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Chef Instructor Jobs in Atlanta, GA (NOW HIRING)

Chef Instructor information

See Atlanta, GA salary details

$15

$21

$27

How much do chef instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef instructor in Atlanta, GA is $21.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.94 and $24.28 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.

What are popular job titles related to Chef Instructor jobs in Atlanta, GA? For Chef Instructor jobs in Atlanta, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Chef Instructor jobs in Atlanta, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Chef Instructor jobs in Atlanta, GA are:
Infographic showing various Chef Instructor job openings in Atlanta, GA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,301 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Adj. Instructor, Culinary Arts (Endowment-supported)

Georgia

Griffin, GA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Explore a World of Opportunity with the State of Georgia!

We are the force that drives Georgia!
Georgia State Government is a large enterprise, composed of various agencies and entities with a common goal to improve the lives of Georgia's more than 10 million citizens!
Join Team Georgia and impact lives everyday while receiving a robust benefits package designed for every stage of your career!

Job Title:

Adj. Instructor, Culinary Arts (Endowment-supported)

Job Requisition ID:

JR0000001750

Number of Openings:

1

Shift:

Day (United States of America)

Compensation Details:

COMPENSATION WILL BE COMMENSURATE WITH THE APPLICANT'S EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND QUALIFICATIONS.

Job Description:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

  • Associate degree in Culinary Arts; or associate degree in a closely related field with at least 30 semester credit hours in culinary-related coursework.
  • ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification, or ability to obtain within six months of hire. Industry Experience:
  • Minimum of 3 years of full-time experience in a commercial kitchen, restaurant, hotel, or foodservice setting.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Preferred Education and Certifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts; or bachelor's degree in a closely related field with at least 30 semester credit hours in culinary-related coursework.
  • ServSafe Examination Proctor certification, or ability to obtain within six months of hire. Preferred Experience:
  • Experience in a supervisory or leadership role in a foodservice setting, such as Sous Chef, Executive Chef, Pastry Chef, Kitchen Manager, or similar role.
  • Three years of postsecondary teaching experience.
  • More than three years of full-time experience in a commercial kitchen, restaurant, hotel, or foodservice setting.
  • Experience working with high school, dual enrollment, or beginning culinary students.

INSTRUCTOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Teaching & Student Engagement:

  • Teach Culinary Arts courses in accordance with SCTC and state standards.
  • Develop and deliver lecture and lab-based instruction on food preparation, sanitation, and culinary techniques.
  • Assist with the annual Culinary Arts Food and Wine Pairing fundraising event each April, including student preparation, event support, foodservice coordination, and other related activities as assigned.
  • Assist with other special fundraising events that support the Culinary Arts program as assigned.
  • Assist with live work lab experiences as assigned, where students apply culinary skills in a real world foodservice environment. Southern Crescent Technical College
  • Supervise students in a commercial kitchen setting, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.
  • Participate in curriculum development and program assessment activities as needed.
  • Assist with recruitment, retention, and student engagement initiatives as needed.
  • Attend required faculty meetings, professional development sessions, and college service activities related to the adjunct assignment.
  • Prepare and maintain lesson plans, syllabi, attendance records, grades, program assessment documentation, and other required instructional records.
  • Ensure compliance with safety, security, and state licensing requirements.

Work Schedule & Expectations:

  • This is a part-time adjunct faculty position. Course assignments may vary by semester and may include daytime, evening, weekend, dual enrollment, or lab-based instruction depending on program needs. The instructor must be available to teach at the assigned instructional site and participate in required course preparation, grading, communication, and documentation responsibilities.
  • Other duties as assigned.


COMPETENCIES:

Strong culinary knowledge in classical techniques, modern cuisine, and kitchen management.

  • Experience with Blackboard or similar Learning Management Systems (LMS) for course delivery.
  • Proficiency in recipe development, food costing, and menu planning.
  • Ability to mentor and guide students in a professional learning environment.
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and teamwork skills.

SALARY: This is a part-time position without insurance benefits; work hours will not exceed 29 per week. Compensation will be paid in accordance with the college's adjunct faculty compensation schedule. This position may be eligible for an endowment-supported salary supplement, subject to institutional approval, available funding, and applicable payroll procedures.

SPECIAL NOTES: It shall be a condition of employment to submit to a background investigation. Offers of employment shall be conditional pending the result of the background investigation. Federal Law requires ID and eligibility verification prior to employment. All male U.S. citizens, and male aliens living in the U.S., who are ages 18 through 25, are required to register for the military draft and must present proof of Selective Service Registration upon employment. Applicants who need special assistance may request assistance by phoning (770)229-3454. Only those who are interviewed will be notified of the status of the position. Candidates must successfully complete a criminal background investigation and motor vehicle screening.

Minimum Qualifications:

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

The State of Georgia does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other protected categories in employment or the provision of services.
Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the application and/or screening process by contacting the appropriate agency Human Resources department.