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CIA

Culinary Chef Instructor

Saint Helena, CA · On-site

$95K/yr

... to assist students who have difficulty with studies. Faculty is expected to contribute to the ... chef and/or instructor in culinary education. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS * Relevant work experience ...

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How much do assistant chef instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant chef instructor in the United States is $24.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Chef Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Chef Instructor, you need a solid culinary background, practical kitchen experience, and often a culinary degree or relevant certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food safety regulations, and instructional tools like learning management systems is typically expected. Strong communication, patience, and leadership skills help effectively mentor students and foster a positive learning environment. These competencies are crucial for ensuring high-quality instruction, maintaining safety standards, and preparing students for professional success in culinary arts.

What are some common challenges Assistant Chef Instructors face when working with culinary students?

Assistant Chef Instructors often encounter challenges such as managing diverse skill levels within a single class and adapting their teaching style to suit different learning preferences. Additionally, balancing hands-on demonstrations with theoretical instruction while ensuring kitchen safety can be demanding. Collaborating closely with lead instructors and providing individualized feedback to students are also key aspects that require strong communication and organizational skills. These challenges make the role dynamic and rewarding for those passionate about education and culinary arts.

What are Assistant Chef Instructors?

Assistant Chef Instructors are culinary professionals who support lead instructors in teaching cooking classes or culinary courses. They help prepare ingredients, demonstrate techniques, supervise students, and ensure that classes run smoothly. Typically, they work in culinary schools, cooking academies, or community education settings. Assistant Chef Instructors also provide feedback to students and may assist in developing lesson plans and maintaining kitchen safety standards.

What is the difference between Assistant Chef Instructor vs Culinary Instructor?

AspectAssistant Chef InstructorCulinary Instructor
CredentialsCooking certifications, culinary degreesCooking certifications, culinary degrees
Work EnvironmentCooking schools, culinary collegesCooking schools, culinary colleges
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, culinary programsEducational institutions, culinary programs
Primary RoleAssist in teaching cooking techniques, support lead instructorTeach culinary skills, develop curriculum

While both roles involve culinary education, an Assistant Chef Instructor primarily supports the lead instructor in teaching cooking techniques, whereas a Culinary Instructor often leads classes and develops curriculum. The assistant role is more supportive, focusing on assisting and practical demonstrations, while the culinary instructor has a broader teaching and curriculum development responsibility.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Chef Instructor jobs? The most popular types of Chef Instructor jobs are:
What states have the most Assistant Chef Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Chef Instructor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Chef Instructor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Chef Instructor jobs are:
Assistant Chef Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Chef Instructor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, and 24% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $50,469 per year, or $24.3 per hour.
Culinary Chef Instructor

Culinary Chef Instructor

CIA

Saint Helena, CA • On-site

$95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Culinary Institute Of America rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

495th of 529 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $95,000 per year. Hiring offers will be determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience. The recruiter can share more information about what the anticipated hiring salary would be based upon your specific qualifications during the selection process.
The CIA offers a substantial benefits package that includes medical coverage available at no cost to qualifying employees, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, short and long term disability insurance, retirement savings plan with high employer contributions, a generous paid time off program, and more!
As the benefits package at the CIA results in a significant value above the base hiring salary for this position, we encourage you to apply so that our recruiters can share more information with you about the benefits of working for the CIA.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) Chef Instructor is responsible for teaching students, in the classroom and kitchen lab environments, developing curriculum, conducting research and contributing to the intellectual property of the college, all while maintaining a high standard of professionalism.
The responsibilities of the position include: preparing lesson plans, teaching and evaluating students, preparing and revising course guides and other educational materials, and assessing degree program learning outcomes.
All faculty members are responsible to advise students on academics, to provide professional advice for students pursuing careers in the foodservice industry, maintain office hours (outside of class time), and to assist students who have difficulty with studies.
Faculty is expected to contribute to the overall operation of the college, honor college policies and procedures, and to support the mission of the Institute, by acting as Ambassadors of the Culinary Institute of America.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Prepare daily instructional lesson plans based upon agreed upon curriculum and instruct in a manner consistent with the philosophy, policies, and guidelines of the college.
  • Assess the learning outcomes listed in the course guide or syllabus of the class(s).
  • Instruct lectures and hands-on classes on campus or off campus to a standard consistent with the professional standards of the Culinary Institute of America.
  • Work individually as an advisor for students who may need extra help, who have questions about course information, who want career guidance, or who need assistance in their studies.
  • Provide regular and constructive feedback to students in an objective, consistent, and timely manner; evaluate and document student performance using established methods, rubrics, and criteria; file course grades consistently and without prejudice.
  • Collaborate with colleagues, to prepare, review, and revise course guides, syllabi, and appropriate curriculum materials for courses offered at the Institute, and any other educational materials required.
  • Conduct travel and/or off campus business related activities instruction, food preparation, and table service in an exemplary manner consistent with the professional standards of the Institute, and within budgetary limits.
  • Teach assigned courses following the schedule and curriculum provided for each course.
  • In culinary, baking, or pastry arts classes (degree programs or continuing education), supervise students in preparing quality food within Institute guidelines.
  • Enforce sanitation principles (appropriate to particular teaching assignment), attendance policies, Institute's Professionalism, Uniform, and Hygiene Policy, and other academic policies.
  • Assume responsibility for equipment and facilities of the kitchen, bakeshop, pastry shop, dining room, or classrooms.
  • Stay abreast of new developments in the foodservice and hospitality industries; plan on an annual basis professional development; and strive to accomplish the goals set out in the formal annual plan.
  • Support the mission and policies of the Institute as well as the overall strategic direction of the Department of Continuing Education.
  • Contribute to the growth of the college by serving on committees or task forces, assisting with visitors, recommending students and potential employees, and displaying hospitality.
  • Develop menus, planning documents and organizational plans for conferences, retreats and any other event as required.
  • Any and all other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
  • Associate's Degree or equivalent required in the field of Culinary Arts, Foodservice Management, Hospitality, or a record of significant professional accomplishments in one of these disciplines.

Experience:
  • Minimum seven (7) years industry experience.
  • At least three (3) years of supervisory experience with both management and line level employees.
  • Proven track record showing a steady progression of skill level, increased levels of responsibility, and personal career oriented professional development chef and/or instructor in culinary education.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Relevant work experience in one or more of the following areas volume food service, fine dining, multi- unit restaurant operations, and menu research and development (R&D).
  • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in the field of Culinary Arts, Foodservice Management, Hospitality, Education or a related field.

REQUIRED SKILLS
  • High level of proficiency in hands-on culinary techniques.
  • Must have an excellent and welcoming presence in front of guests and employees.
  • Moderate to strong presentation skills are required.
  • Strong interpersonal skills; excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to effectively work with multiple teams across the organization to respond to business needs.
  • Ability to work independently or in a team environment and maintain collaborative relationships with all members of faculty and administration.
  • Ability to use sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive student issues with confidentiality and discretion.
  • Excellent written, verbal communication, and presentation skills required.
  • Strong computer experience, which must include abilities to work effectively with MS Office suite products, i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
  • Strong customer service skills.
  • Moderate to strong organizational skills, detail oriented and thorough.

WORKING CONDITIONS
  • Must have the ability to lift fifty (50) pounds on a frequent basis.
  • Must be able to stand for extended periods of time in a typical kitchen environment.
  • Must be able to perform hands-on demonstrations of culinary techniques and correct use of equipment.
  • Must have the ability to be exposed to common cleaning agents and chemicals associated with food safety and kitchen sanitation.
  • Must have the ability to be exposed to lower-than-average temperatures of approximately 48 degree Fahrenheit to 54 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods of time.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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