labor Statistics for updated career trends

What Courses can I take now?

Check with your school counselor and administrators to find out which classes are available at your school.

This course is an introduction to culinary arts that focuses on basic baking and pastry skills. Students learn to create and plate gourmet desserts, pastries, breads, and quick breads. They experiment with chocolate and other desserts while building basic math skills like converting measurements.  

Course numbers: HCT2457 

Credentials: WA State Food Worker Card 

Schools Offering: Rainier Beach HS, Chief Sealth HS, Ingraham HS, Roosevelt HS, Nathan Hale HS, Lincoln HS, West Seattle HS

This introductory course covers the theory and practice of the principles of cooking, terminology, recipe development, ingredients, equipment, safety, and career development. Students learn the ins and outs of working in culinary, hospitality, and food service careers.  

Course numbers: HCT6061, HCT6062, HCT6063, HCT6064

Certification: WA State Food Worker Card

Credentials: CTE Dual Credit at South Seattle College

Schools Offering: Rainier Beach HS, Chief Sealth HS, Ingraham HS, Roosevelt HS, Franklin HS, Nathan Hale HS, Lincoln HS, West Seattle HS

Food Science, Dietetics and Nutrition introduces students to knowledge and practices and experiments with food production and research related to health and wellbeing. Lab activities explore food research, production, and analysis.  

Course numbers: HCT7027, HCT7028 

Certification: WA State Food Worker Card 

Schools Offering: Ballard HS

In this course students learn how to make healthy and informed food related decisions that contribute to wellness over their lifetime. Taking a holistic approach, this course addresses all aspects from selection and preparation of a variety of foods leading to careful meal planning. Students learn basic cooking techniques and safety/sanitation in the kitchen.

Course numbers:  HCT4349

Certification: WA State Food Worker Card 

Schools Offering: Lincoln High School, Roosevelt High School, West Seattle High School, Ingraham High School