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Cooking Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Cooking Instructor information

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$79

$99

$116

How much do cooking instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooking instructor in Chicago, IL is $99.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89.23 and $109.04 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.
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Cooking Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooking Instructor job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $206,191 per year, or $99.1 per hour.
Children's Cooking Instructor

Children's Cooking Instructor

Sticky Fingers Cooking

Mount Prospect, IL • On-site

$30/hr

Part-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

SFC Chicagoland LLC dba Sticky Fingers Cooking® of Chicago, IL is looking to hire part-time After School Children's Cooking Instructor to help us Cultivate COOLinary Curiosity in Kids®!

  • Are you ready to TURNIP the BEET on what KIDS EAT®?
  • Are you looking for a fun, part-time job?
  • Do you love the magical combination of children and cooking?
  • Are you passionate about introducing kids to new ingredients and exploring new tastes in the kitchen?
  • Do you have a love for food and want to lead cooking classes for children using our kid-tested and approved recipes?

If so, please read on and consider joining us in the kitchen!

This position pays a great starting wage of $60.00 per class + food reimbursement. Please note: Due to locations and times, you will likely teach just 1 afterschool class per day. Additional prep and wrap up time bookend the hour long class! Choose which days work best for you. School assignments will be as close to your home/work as possible.

Our instructors bring the kitchen to the kids with our cooking kit that contains all the necessary equipment and tools. SFC Chicagoland LLC dba Sticky Fingers Cooking® provides paid hands-on training and individualized support.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Availability at least 2 days a week to teach (Classes are Monday - Friday and take place between 2-5pm; most classes are between 3:00 - 4:30pm! Some availability between 3:00 - 4:30pm will be strongly preferred!!)
  • Commitment to teaching weekly for full sessions (ranging from 6-12 weeks)
  • Experience working with groups of kids of varying ages
  • Ability to manage and engage a group of 8-14 children with diverse backgrounds and academic levels
  • Access to reliable transportation
  • Ability to communicate with our team in a timely manner
  • Punctual and reliable
  • No professional cooking experience required
  • ServSafe Food Handler Certification (can obtain before teaching)

Let's TACO-bout "a day in the life" of an After School Children's Cooking Instructor!

As a part-time After School Children's Cooking Instructor, you are the face of our company, getting to interact with children between the ages of 3-12, parents, and school staff each week. You work on-site at different locations in your area, leading hour-long healthy and engaging cooking enrichment classes for students.

Each week, you create creative recipes and teach children about new ingredients and healthy foods from all over the world in an engaging and hands-on way. Your organizational skills come into play as you review weekly class curricula and prepare for instruction which includes shopping independently for fresh ingredients. You teach basic kitchen skills including washing, cutting, grating, stirring, measuring, nutrition, and more as well as the history, geography, and language behind each recipe.

Kids learn in a dynamic hands-on environment while you provide the direction and encouragement to create a new recipe each class. Teach kids healthy food habits that will nourish their bodies and minds for a lifetime.

Our chefs are ONE in a MELON! Meet some of them in this video: https://vimeo.com/492139079

ABOUT STICKY FINGERS COOKING®

Our dedicated, talented and creative team has been busy cultivating 'cool'inary curiosity for thousands of children in online classes, schools, camps, and special events since 2008.

We offer quality enrichment cooking classes before, during, and after school, as well as birthday parties, private cooking classes, and camps for children 3-12 years of age. Sticky Fingers Cooking® also operates in select cities across the country!

Our philosophy is that kids are only impacted if we have great instructors who are passionate about what they do. We attract and retain such amazing instructors by offering a friendly schedule, all the needed equipment, and tools, paid training, individualized support, and FUN!

ARE YOU READY TO JOIN US IN THE KITCHEN?

If you feel that you would be a GRATE fit, please fill out our application. We look forward to meeting you!


Upon hire, employees will be required to pass a fingerprint background check.