ONLINE CULINARY SCHOOL AVAILABLE IN SEATTLE

Pursuing a culinary career in Seattle generally requires a strong culinary education paired with hands-on experience. Following these steps can help you build your reputation in the industry.

Culinary Education: Escoffier’s online culinary arts programs offer a thorough education in culinary techniques and kitchen management, allowing you to pursue your studies remotely. Our programs also feature an in-person industry externship, which can provide invaluable practical experience for aspiring chefs.

Gain Local Experience: Enhance your online learning by working in Seattle’s exciting culinary scene. The city boasts a diverse range of dining experiences, from farm-to-table dining to iconic seafood cuisine. Externships in these environments can help you apply the skills you’ve learned in your courses.

Start with Entry-Level Positions: You could start your career by working as a line cook or prep cook in Seattle’s dining establishments. These entry-level jobs are essential for developing fundamental skills and experiencing the dynamic atmosphere of professional kitchens.

Network in Seattle: Networking is essential for career growth in the culinary arts. Connect with the Seattle culinary community by participating in local food festivals, culinary competitions, and events geared toward food enthusiasts and aspiring chefs. Becoming a member of professional organizations, like the Washington State chapter of the American Culinary Federation, can help you build relationships with seasoned chefs and restaurateurs.

Combining online education with hands-on experience while living in Seattle can pave the way for a thriving culinary career. For an in-depth roadmap on pursuing this path, explore our Essential Guide to Becoming a Chef.

In the United States, the median salary for chefs and head cooks in Seattle is approximately $74,150 per year as of May 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Escoffier is accredited in Seattle! Escoffier is the only U.S.-accredited institution offering 100% online diplomas and degrees nationwide with culinary classes and hands-on industry externships.*

Our online programs are available through the Boulder campus. Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in Boulder, Colorado, is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET).

Additionally, the school is approved and regulated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE), Division of Private Occupational Schools. The Boulder campus is also authorized by the CDHE to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).

This accreditation was earned through the development of a rigorous curriculum and the recruitment of faculty specialized in online education, which is essential for Escoffier’s culinary arts programs. These programs are offered fully online and include in-person industry externships.

*Our Boulder, CO campus is the only accredited institution in the United States to offer both fully online diploma and degree programs nationwide with culinary classes and hands-on industry externships. We are accredited by ACCET – A Partnership for Quality®. ACCET is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency.

Enrolling in an online culinary program from Seattle is straightforward with Escoffier’s user-friendly online platform. The process takes just about 10 minutes. For a detailed overview of the enrollment steps, refer to our guide, “How to Get into Culinary School,” or contact our Admissions Department for personalized assistance.

Applications are accepted year-round. To apply, you’ll need to provide the following information:

• Your location and demographic details
• Emergency contact information
• The program you’re interested in
• Proof of high school graduation
• A valid driver’s license, passport, or photo ID

After completing your application, you’ll be prompted to review. You will then receive an enrollment agreement packet via DocuSign.

Upon review, an Admissions Team member will contact you to discuss the next steps. This is also a great opportunity to speak with the Student Finance Department about financing options. Financial aid is available to those who apply and qualify, making education accessible to many students.

Yes, to enroll in online culinary school at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts while living in Seattle, you will need to provide proof of high school completion or an equivalent qualification prior to your intended start date.

Students living in Seattle can meet this requirement through one of the following options:

• A high school diploma or transcript
• Passing a high school equivalency exam such as the GED, HSED, HiSet, or TASC
• Documentation showing you have passed a state-authorized examination recognized as equivalent to a high school diploma
• An official college transcript from an accredited institution showing completion of an Associate degree or higher
• Completion of 60 college semester credits or 90 college quarter credits from an accredited institution
• A state-recognized homeschool certificate of completion
• Homeschool documentation required by local or state agencies, including notification to the required agency, academic transcripts, and proof of graduation
• A DD-214 form for U.S. veterans, indicating high school equivalency

View the costs for all programs available to students in Seattle. Financial aid is available for those who qualify and apply.

For more details on the financial aid process and to speak with a financial advisor, please contact us.

Yes, students from Seattle who apply and meet the qualifications can receive financial aid for culinary school.

During the 2022-2023 academic year, the majority of first-time postsecondary students at Escoffier who were eligible received some form of financial assistance. We encourage prospective students to contact our Financial Aid Department to determine their eligibility for grants or federally-backed loans.

Escoffier also offers scholarships for eligible online students, including the Work & Learn Scholarships, the Student Veteran Scholarship, and various merit-based scholarships. 

Explore the available scholarships and see if you qualify.

For graduates with a culinary arts degree or diploma in Seattle, the city’s vibrant, multi-cultural culinary scene can offer a wealth of job opportunities. Here are some potential career paths in Seattle:

• Chefs and Kitchen Staff: Seattle’s dining landscape, particularly in neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Ballard, and Pike Place Market, features a mix of innovative and established restaurants. This culinary variety may provide many job opportunities for graduates, spanning diverse cuisines from Pacific Northwest seafood and Asian fusion to contemporary fine dining.
• Private Chefs: Demand in Seattle for personalized home dining experiences can offer opportunities for private chefs to create bespoke menus using local ingredients. This role involves planning, cooking, and serving meals tailored to individual client tastes.
• Catering and Event Chefs: Seattle’s lively social, corporate, and cultural event scene creates many opportunities for chefs specializing in catering. Positions in this sector typically require expertise in menu planning, large-scale food production, and client service, with events often hosted at prestigious venues like the Seattle Art Museum and the Seattle Convention Center.
• Food Entrepreneurs: Seattle’s vibrant and supportive food scene may be ideal for launching culinary startups. These startups can include food trucks, pop-up restaurants, or artisanal products, often supported by local markets and events like Pike Place Market.

To explore more culinary job opportunities available in Seattle, check out our article, “13 Great Culinary Careers in the Food Industry.”

When choosing between Escoffier’s Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations and the Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in Culinary Arts, several factors should be considered. Neither program promises a higher salary in Seattle’s culinary market. Instead, the ideal choice depends on your individual career aspirations, the depth of education you desire, and the specific culinary skills you want to acquire.

Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations: This program focuses on developing the essential skills needed to work in a professional kitchen, including fundamental cooking techniques and basic professional abilities. It usually takes less time to complete than an associate degree, making it an excellent choice for those eager to enter the workforce quickly and start gaining practical experience.

Associate of Occupational Studies in Culinary Arts Degree: This degree provides an extensive education that combines culinary skills with a broader understanding of culinary arts management. It encompasses a variety of subjects, including advanced culinary techniques, restaurant operations, foodservice accounting, and business communications. This program is ideal for those aspiring to reach the highest professional levels or planning to start their own culinary business.

Both programs provide a comprehensive education and training for culinary careers. To secure a well-paying chef position, it’s important to utilize Seattle’s networking opportunities, remain motivated, and put your skills into practice. Whether you pursue a diploma or a degree, hands-on experience through externships and continuous professional development could prove vital for building a chef career.

Yes, online culinary school at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts can offer job search assistance to students in Seattle after graduation. The Career Services team provides coaching and resources to help students pursue their career goals and connect with employers that match their professional aspirations.

At Escoffier, students can access Career Services support throughout their studies and can continue to benefit from gaining assistance even after graduation.

Niche has ranked Escoffier as the #1 best college for culinary arts in America 2025, making it a standout option for those living in Seattle, Washington. Our school is celebrated for its experienced Chef Instructors, extensive curriculum, and dedication to sustainability and farm-to-table practices. The curriculum spans a wide array of subjects, including essential cooking techniques, foodservice management, foundational business skills, and various culinary concepts.

Our programs also feature practical industry externships, ensuring that students can gain valuable hands-on experience in a professional kitchen environment. Beyond our online culinary programs, Escoffier provides online courses in Baking and Pastry Arts, Food Entrepreneurship, Plant-Based Culinary Arts, Holistic Nutrition & Wellness, and Hospitality & Restaurant Operations Management.

For individuals pursuing a culinary career in Seattle, enrolling in online culinary school at Escoffier can be an excellent choice. To discover more about what makes our school special, check out our article on what you need to know about culinary school at Escoffier.