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Cooking Class Instructor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

iCook After School

VA · On-site

$80/hr

Instructors will teach provided lesson plans related to basics of Engineering and Tech, Chemistry ... Purchase groceries for each class based on the recipes provided (we reimburse separately for the ...

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How much do cooking class instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooking class instructor in Virginia is $20.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $20.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cooking class instructor?

A Cooking Class Instructor is a professional who teaches individuals or groups how to prepare and cook various dishes. They design lesson plans, demonstrate cooking techniques, and provide guidance on ingredients, utensils, and kitchen safety. Instructors may specialize in specific cuisines or dietary styles and often work in cooking schools, community centers, or private settings. Their goal is to educate and inspire students to develop culinary skills and confidence in the kitchen.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cooking class instructor?

To thrive as a Cooking Class Instructor, you need advanced culinary skills, teaching experience, and often a culinary degree or relevant certification. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food safety regulations, and lesson planning software is beneficial. Excellent communication, patience, and adaptability are essential soft skills for engaging and instructing diverse groups of learners. These abilities ensure students have a positive, safe, and educational experience while meeting class objectives.

What are some common challenges faced by cooking class instructors, and how can they be addressed?

Cooking Class Instructors often navigate challenges such as managing students with varying skill levels, ensuring food safety in a classroom setting, and maintaining an engaging learning environment. Adapting lesson plans to suit different abilities and pacing, as well as fostering an inclusive, supportive atmosphere, can help overcome these obstacles. Instructors should stay up to date with food safety best practices and continually seek feedback to refine their teaching methods. Building strong communication skills and being prepared for unexpected changes—like ingredient shortages or equipment issues—also contributes to a successful and enjoyable class experience.

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What job categories do people searching Cooking Class Instructor jobs in Virginia look for?

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Cooking Class Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooking Class Instructor job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 36% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,717 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

FWS Possible: Teaching Kitchen Assistant Student Health and Wellness, Well-Being Services (Studen...

The University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$13/hr

Part-time

Posted 12 days ago

University Of Virginia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

210th of 623 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Teaching Kitchen Assistant: Student Health and Wellness, Well-Being Services

Summary of position:

Teaching Kitchen Assistants are needed to support Hoo's Cooking nutrition education and culinary skills classes at the Student Health and Wellness Teaching Kitchen (TK). The mission of the Teaching Kitchen is to help students build skills and knowledge in food preparation, budgeting, and nutrition that support health, honor culture, promote food stewardship, build community, and foster joy and confidence in cooking.

Hoo's Cooking programming includes hands-on cooking classes led by students, dietetic interns, registered dietitians, and/or professional chefs. Individual Sign-up classes, open for all students to register, and Group classes, arranged for specific student organizations, teams, or UVA departments, are offered weekly. Additionally, virtual cooking demos are filmed and posted online.

The Teaching Kitchen Assistant (TKA) helps keep cooking classes running smoothly, from prep to wrap up. The TKA reports to the Senior Nutrition Educator and works closely with the Well-Being Services Senior Administrative Assistant, TK facilitators, and other TK student staff. This position provides experience in leadership, teambuilding, budgeting, food safety, culinary, and production skills. SHW will provide orientation and training.

Specific Responsibilities:

TK Assistants support the instructor(s) in conducting cooking classes:

Pre-class:

  • Set up equipment at stations.

  • Wash produce, open packages.

  • Measure/prep ingredients for instructor.

  • Manage print materials.

During class:

  • Manage attendance.

  • Help supervise and coach participants.

  • Clear and clean.

Post-class:

  • Wash dishes, wipe tables, general clean up.

  • Pack and label leftovers.

Qualifications and Expectations:

  • Pre-requisite - participation in at least 1 Hoo's Cooking class.

  • Basic cooking skills.

  • Excellent communication skills - reading, speaking.

  • Attitude - positivity, supportive manner.

  • Professionalism - punctuality, responsibility to schedule.

  • Prioritize safety - hygiene, equipment handling.

  • Ability to move food/dishes/equipment around the kitchen.

In addition to the responsibilities outlined above, the Teaching Kitchen Assistant will be expected to:

  • Demonstrate strong organizational, communication, facilitation, and time management skills.

  • Maintain department standards and protocol with respect to processes, confidentiality, and other issues as may arise.

  • Demonstrate professional standards and ethics, and foster a culture of professionalism among peers.

  • Be flexible, open-minded, proactive, and maintain a positive attitude.

  • Support the weight neutral approach of the UVA Teaching Kitchen.

Schedule/Time Commitment:

  • The position requires a time commitment of 3-9 hours per week for fall and/or spring semester(s).

  • One to 3 weekday evening shifts are required weekly and occasional daytime shifts are available. Shifts last 3 hours.

Compensation:

Pay is $13.00/hour, up to $1,638.00 total per semester (fall/spring). Federal Work Study may apply but is not required. Please contact Student Financial Services at 434-982-6000 or visit the SFS website to inquire about FWS eligibility.

Additionally, meal provided at cooking class shifts worked.

Supervisor Contact Information:

Melanie Brede, RD

Senior Nutrition Educator

434-924-1513

melanieb@virginia.edu


MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Resume and cover letter required.
Education: Current UVA undergraduate student
Experience: None
Licensure: None

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.

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About University of Virginia

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The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819

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