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Chef Instructor Jobs in Phoenix, AZ (NOW HIRING)

St. Mary's Food Bank

Chef Instructor

Phoenix, AZ

$50K/yr

The Chef Instructor is responsible for teaching culinary skills to a diverse group of individuals as part of a food bank training program aimed at increasing individual self sufficiency. Instructor ...

St. Mary's Food Bank

Chef Instructor

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$50K/yr

The Chef Instructor is responsible for teaching culinary skills to a diverse group of individuals as part of a food bank training program aimed at increasing individual self sufficiency. Instructor ...

St. Mary's Food Bank

Chef Instructor

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$50K/yr

The Chef Instructor is responsible for teaching culinary skills to a diverse group of individuals as part of a food bank training program aimed at increasing individual self sufficiency. Instructor ...

Town of Queen Creek, AZ

Recreation/Certified Instructor

AZ · On-site

$20.57 - $28.79/hr

Chef/Cook * Availability: Weekdays, 4-9 PM; Weekends, 10 AM-2 PM * Basketball Coach/Instructor (Skills, Clinics/Camps) * Availability: Weekdays, 10 AM - 2 PM, 4-9 PM; Weekends, 10 AM-2 PM, School ...

All JobsChef Instructor JobsChef Instructor Jobs in Phoenix, AZ

Chef Instructor information

See Phoenix, AZ salary details

$15

$22

$28

How much do chef instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef instructor in Phoenix, AZ is $22.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.57 and $25.05 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 Phoenix, AZ? The most popular types of Chef Instructor jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:
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What job categories do people searching Chef Instructor jobs in Phoenix, AZ look for? The top searched job categories for Chef Instructor jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:
What cities near Phoenix, AZ are hiring for Chef Instructor jobs? Cities near Phoenix, AZ with the most Chef Instructor job openings:
Chef Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chef Instructor job openings in Phoenix, AZ as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,775 per year, or $22.5 per hour.
Chef Instructor

Chef Instructor

St. Mary's Food Bank

Phoenix, AZ

$50K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

St. Mary's Food Bank is currently seeking an experienced Chef Instructor for our Community Kitchen Program. The Chef Instructor is responsible for teaching culinary skills to a diverse group of individuals as part of a food bank training program aimed at increasing individual self sufficiency. Instructor will create menus and training instruction based on food availability. Instructor will also teach a high level of food handling standards. Directs and works alongside the students to give them the tools they need to be successful in the culinary industry.

Job Responsibilities/Accountabilities:

  • Manages a clean, well maintained and organized kitchen by instructing students in basic sanitation and culinary arts skills, ensuring safe food handling procedures, and maintaining on-going temperature logs in cooler and freezer.
  • Maintains current inventory for all food items, pro-actively utilizing food bank inventory in order to reduce food purchases and placing all food and non-food kitchen orders in a timely fashion.
  • Maintains a professional, helpful and non-threatening learning environment, actively teaching scheduled curriculum topics to students in the kitchen.
  • Coordinates with other instructors, ensuring materials being taught in the classroom and the kitchen are concurrent with employer expectations.
  • Provides knife skill and cooking demonstrations for basic culinary techniques.
  • Assists in developing curriculum and class calendar.
  • Utilizes donated and or purchased food to create given menu
  • Works one on one with struggling students
  • Share best practices learned from real world experience with students to prepare them for the industry
  • Provides written feedback to Manager regarding student progress and recommendations on a weekly basis for student evaluations.
  • Any other duties as assigned by Management.
  • Ability to formulate long term planning and execution
  • Strong ability to meet given deadlines

Qualifications:

Minimum of 5 years work related experience or equivalent combination of education and job-related experience in a Food Service Management Role.

Preferred: Bilingual English/ Spanish

Preferred: AA in Culinary Studies

What we offer:

  • Competitive Compensation Package:
    • Competitive Pay, including:
      • Base Salary: $50,000 Annually
      • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a generous employer match
      • Employee Referral Bonus Program
      • Tuition Assistance
  • Comprehensive Benefits:
    • Medical and Insurance Coverage
      • An employee-only medical plan at no cost to you
      • 4 low-cost employee-only, spouse and/or family member medical plans
      • Vision and Dental coverage
      • Health Savings Account generously funded by the employer and Flexible Spending Account options
      • Short- and Long-Term Disability, Life and Accidental Death & Accident Insurance at no cost to you.
      • Employee Assistance and Wellness Programs
      • Optional Pet Insurance and Legal Shield Identity Theft offering
    • Time Off
      • 15 PTO days, accrued bi-weekly, that increases with length of service
      • 40 hours of Personal/Sick time
      • 9 Company Paid Holidays

This is your chance to join a cohesive and welcoming team and make a difference in our Arizona communities. Join our Mission to alleviate hunger.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit their resume to: Careers - St. Mary's Food Bank

St. Mary’s Food Bank is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regards to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or other protected status under all applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.

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