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Chef Instructor Jobs in Downers Grove, IL (NOW HIRING)

JJC Enterprises

Adjunct Faculty, Culinary Arts

Joliet, IL · On-site

$1.2K/day

  • Retirement

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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$16

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$28

How much do chef instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef instructor in Downers Grove, IL is $22.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.66 and $25.19 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.

More about Chef Instructor jobs
What are popular job titles related to Chef Instructor jobs in Downers Grove, IL? For Chef Instructor jobs in Downers Grove, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Downers Grove, IL are hiring for Chef Instructor jobs? Cities near Downers Grove, IL with the most Chef Instructor job openings:
Chef Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chef Instructor job openings in Downers Grove, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,999 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Full-time Personal Chef - Chicago, IL

Tiny Spoon Chef, Inc

Chicago, IL • On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Description:

Are you a culinary professional looking for more work-life balance and career growth than a typical sous chef or line cook position can offer? This full-time personal chef position is Monday through Friday, 8am–6pm, giving you evenings and weekends FREE.

In this role, you’ll work as a personal chef for 8–9 clients per week—handling weekly grocery shopping, meal planning, cooking, and kitchen clean-up. You’ll have the chance to showcase your creativity in a variety of cuisines while building relationships with clients who appreciate your culinary expertise.


Beyond weekly meal prep, our chefs also:

  1. Host intimate private dining events and dinner parties
  2. Teach cooking classes as a culinary instructor
  3. Lead corporate team-building cooking workshops
  4. Support special projects such as menu design and event catering

What Makes This Role Different from Restaurant Kitchen Jobs?

Unlike traditional restaurant sous chef or line cook jobs, this position offers:

  1. Consistent, predictable Monday–Friday hours (no REGULAR late nights or weekends)
  2. Direct client interaction and creative menu freedom
  3. Opportunities to grow beyond the kitchen into events, education, and leadership

Why Work With Us?

We invest in our chefs through hands-on training, mentorship, and career development programs. If you’re someone who enjoys taking initiative, building relationships, and driving growth, this role offers virtually unlimited potential.

At our company, we reward hard work, creativity, and dedication. You’ll be more than just a line cook or sous chef—you’ll have the opportunity to grow into a private chef, event chef, or culinary leader.


Pay: $24-26 per hour


Benefits:

  • Retirement Plan, 401k and 401k Matching
  • Health, Dental and Vision Insurance (After 90 days of employment)
  • Short & Long Term Disability
  • Life Insurance
  • Accident & Critical Illness Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Dependent Care Account (DCA)
  • Paid Time Off
  • Profit Sharing

At our company, we value and recognize exceptional performance and dedication. As a testament to our commitment to employee growth and satisfaction, we offer a clear pathway to financial advancement. As a candidate, you can expect the opportunity for a well-deserved raise at the 1 year mark, contingent upon favorable performance evaluations. We believe in rewarding hard work, innovation, and exceeding expectations.


Qualified applicants should have a minimum of four years of line experience, a sense of urgency, people skills, attention to detail, ServSafe Manager certification and state-specific Allergen, and have a reliable vehicle.

Previous experience/familiarity with computer/email/Google Workspaces/social media is preferred. All applicants offered a position will be subject to a background check.


Please note that we use E-Verify to electronically confirm Form I-9 information to verify employee's identity and employment eligibility.


Travel may be required during training. (TSC compensates for travel.)

A cover letter is highly encouraged.


Interview Process

15-min fit call - Video interview - Bench Test, cook a meal (Reimbursement) - Full Day Stage (Paid)


Supplemental pay types:

  • Bonus pay
  • Unlimited referral bonuses
  • Paid training

Schedule:

  • 8-hour shift
  • 10-hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday
Requirements:
  • Culinary Experience: 1 year (Required)
  • Cooking: 4 years (Required)