ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Chef Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fedcap

Chef Instructor

New York, NY

$75K - $80K/yr

As an instructor, you won't just be teaching recipes or techniques-you'll be mentoring adult ... Minimum 4 years of leadership experience in a professional kitchen (Executive Chef or Sous Chef ...

The Fedcap Group

Chef Instructor

Manhattan, NY

$75K - $80K/yr

As an instructor, you won't just be teaching recipes or techniques-you'll be mentoring adult ... Minimum 4 years of leadership experience in a professional kitchen (Executive Chef or Sous Chef ...

CIA

Chef Instructor

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY A Culinary Institute of America Culinary Chef Instructor is responsible for teaching students in the classroom and kitchen lab environments, developing curriculum, conducting ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsChef Instructor Jobs

Chef Instructor information

See salary details

$16

$22

$28

How much do chef instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef instructor in the United States is $22.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $25.24 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 cities are hiring for Chef Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Chef Instructor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef Instructor jobs? The most popular types of Chef Instructor jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Chef Instructor jobs? The top employers for Chef Instructor jobs are:
What states have the most Chef Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Chef Instructor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Chef Instructor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Chef Instructor jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Chef Instructor jobs? For Chef Instructor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Chef Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chef Instructor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 48% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $47,109 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Chef Instructor

Fedcap

New York, NY

$75K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 hours ago

Job description

Apex Technical School, a trusted vocational institution serving New York City since 1961, is looking for a passionate Culinary Arts Instructor to join our team. At Apex, we take pride in providing high-quality training programs in the skilled trades that open doors to meaningful and lasting careers. As an instructor, you won't just be teaching recipes or techniques-you'll be mentoring adult learners, sharing real-world knowledge, and shaping the next generation of culinary professionals. Through a mix of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and one-on-one guidance, you'll have the opportunity to make a lasting difference in students' lives while enjoying the stability and satisfaction of a teaching career in a well-established school.

Salary: $75,000 - $80,000 annually (depending on experience)

Responsibilities

  • Teach and demonstrate culinary techniques in both classroom and kitchen settings.
  • Deliver lessons based on Apex's curriculum while emphasizing workplace safety and industry standards.
  • Supervise, guide, and evaluate students to ensure they meet performance goals.
  • Maintain accurate records of attendance, grades, and student progress.
  • Ensure tools, equipment, and kitchen facilities are safely maintained and properly used.
  • Provide constructive feedback, supplemental training, and make-up sessions as needed.
  • Participate in professional development and maintain required certifications and licenses.

Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or equivalent; post-secondary education in Culinary Arts preferred.
  • Minimum 4 years of leadership experience in a professional kitchen (Executive Chef or Sous Chef experience strongly preferred).
  • Current NYC Food Handler's License and ServSafe certification required.
  • BPSS license (or ability to obtain).
  • Strong understanding of kitchen safety, tools, and equipment.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Classroom, and Zoom.
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to teach a diverse student population and create a safe, supportive learning environment.

Physical & Work Environment

  • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and stand for extended periods.
  • Classroom and kitchen/shop settings with variable noise levels and exposure to odors, oil, fumes, and power equipment.

Why Join Apex

At Apex, you'll be part of a mission-driven organization with a long history of helping students build skills and achieve economic mobility. We offer steady work, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth while working in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Apex Technical School and The Fedcap Group are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Apex Technical School is an adult vocational technical school located in Long Island City, New York, that provides top-tier vocational training in high-growth trades. Founded in 1961, Apex serves about 1,400 students annually with seven 900-hour certificate courses in skilled trades including refrigeration, automotive service, auto body, welding technology, electrical and advanced electrical, plumbing and construction. Apex certificate programs are highly regarded and have been shown to have a substantial positive impact on economic mobility-leading to entry level careers.
Apex is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, and licensed by New York State Department of Education Apex offers job placement assistance, financial aid and work-study jobs to those who qualify.

Website: https://apexschool.com/

Apply