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Cooking Class Teacher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Culinary Lead (Sur La Table)

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$20.90 - $22.23/hr

Seeks opportunities to increase cooking class and retail sales and directs culinary employees to ... Demonstrated successful teaching and training experience. * Proven ability to drive sales and ...

Culinary Lead (Sur La Table)

Mclean, VA

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

Seeks opportunities to increase cooking class and retail sales and directs culinary employees to ... Demonstrated successful teaching and training experience. Proven ability to drive sales and ...

Culinary Lead (Sur La Table)

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$18 - $22.75/hr

Seeks opportunities to increase cooking class and retail sales and directs culinary employees to ... Demonstrated successful teaching and training experience. * Proven ability to drive sales and ...

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Cooking Class Teacher information

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How much do cooking class teacher jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooking class teacher in the United States is $19.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do culinary school professors make?

Culinary school professors typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, education level, and the institution. Salaries can vary based on location, full-time or part-time status, and additional responsibilities such as curriculum development or administrative roles.

What are some common challenges faced by Cooking Class Teachers when instructing groups with varied skill levels?

Cooking Class Teachers often encounter groups where participants have a wide range of experience, from complete beginners to advanced home cooks. Balancing the pace of the class so everyone is engaged and learning can be challenging. Teachers need to adapt instructions, provide additional guidance for novices, and offer advanced tips to experienced participants—all while maintaining a fun, inclusive atmosphere. Strong communication, flexibility, and organizational skills are crucial for ensuring each student benefits from the class and feels encouraged to participate.

How to become a cooking class teacher?

To become a cooking class teacher, you typically need culinary skills and experience, which can be gained through culinary school or professional cooking experience. Certification in food safety or teaching credentials can enhance your qualifications, and strong communication skills are essential for instructing students effectively. Gaining experience by teaching small groups or volunteering can also help build your teaching portfolio.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cooking Class Teacher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cooking Class Teacher, you need a solid background in culinary arts, hands-on cooking experience, and often a culinary degree or professional chef certification. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food safety standards, and teaching tools like demonstration cameras or online platforms is typical. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to inspire and engage students are standout soft skills. These capabilities are crucial for effectively teaching diverse learners, ensuring safety, and creating an enjoyable and informative classroom environment.

What qualifications do you need to teach cooking?

To teach cooking as a professional, individuals typically need culinary training or relevant experience, such as a culinary degree or certification. Strong cooking skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and good communication abilities are also important for effective teaching in a culinary environment.

Can I teach cooking classes in my home?

Cooking class teachers can often conduct classes in their homes if local regulations and zoning laws permit, and if they have the necessary kitchen facilities. It is important to obtain any required permits or licenses and ensure a safe, hygienic environment for students. Some instructors also offer virtual classes or rent commercial kitchen space for larger groups.

What does a Cooking Class Teacher do?

A Cooking Class Teacher is responsible for instructing individuals or groups on how to prepare various dishes and understand cooking techniques. They plan lessons, demonstrate recipes, guide students through hands-on practice, and ensure a safe and engaging learning environment. Cooking Class Teachers may also provide tips on kitchen safety, ingredient selection, and presentation. Their role can range from teaching basic culinary skills to advanced cuisine, depending on the class and audience.

What is the difference between Cooking Class Teacher vs Cooking Instructor?

AspectCooking Class TeacherCooking Instructor
CredentialsCooking certifications, teaching credentials (if applicable)Cooking certifications, specialized culinary training
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, community centers, culinary schoolsCooking schools, private lessons, workshops
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, community programsPrivate culinary schools, cooking studios

Both roles involve teaching cooking skills, but a Cooking Class Teacher typically works in educational or community settings, focusing on group instruction, while a Cooking Instructor may work in specialized culinary environments or private lessons. The main difference lies in the setting and scope of teaching, with overlapping certifications and industry usage.

More about Cooking Class Teacher jobs
What cities are hiring for Cooking Class Teacher jobs? Cities with the most Cooking Class Teacher job openings:
What states have the most Cooking Class Teacher jobs? States with the most job openings for Cooking Class Teacher jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cooking Class Teacher jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cooking Class Teacher jobs are:
Infographic showing various Cooking Class Teacher job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 34% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,655 per year, or $19.1 per hour.
Federal Work-Study (FWS) Internship Program: Teaching Kitchen Assistant TFWS Intern (Student Wage) F

Federal Work-Study (FWS) Internship Program: Teaching Kitchen Assistant TFWS Intern (Student Wage) F

The University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$13/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


University Of Virginia rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

199th of 552 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Summary of position:
A Teaching Kitchen Assistant Intern is 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 during the fall and spring semesters. Additionally, virtual cooking demos are filmed and posted online.
The Teaching Kitchen Assistant Intern (TKAI) helps keep cooking classes running smoothly, from prep to wrap up, and additionally behind the scenes supporting system operation. The TKAI 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, marketing, research, and production skills. Student Health and Wellness and the TK will provide orientation and training.
Schedule/Time Commitment:
  • The position requires a time commitment of 10 hours per week for fall and/or spring semester(s).
  • One to 2 weekday evening shifts are required weekly and occasional daytime shifts are available. Shifts last 3 hours.
  • Additional hours (up to 7) involve operational support. Some of this time will be during business hours on weekdays and some can be completed on a flexible schedule.

Specific Responsibilities:
The TK Assistant Intern supports instructors 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
  • Update inventory checklists

The TK Assistant Intern also supports system operations:
  • Marketing: support advertising and promotional efforts
  • Research: maintain database and assist with survey result analysis
  • Special projects: create educational materials related to nutrition, culinary skills, and budgeting

Qualifications and Expectations:
  • Pre-requisite - previous participation in at least 1 Hoo's Cooking class
  • Participate in a structured internship experience through the Internship Placement Program (IPP). If selected, interns must enroll in either UNST 3910 (1 cr.) or UNST 3920 (1 cr.). See details at end of post.
  • Full time undergraduate student enrolled at the University of Virginia
  • 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 with attention to detail
  • 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

Compensation:
Pay is $13.00/hour, up to $1,040.00 total per semester (fall/spring). Federal Work Study eligibility is 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.
In addition to the job duties and responsibilities outlined above, this position will participate in a structured internship experience through the Internship Placement Program (IPP). If selected, interns must enroll in either UNST 3910 (1 cr.) or UNST 3920 (1 cr.). The courses are offered 9+ times during the fall, offering plenty of options to choose from. We also have an asynchronous, co-curricular option for students. Through this robust internship experience, students will receive dedicated career support from their supervisor and gain key skills and competencies that align with future job interests. The FWS Internship will look great on your resume and provide the student with impactful stories to share in interviews. TFWS Internships are best suited for students in their 2nd - 4th years.
Supervisor Contact Information:
Melanie Brede, RD
Senior Nutrition Educator
434-924-1513
melanieb@virginia.edu
Please submit a resume and cover letter with your application.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education: Current UVA undergraduate student with Federal Work Study eligibility
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