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Chef Instructor Jobs in Denver, CO (NOW HIRING)

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Chef Instructor information

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$29

How much do chef instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef instructor in Denver, CO is $23.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.29 and $25.96 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 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 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.

More about Chef Instructor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef Instructor jobs in Denver, CO? The most popular types of Chef Instructor jobs in Denver, CO are:
What are popular job titles related to Chef Instructor jobs in Denver, CO? For Chef Instructor jobs in Denver, CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Chef Instructor jobs in Denver, CO look for? The top searched job categories for Chef Instructor jobs in Denver, CO are:
What cities near Denver, CO are hiring for Chef Instructor jobs? Cities near Denver, CO with the most Chef Instructor job openings:
Chef Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chef Instructor job openings in Denver, CO as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,488 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Adjunct Chef Instructor

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Boulder, CO

$200/hr

Other

PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Description


The Adjunct Chef Instructor is responsible for facilitating meaningful learning of course competencies in the curriculum and proactively support all facets of the learning environment. They provide education through learning-centered instruction that will enable students to fulfill the evolving needs of the marketplace. They encourage a culture of learning that values mutual responsibility and respect, life-long learning, and ethics, as well as personal and professional development.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Engages all students to facilitate and achieve course learning outcomes.
  • Customize course shell to add value to students beyond what is covered in the text (e.g. personal
    experiences, case studies, supplemental readings, etc.)
  • Interact with students in all discussion boards, guiding the discussion toward the course
    outcomes
  • Coach struggling students toward success;
  • Identify at risk students and work with Executive Chef, Registrar and Academic Student Advisor to create plans for success
  • Respond to all student inquiries within 24 hours;
  • Submit final course grades by the Tuesday of the last day of the block no later than 3:00 PM
  • Attend scheduled program meetings, in-service workshops and college-wide faculty meetings.
  • Relates professional/life/industry experience to learning through professional/technical skills development, introduction of industry perspective into courses, and active awareness of professional/industry trends and opportunities.
  • Assist/support the Executive Chef on course or program related tasks.
  • Support the Registrar in maintaining accurate student records.
  • Other duties as required or assigned.

Requirements

  • Associates in Culinary Arts preferred.
  • 1 year of online teaching experience, preferred.
  • Completion of an accredited program in occupational area of instruction plus 2 years' work experience direct related to the occupational industry or;
  • 5 years of work experience directly related to the occupational industry.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Communication Skills
  • Conflict Resolution Skills
  • Detail Oriented
  • Time-Management Skills
  • Organizational Skills
  • Team-oriented
  • Analytical and Report Writing Skills
  • Coachability: Being receptive to feedback, willing to learn, embracing continuous improvement
  • Ethics: Has personal and professional ethics and fosters a diverse and respectful workplace.
  • Ability to interact with staff and external relationships in a professional manner, including a demonstrated commitment to customer service.
  • Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, etc.)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Nature of work requires an ability to operate standard business equipment. 
  • Siting for long periods of time; up to 8 hours of computer and/or phone work daily. 
  • Required to lift up to 20 pounds.
  • Majority of the work performed in a typical school classroom environment.

Daily Uniform: 

  • White chef jacket (pressed-no wrinkles) 
  • Black chef pants 
  • Black leather or rubber kitchen safe shoes 
  • Solid white t-shirt underneath the chef jacket (t-shirt to be free of any sort of design/writing)
  • Chef's toque must be worn at all time while in the kitchens 
  • Apron when instructing in the kitchen 

OTHER DUTIESPlease note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.


The expected compensation for this position is $200 per 5 hour shift taught, (28 days per block). Adjunct Instructors are not eligible to participate in the Company's benefit plan or receive vacation or holiday pay but are eligible for the enhanced Employee Assistance Program.


If a strong match is found between your qualifications and the requirements of the position, a member of the recruiting staff will contact you to further discuss the career opportunity.


Triumph Higher Education LLC and its Companies are an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Company does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. Triumph Higher Education LLC and its affiliates are Drug Free Workplaces 

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