ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Cooking Instructor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCooking Instructor JobsCooking Instructor Jobs in California

Cooking Instructor information

See California salary details

$76

$94

$111

How much do cooking instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooking instructor in California is $94.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85.38 and $104.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I become a culinary instructor?

To become a culinary instructor, you typically need professional cooking experience, a relevant culinary degree or certification, and strong teaching skills. Many employers also prefer candidates with experience in food safety and sanitation, and some may require a teaching credential or certification in adult education. Gaining practical experience in kitchens and developing communication skills are essential steps in this career path.

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.

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.

What is the highest paying job in cooking?

The highest paying jobs in cooking are often executive chef or culinary director roles, which can earn six-figure salaries in high-end restaurants, hotels, or culinary organizations. These positions typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and advanced culinary certifications. Specialized roles such as private chefs for wealthy clients or culinary consultants can also command high compensation.

How to be a chef lecturer?

To become a chef lecturer, typically one needs a professional culinary background, such as a culinary degree or extensive industry experience, along with teaching skills. Certification in culinary arts and familiarity with curriculum development can also be beneficial. Gaining experience in both cooking and education helps prepare for a role in culinary instruction at educational institutions or training programs.

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 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.
More about Cooking Instructor jobs
What are popular job titles related to Cooking Instructor jobs in California? For Cooking Instructor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cooking Instructor jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Cooking Instructor jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Cooking Instructor jobs? Cities in California with the most Cooking Instructor job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Cooking Instructor jobs in CA? For Cooking Instructor jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Cooking Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooking Instructor job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $197,380 per year, or $94.9 per hour.

Children's Cooking Instructor

Sticky Fingers Cooking Orange County

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Part-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Are you ready to TURNIP the BEET on what KIDS EAT®?

Sticky Fingers Cooking® is looking for enthusiastic, part-time Chef Instructors to join our team! We bring the kitchen to the kids, teaching hands-on cooking classes at schools, recreation centers, and libraries across Orange County. If you are passionate about food, love working with children, and want a job that fits a school-day schedule, we'd love to "TACO" 'bout it!

THE SCOPE OF THE ROLE

As a Chef Instructor, you are the face of our company. You will lead hour+ long, healthy, and engaging cooking enrichment classes for students aged 3–18.

  • Teach: Lead students through kid-tested recipes while teaching kitchen skills (chopping, measuring, mixing) and exploring history, geography, and nutrition.
  • Prepare: Review weekly curricula and shop independently for fresh ingredients.
  • Inspire: Foster a safe, fun, and inclusive environment that builds children's confidence and curiosity.

COMPENSATION

  • Teaching Wage: $60 per one hour class (@ $30 per hour x 2 hours for prep, set up, teach for one hour and clean up time).
  • Grocery Reimbursement: $14.00 per class + additional reimbursement if needed.
  • Training & Admin Wage: All required training, onboarding meetings, grocery shopping and administrative work are compensated at $20 per hour.
  • Classes are typically held Monday–Friday between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Holidays and weekends are optional.
  • Cooking Kit Provided: We provide a mobile cooking kit with all the equipment you need.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Availability: Must be available at least 2 days a week (Mon–Fri) between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Ex: Classes may be every Monday and Wednesday from 2:30-3:30pm.
  • Reliability: Commitment to teaching full sessions (ranging from 4–12 weeks).
  • Transportation: Access to a reliable vehicle to transport your cooking kit and groceries to various sites.
  • Physical Ability: Comfortable lifting up to 30 lbs.
  • Punctuality: Ability to arrive on time and manage groups of 8–14 children.

REQUIREMENTS

  • Background Check: In accordance with the California Fair Chance Act and AB 506, a conditional offer of employment will be contingent upon a successful Fingerprint Background Check (Live Scan) through the DOJ and FBI.
  • Certifications: You must possess or be willing to obtain a ServSafe Food Handler Certification prior to your first day of teaching.
  • Mandatory Training: To ensure the highest safety standards, all staff must complete Mandated Reporter Training (AB 506).
  • Harassment Prevention Training (SB 1343) within the first 90 days of employment

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE HIRING PROCESS

We utilize a comprehensive two-step interview process to ensure we find the best fit for our team and for you:

  1. 1st Interview: A 30-minute phone interview to learn more about your experience and answer initial questions.
  2. Zoom Interview: A 45–60 minute second interview conducted via Zoom, which includes a short teaching demonstration. We make hiring decisions shortly after the Zoom interview.
  3. Once a conditional offer is accepted and the background check is successfully cleared, we move forward immediately with onboarding forms and required safety training.

ABOUT US

We are an independently owned and operated franchise dedicated to cultivating 'cool'inary curiosity. We attract and retain amazing instructors by offering great pay, a friendly schedule, and individualized support.

READY TO JOIN US IN THE KITCHEN?

Apply now! We can't wait to meet you!

SFC Orange County LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, religion, sex, age, disability, and all other characteristics protected by federal and California law, including intersectionality and reproductive health decision-making.


In accordance with the California Fair Chance Act, any offer of employment is conditional and contingent upon successfully passing a fingerprint background check (Live Scan) through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI.