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Chef Instructor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Farming Hope

Kitchen Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Alongside the Culinary Director, Training Team and Program Manager, the Chef Instructor role supports 20-25 Apprentices each cohort. This role directly supervises 10-12 Farming Hope kitchen staff.

Farming Hope

Lead Line Cook

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

This role works with Chef Instructors to provide on-the-job training for each Apprentice and execute the daily production schedule. Under the direction of the Culinary Director, this role will ...

CocuSocial

Cooking Class Instructor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

As a Culinary Instructor at CocuSocial, you will have the opportunity to share your passion for cooking with others while leading engaging classes that inspire creativity and culinary skills. This ...

CocuSocial

Cooking Class Instructor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

As a Culinary Instructor at CocuSocial, you will have the opportunity to share your passion for cooking with others while leading engaging classes that inspire creativity and culinary skills. This ...

CocuSocial

Cooking Class Instructor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

As a Culinary Instructor at CocuSocial, you will have the opportunity to share your passion for cooking with others while leading engaging classes that inspire creativity and culinary skills. This ...

CIA

On-Call Teaching Kitchen Coordinator

Napa, CA · On-site

$24/hr

This position will work closely with the Chef Instructors and other lead stakeholders to ensure all needs for success are met through thorough coordination of Food, Equipment, and guest needs. The ...

CIA

On-Call Teaching Kitchen Coordinator

Napa, CA · On-site

$24/hr

This position will work closely with the Chef Instructors and other lead stakeholders to ensure all needs for success are met through thorough coordination of Food, Equipment, and guest needs. The ...

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Chef Instructor information

See California salary details

$15

$22

$28

How much do chef instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef instructor in California is $22.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $24.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Chef Instructor vs Culinary Teacher?

AspectChef InstructorCulinary Teacher
CredentialsCooking certifications, culinary degreesCooking certifications, culinary degrees
Work EnvironmentCooking schools, culinary institutes, vocational schoolsHigh schools, community colleges, culinary programs
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, culinary academiesEducational institutions, vocational schools
Primary FocusTeaching culinary skills, practical cookingTeaching culinary concepts, theory, and skills

Both Chef Instructors and Culinary Teachers typically hold similar credentials and work in educational settings related to culinary arts. The main difference lies in their focus: Chef Instructors often emphasize practical cooking skills and hands-on training, while Culinary Teachers may focus more on culinary theory and broader educational objectives. Both roles are essential in culinary education, preparing students for careers in the food industry.

What are some common challenges chef instructors face when transitioning from industry kitchens to the classroom?

Chef Instructors often find the shift from a fast-paced restaurant environment to teaching requires adapting their communication and leadership styles. Instructors must break down complex culinary techniques into clear, teachable steps and exercise patience as students develop their skills. Additionally, balancing curriculum requirements with hands-on practice and providing individualized feedback to diverse learners can be challenging. Successful Chef Instructors leverage their industry experience while cultivating a supportive, educational atmosphere that fosters student growth.

What is a chef instructor?

Chef Instructors are culinary professionals who teach and train students in cooking techniques, food safety, kitchen management, and recipe development. They work in culinary schools, community colleges, or private cooking classes, sharing their expertise and passion for food. Chef Instructors are responsible for developing lesson plans, demonstrating cooking methods, and evaluating student progress to ensure a high standard of culinary education.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chef instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chef Instructor, you need a strong culinary background, professional kitchen experience, and often a culinary arts degree or certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food safety standards, and teaching technologies is essential. Excellent communication, leadership, and patience are standout soft skills for effectively mentoring students of diverse skill levels. These skills ensure high-quality instruction, safe kitchen operations, and the ability to inspire and develop future culinary professionals.

What does a chef instructor do?

Chef instructors teach students about the culinary arts. In this role, you may demonstrate how to make various types of food, cover commercial cooking aspects such as safety and sanitation regulations, and help prepare students to handle the duties and responsibilities of being a professional chef. Most chef instructors fall into one of two categories. General teachers focus on basic cooking skills like tools and everyday ingredients, both of which can vary by region. Specialized instructors concentrate on certain types of cuisine, such as ethnic foods. Most chef instructors work at public culinary schools, but a few work exclusively for large food service companies to train chefs and ensure they meet company standards.

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Chef Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chef Instructor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 53% Full Time, 42% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,492 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Chef Culinary Instructor (Scuola Chef)

Eataly North America

Santa Clara, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Eataly is the world’s largest artisanal Italian food and beverage marketplace! Eataly is not a chain; each Eataly is different, with its own character and own theme – but all with the same aim... for our guests to:

  • EAT authentic Italian food at our restaurants, cafés and to-go counters
  • SHOP a selection of high-quality Italian, local and homemade products
  • LEARN through our classes and our team’s product knowledge
Job Description

Eataly’s on-site cooking school, La Scuola, is a place where people can learn about and experience Italian cuisine through unique cooking classes and private events. The Culinary Instructor oversees programming in La Scuola: teaching, planning, preparing and managing all events.  

Reports to the Events and Education Manager. Works closely with the Events and Education Team and manages kitchen staff for events.

  • Teaches a wide variety of demonstration and hands-on classes for private and public groups
  • Works and oversees hands-on lunches and dinners including: 3-4 course menus, family-style menus, celebrations and corporate events 
  • Prepares, demonstrates and executes all menu items for La Scuola; most items are savory, but occasionally sweet items will need to be executed
  • Works with Events and Education Manager on monthly class updates to provide seasonal class offerings and incorporate items to showcase other departments 
  • Supervises the production of food items for events in collaboration with back-of-the-house personnel: apportions meats, vegetables and desserts, and utilizes food surpluses to control food costs
  • Oversees kitchen organization and cleanliness of the La Scuola kitchen
  • Informs front-of- house personnel of menu changes, specials, shortages, allergies and dietary restrictions
  • Purchases or submits requisitions for food items, kitchen supplies and equipment
  • Performs other duties as required or assigned
Qualifications
  • 3+ years of cooking experience
  • Working knowledge of kitchen equipment, food production procedures, and safety and sanitation regulations
  • Excellent communication skills and enjoyment of speaking in front of large groups
  • In-depth knowledge of Italian cuisine and culture

Job Requirements

  • Availability to work onsite with a flexible schedule often including evenings, weekends and holidays
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to exert well-paced mobility for up to 8 hours, including standing, walking, bending and squatting
  • Ability to use knives, hand tools and standard commercial kitchen equipment
  • Food Handler’s License

Additional Information

Benefits and Perks

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • 401K with match
  • Bonus program
  • Free family meal daily
  • Discounts at Eataly
  • Classes on products and Italian cuisine
  • Referral bonus program
  • and more!

Eataly is an equal employment opportunity employer. It is the Company’s policy to not unlawfully discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability or any other characteristic made unlawful to consider by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Eataly also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories. It is also Eataly’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws regarding consideration of unemployment status, salary history, credit/bankruptcy history and criminal background/conviction history in making hiring decisions.  If contacted for an employment opportunity, please advise Human Resources if you require accommodation.