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Chef Instructor Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

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Chef Instructor information

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$32

How much do chef instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef instructor in Seattle, WA is $25.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.45 and $28.70 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef Instructor jobs in Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Chef Instructor jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What are popular job titles related to Chef Instructor jobs in Seattle, WA? For Chef Instructor jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Chef Instructor jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Chef Instructor jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Infographic showing various Chef Instructor job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,610 per year, or $25.8 per hour.
BOLD & GOLD Fall Wilderness Instructor

BOLD & GOLD Fall Wilderness Instructor

YMCA Of Greater Seattle

Seattle, WA

$135 - $165/day

Temporary

PTO

Posted 18 days ago


YMCA Of Greater Seattle rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

531st of 707 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

Overview

EQUITY STATEMENT

The Y actively promotes a culture free from bias and injustice. We are dedicated to removing institutional and systemic barriers that result in oppression and racism. We will be accountable to marginalized communities for creating equitable and sustainable environments where social justice is woven into every facet of our programs, and by caring for our communities in a culturally versatile and respectful manner.

Job Summary

Do you want to make a difference in the world and have fun while doing it? As a Wilderness Instructor, you and a co-lead will be responsible for the physical and emotional safety of up to 10 participants while engaging them in activities such as backpacking, rock climbing, paddling, and hiking in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Instructors work from a set itinerary, manage the risks of backcountry travel, and facilitate a variety of workshops and activities that help participants develop their own leadership style.

BOLD & GOLD is dedicated to inspiring courage and confidence in diverse groups of youth through outdoor adventures. As a program of the Camping & Outdoor Leadership branch of the YMCA of Greater Seattle, BOLD & GOLD offers year-round partnership programs and summer expedition experiences. Partnership programs engage with schools, non-profits, and community-based organizations to design and implement transformative outdoor experiences. BOLD & GOLD experiences take place in Mt Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, Olympic National Park, National Forests, Washington State Parks, and local green spaces. Activities include backpacking, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, snowshoeing, and skills workshops. The goal of BOLD & GOLD is to increase confidence, courage, emotional intelligence, wonder, and community awareness in our participants. BOLD & GOLD believes these traits are the foundations of leadership and works to inspire participants to develop their own leadership style. BOLD & GOLD prepares young people to be the next generation of leaders through multicultural experiential education in the natural world.

Find out more at https://www.seattleymca.org/programs/camp-and-outdoor-leadership/bold-gold

Compensation: $135 - $165 / day

What you'll get from working at The Y:

  • Individual membership to the YMCA of Greater Seattle
  • Free access to mental health resources
  • Rapidly-accruing paid time off (PTO)
  • Subsidized ORCA Transit Pass
  • Access to discounted gear and equipment through pro deals

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Lead 1-5 day wilderness-based backpacking, paddling, hiking, or rock climbing courses with an emphasis on multicultural leadership.
  • Build strong rapport with participants, partners, and staff, foster positive group development, create structure, and draw learning from experiential activities.
  • Model cultural humility and celebrate diversity, effectively working with people of different identities, backgrounds, experiences, and abilities.
  • Ensure both a physically and emotionally safe and inclusive environment for youth and staff.
  • Transport participants in 14-passenger mini-buses to and from program areas.
  • Manage the unique risks of wilderness-based programs.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

BOLD & GOLD is based out of the Cascade People’s Center (CPC), located in Seattle, WA. BOLD & GOLD programming takes place in outdoor locations (e.g., national park, national forest, state park land, local green spaces) across Washington State.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Employees must be able to lift and carry items weighing up to 50lbs, safely travel over varied terrain (trails, tree roots, boulder/rock fields, shoreline, mud, snow, ice) up to 10 miles per day, be comfortable spending multiple hours and/or days in a wilderness setting, communicate both verbally and non-verbally with other staff, partners, and participants. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK
This is a seasonal exempt position and staff are paid a daily rate. There will be staff training days in early September. Instructors can expect to have intermittent days of work (usually about 10 – 30 working days) between September and end of October.

TRAVEL
BOLD & GOLD employees must be able to commute to the Cascade People’s Center, 309 Pontius Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109. Parking is not available onsite, but there is paid public parking located around the building. The area is serviced by several public bus routes. All travel required for work will be done in YMCA vehicles. This is an Authorized Driver position, read more in the Position Requirements.

Code of Conduct for Applicants


Qualifications

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

  • Two or more years of experience working with teens in an organized setting, including facilitating activities that address issues facing adolescents.
  • Excellent judgment and decision-making skills.
  • Strong group facilitation, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
  • Knowledge of developmental needs of teens; demonstrates an understanding of the needs of teens and the ability to evaluate their needs individually.
  • Experience making the transference of a wilderness experience relevant to the everyday lives of underserved youth.
  • Personal or professional experience in backpacking, rock climbing, paddling, and/or hiking.
    1. Be able to hike and/or backpack over a variety of terrain and teach techniques for approaching that type of terrain.
    2. Have experience and knowledge of basic backcountry equipment or techniques such as stove use, bear hangs, water purification, and/or shelter craft.
    3. Have experience and knowledge of reading maps and using them for navigation.
    4. Effectively manage physical risks for yourself and participants including terrain, weather, and wildlife interactions.
  • Other applicable education, training, and experience, which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position will be considered.  
  • Current WFA and CPR Certification*
  • Current Washington State Food Handlers Permit*
  • This position requires driving:
    • 21 years of age or older
    • Current Driver’s License with a minimum 3 years safe driving experience and a driving record which meets or exceeds YMCA standards
    • Maximum one minor violation
    • No speeding violation of more than 20mph over the limit
    • YMCA Pre-employment Drug Screening
    BOLD & GOLD uses 14-passenger mini-buses to transport passengers and equipment to trailheads and campsites. This includes driving on interstates, city streets, and rural roads                                                                                    

* Required by start date

Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered. 

This position requires driving.

This safety-sensitive role requires transporting clients as “authorized drivers” for The Y. Potential offers will be contingent upon meeting the following conditions: Being 21+, having a valid driver's license for at least three years, and possessing a driving record that meets Y standards (i.e., no more than two moving violations within the last three years; no significant incidents, such as reckless driving, DUI / DWI, tickets 20+ miles above the speed limit, etc., within the last 5 years). You must also pass a drug screen that will test for impairing substances, including marijuana.

YGS Driving Record Standards

Within the last three (3) years: No more than two (2) vehicle related suspension(s) and/or reinstatement(s). No more than two (2) moving violations and/or accidents.  Moving violations include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Speeding
  • Improper Lane Change  
  • Failure to Yield in Right-of-Way  
  • Failure to Obey Traffic Signal  
  • Failure to obey Traffic Sign

Within the last five (5) years: No Major Violations which include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • DUI, DWI, OUI, OWI, BUI (Boating), Administrative Per Se, or Refusing to Test
  • Driving with an open container of alcohol
  • Reckless Driving
  • Hit and Run – property damage only (Incidents resulting in injury fall under Permanent Disqualification)
  • Racing
  • Driving with a suspended/revoked license/insurance
  • Speeding over 20 mph
  • Fleeing and/or eluding police
  • Any other felony driving conviction(s)

Driving records that result in permanent disqualification from driving duties: 

  • More than 3 DUI, DWI, OUI, OWI, BUI, Administrative Per Se, or Refusing to Test for entirety of driving history.  
  • More than 3 Driving with a suspended/revoked license  
  • Hit and Run resulting in bodily injury or death
  • Manslaughter/felony death by motor vehicle 

Preferred Education and Experience

  • Current WFR or W-EMT Certification.
  • Knowledge of and previous experience with diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.). Ability to speak any language in addition to English may be helpful.
  • Experience with anti-racism practices.

MISSION STATEMENT
Building a community where all people, especially the young, are encouraged to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body.
OUR VALUES

  • Respect
  • Responsibility
  • Honesty
  • Caring
  • Passion for Excellence

YGS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and equitable work environment.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by local, state, or federal law.

 

We are a drug & alcohol-free workplace; all job offers are contingent on the results of a background check. We participate in the Federal E-Verify system.

This job description may be changed at any time, at YMCA of Greater Seattle’s discretion.

Qualifications:

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

  • Two or more years of experience working with teens in an organized setting, including facilitating activities that address issues facing adolescents.
  • Excellent judgment and decision-making skills.
  • Strong group facilitation, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
  • Knowledge of developmental needs of teens; demonstrates an understanding of the needs of teens and the ability to evaluate their needs individually.
  • Experience making the transference of a wilderness experience relevant to the everyday lives of underserved youth.
  • Personal or professional experience in backpacking, rock climbing, paddling, and/or hiking.
    1. Be able to hike and/or backpack over a variety of terrain and teach techniques for approaching that type of terrain.
    2. Have experience and knowledge of basic backcountry equipment or techniques such as stove use, bear hangs, water purification, and/or shelter craft.
    3. Have experience and knowledge of reading maps and using them for navigation.
    4. Effectively manage physical risks for yourself and participants including terrain, weather, and wildlife interactions.
  • Other applicable education, training, and experience, which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position will be considered.  
  • Current WFA and CPR Certification*
  • Current Washington State Food Handlers Permit*
  • This position requires driving:
    • 21 years of age or older
    • Current Driver’s License with a minimum 3 years safe driving experience and a driving record which meets or exceeds YMCA standards
    • Maximum one minor violation
    • No speeding violation of more than 20mph over the limit
    • YMCA Pre-employment Drug Screening
    BOLD & GOLD uses 14-passenger mini-buses to transport passengers and equipment to trailheads and campsites. This includes driving on interstates, city streets, and rural roads                                                                                    

* Required by start date

Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered. 

This position requires driving.

This safety-sensitive role requires transporting clients as “authorized drivers” for The Y. Potential offers will be contingent upon meeting the following conditions: Being 21+, having a valid driver's license for at least three years, and possessing a driving record that meets Y standards (i.e., no more than two moving violations within the last three years; no significant incidents, such as reckless driving, DUI / DWI, tickets 20+ miles above the speed limit, etc., within the last 5 years). You must also pass a drug screen that will test for impairing substances, including marijuana.

YGS Driving Record Standards

Within the last three (3) years: No more than two (2) vehicle related suspension(s) and/or reinstatement(s). No more than two (2) moving violations and/or accidents.  Moving violations include, but are not limited to, the following:

    ...

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