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Chef Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Powers Health - Hartsfield Village

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Kitchen Cook

Munster, IN · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Certified Executive Chef Gabe Rosado, CEC and team focus on The Standards of Excellence in Culinary ... Our leaders are also mentors and culinary instructors in the community. Now is the time to join our ...

EquipmentShare

Financial Data Analyst

Chicago, IL · On-site

Stocked breakroom and full kitchen, chef prepared meals daily (breakfast and lunch). * State of the art onsite gym (Corporate HQ) with instructor led-courses/Gym stipend for remote employees.

EquipmentShare

Financial Data Analyst

Chicago, IL

Stocked breakroom and full kitchen, chef prepared meals daily (breakfast and lunch). * State of the art onsite gym (Corporate HQ) with instructor led-courses/Gym stipend for remote employees.

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How much do chef instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef instructor in Chicago, IL is $23.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.34 and $26.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are Chef Instructors?

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 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, 39% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,567 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Kitchen Cook

Powers Health - Hartsfield Village

Munster, IN • On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

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Job description

Cook – CVI – Rehab Center at Hartsfield Village (Powers Health)

Schedule: Full-time, 11:30 am - 8:00 pm. Includes nights, weekends and holidays.

The Cook plays an important role in preparing high quality meals in a timely manner for the residents of Hartsfield Village. Utilizing acquired knowledge and skills to prepare a variety of dishes and accommodates resident requests. The Cook is critical in helping the residents enjoy a major part of their daily lives, mealtime.

Seeking individuals with a strong sense of teamwork and the ability to communicate with their team to maintain efficient operations in the kitchen. Flexible and willing to complete tasks as assigned. Previous experience in food service required.


WHAT YOU WILL DO:

  • Prepares meals using standardized recipes in a safe, efficient, and sanitary manner
  • Determines food and supplies needed and coordinates meal production with serving hours
  • Ensures proper preparation, portioning, and serving of foods as indicated on the menu and standardized recipes
  • Maintains or exceeds standards of appearance, cleanliness, hygiene, and health
  • Assists with training and orientation of new kitchen staff
  • Ensures state sanitation regulations and follows all policies regarding food handling


Qualifications and Experience:

· High School Diploma or Equivalent required

· Two years of previous cook experience required

· Effective communication and teamwork skills

· Demonstrated Leadership skills

· Demonstrated compassion for Seniors and their families

· Must be able to regularly stand, walk, climb, balance, kneel, and crouch

· Must be able to lift/move up to 50 pounds

· Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English to communicate with staff, residents, and families


BENEFITS:

· Paid Time Off (PTO)

· Medical/Dental/Vision/Prescription Benefits (Low Deductibles, Low Co-Pays)

· Life Insurance, Short Term Disability and Supplemental Insurance

· Retirement Plan – 401(k) with employer match

· Employee Wellness Program

· Tuition Reimbursement

· And many more benefits


Who we are:

Hartsfield Village is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) that celebrates the full continuum of life and promotes successful aging. Our Customer Service Excellence and Highly Skilled Clinical Professionals are the reason that Hartsfield Village Assisted Living and Nursing Care/Acute Rehab have been chosen as “BEST IN REGION” year after year. We believe the most effective way to provide optimal care is to maintain high medical integrity, build a team spirit among staff, and provide friendly and beautiful surroundings for our patients and their visitors!


Looking to further your career in Culinary Arts?

Certified Executive Chef Gabe Rosado, CEC and team focus on The Standards of Excellence in Culinary Arts. As a partner of the American Culinary Federation (ACF), we strive to help our employees identify and reach their professional goals and encourage their growth and development. Our leaders are also mentors and culinary instructors in the community. Now is the time to join our winning, 5-Star team!