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Chef Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

JJC Enterprises

Adjunct Faculty, Culinary Arts

Joliet, IL · On-site

$1.2K/day

POSITION SUMMARY Chef instructor position conducting "hands on" practical classes in food production, fabrication, professional culinary skill and technique development, AND/OR baking and pastry, in ...

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Chef Instructor information

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How much do chef instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef instructor in Chicago, IL is $23.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.29 and $26.01 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.

More about Chef Instructor jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Chef Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Chef Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Chef Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Chef Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Chef Instructor jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Chef Instructor job openings:

Chef Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chef Instructor job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,529 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Federal Work Study - Culinary Arts & Hospitality Lab Mise en Place

Elgin Community College

Elgin, IL • On-site

$13/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

About ECC:
Elgin Community College serves over 9,000 students at every stage of their educational journeys, including university transfer programs, career and technical education, continuing education classes, and adult basic education. As a community, we pride ourselves on nurturing a welcoming campus where every person-students, staff members, faculty members, and campus visitors-feels valued. The work of each ECC employee is central to the college's mission, and as an employer, the college fosters a positive environment through professional challenges, excellent benefits, and opportunities for recognition and camaraderie.
Work Schedule:
Flexible Fall Semester
Rate of Pay:
$13.00
FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt
Grant Funded:
Yes
Job Summary:
Student worker will work closely with chef instructors to prep ingredients for production lab classes.
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Ability to take direction from chef instructor(s)
Proper knife skills
Ability to lift 40LBS, bend, twist
Holds current Servsafe Sanitation Certificate
Ability to stand for extended amounts of time
Desired Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Prefer current culinary student.
Essential Duties:
1. Follow daily production sheet
2. Cut, measure & distribute required ingredients
3. Communicate effectively with instructor chefs
4. Setup and sanitize work area
5. Breakdown work area, sanitize and store equipment
6. Knowledge/adherence to sanitation regulations
Other Duties:
Other duties as assigned that pertain to the job description
Physical Demands:
Medium (up to 50 lbs. occasionally or 30 lbs frequently or 10 lbs constantly)
Visual Acuity:
Visual acuity (arm's length)
Work Environment:
Moderate noise
Environmental Conditions:
Wet or humid (non-weather related)
Hazards
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Elgin Community College does not discriminate, or tolerate discrimination, against any member of its community on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex/gender/gender identity, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law in matters of admissions, employment, or in any aspect of the educational programs or activities it offers.
In addition, Elgin Community College provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to ensure equal access and equal opportunities with regard to employment practices, educational opportunities, and programs and services. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the College's EEO/AA Officer. Determinations on request for a reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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