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Cooking Instructor Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

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 ... Provides knife skill and cooking demonstrations for basic culinary techniques. * Assists in ...

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 ... Provides knife skill and cooking demonstrations for basic culinary techniques. * Assists in ...

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 ... Provides knife skill and cooking demonstrations for basic culinary techniques. * Assists in ...

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 ...

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All JobsCooking Instructor JobsCooking Instructor Jobs in Arizona

Cooking Instructor information

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$71

$89

$105

How much do cooking instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooking instructor in Arizona is $89.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80.62 and $98.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Cooking Instructor Do?

As a cooking instructor, your job is to teach children or adults how to cook. During your classes, you may demonstrate cutting techniques, show how to measure different ingredients, explain how to read recipes, and otherwise teach people to cook food, whether basic or gourmet. The specifics of this job vary by position. If you work with children, most of your time focuses on small, simple recipes that teach the basics. Cooking instructors also host classes for adults who want to develop their skills, and a few teach high-level cooking skills at professional schools. You may need to write up lesson plans, conduct tests, and adjust your lessons to account for each student's strengths and weaknesses.

How does a Cooking Instructor typically structure classes to accommodate different skill levels among students?

Cooking Instructors often design their classes to cater to a range of skill levels by offering step-by-step guidance and adapting recipes or techniques as needed. They may begin with foundational skills for beginners, while providing optional advanced tasks or tips for more experienced participants. Instructors also encourage group collaboration and foster a supportive environment so everyone can learn at their own pace. This approach helps ensure all students are engaged and leave the class with improved confidence and abilities.

Can I teach culinary school without a degree?

Cooking instructors typically do not need a formal degree but should have extensive culinary experience, strong teaching skills, and relevant certifications or credentials. Many employers prioritize practical expertise and industry knowledge over formal education when hiring culinary instructors.

What is the highest paying job for a cook?

The highest paying roles for cooks include executive chefs and head chefs in fine dining restaurants or luxury hotels, where salaries can exceed $70,000 annually. Specialized roles such as culinary directors or restaurant owners also tend to offer higher compensation, often supplemented by profit sharing or bonuses.

What does a Cooking Instructor do?

A Cooking Instructor teaches individuals or groups how to prepare and cook a variety of dishes, often focusing on specific cuisines, techniques, or dietary needs. They develop lesson plans, demonstrate cooking methods, and provide hands-on guidance to students. Cooking Instructors may work in culinary schools, community centers, or online platforms, and often adapt their teaching to suit beginner or advanced skill levels. Their goal is to help students gain practical cooking skills, confidence in the kitchen, and a deeper understanding of food and nutrition.

What is the difference between Cooking Instructor vs Culinary Teacher?

AspectCooking InstructorCulinary Teacher
CredentialsCooking certifications, culinary school degreesCooking certifications, culinary school degrees
Work EnvironmentCooking classes, workshops, community centersEducational institutions, culinary schools
Employer & IndustryPrivate classes, culinary schools, community programsSchools, colleges, culinary institutes
Search & Comparison IntentLearning cooking skills, hobby classesFormal culinary education, career training

Both Cooking Instructors and Culinary Teachers require similar credentials and often work in educational or community settings. The main difference lies in the context: Cooking Instructors typically teach hobbyists in informal settings, while Culinary Teachers work in formal educational institutions preparing students for culinary careers.

How to become a cooking instructor?

To become a cooking instructor, you typically need culinary training or experience in cooking, along with strong communication skills. Many employers prefer candidates with a culinary degree or certification, and some may require food safety certifications. Gaining teaching experience and developing a specialty can also enhance your qualifications.

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

To thrive as a Cooking Instructor, you need advanced culinary skills, a solid understanding of food safety, and experience in professional kitchens, often supported by a culinary degree or relevant certifications. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, instructional technology, and food safety certification (such as ServSafe) is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to motivate and engage diverse learners are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure effective teaching, student safety, and an inspiring learning environment that fosters culinary growth.

How much does a Culinary Institute of America instructor make a year?

Culinary Institute of America instructors typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and the specific institution. Salaries may vary based on location, full-time or part-time status, and additional responsibilities such as curriculum development or student mentorship.
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Cooking Instructor jobs near you
Chef Instructor

Chef Instructor

St. Mary's Food Bank

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$50K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 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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