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Chef Instructor Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

(Day Program) Youth Program Leader - Cook Like a Chef page is loaded## (Day Program) Youth Program ... Along with instructors, Youth Program Leaders are responsible for the supervision and safety of ...

Chef Instructor information

See Kentucky salary details

$13

$19

$25

How much do chef instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef instructor in Kentucky is $19.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.12 and $21.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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 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 popular job titles related to Chef Instructor jobs in Kentucky?

For Chef Instructor jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What are popular job titles related to Chef Instructor jobs in KY?

For Chef Instructor jobs in KY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Chef Instructor job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,915 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

(Day Program) Youth Program Leader - Cook Like a Chef

On-site

Penn State University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 51 - 200 employees

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Supervise and ensure the safety of minors participating in the Cook Like a Chef Youth Camp.

  • Monitor participant behavior, whereabouts, and actions during program hours and respond to issues as needed.

  • Assist with developing instructional content and delivering lessons and activities related to cooking.


Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 104 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

(Day Program) Youth Program Leader - Cook Like a Chef page is loaded## (Day Program) Youth Program Leader - Cook Like a Cheflocations: Penn State University Parktime type: Part timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: REQ\_0000076475# **APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:*** ## CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please to complete the. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.* ## CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please to complete the Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.* ## If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete . **Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see .** **JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS**Conferences and Institutes is seeking Youth Program Leaders for Cook Like a Chef Youth Camp to be held June 15 - June 18, 2026.Along with instructors, Youth Program Leaders are responsible for the supervision and safety of minors participating in this program including youth compliance policies and procedures, emergency response, direct communication with Program Director and Program Manager, medication collection, storage and verification and oversight of participant health information. Youth Program Leaders may assist with the development of instructional content and deliver lessons and activities.Along with instructors, Youth Program Leaders share responsibility for monitoring the safety, whereabouts, and actions of participants during program hours, including non-instructional times, and must be able to identify and respond to issues concerning participant interactions and behavior. Youth Program Leaders may face situations when they must act quickly and calmly using sound judgement, handle sensitive issues or information, address behavior issues, and immediately follow any necessary notification protocols. **BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES**This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. **CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS**Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review . **EEO IS THE LAW**Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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