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Cooking Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Cloudberry

Foreign Language Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

We developed fun and unique Pre-Travel Program, Cooking Immersion Program, Film & Culture Workshops ... language instructors and interpreters are also frequently required in different locations.

Powers Health - Hartsfield Village

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Prep Cook

Munster, IN · On-site

$33K - $37K/yr

Our leaders are also mentors and culinary instructors in the community. Now come join our winning team. What We Need: The Prep Cook plays an important role in preparing high quality meals in a timely ...

Powers Health

Prep Cook - CVI

Munster, IN

$14 - $17.50/hr

Our leaders are also mentors and culinary instructors in the community. Now come join our winning team. What We Need: The Prep Cook plays an important role in preparing high quality meals in a timely ...

Powers Health

Prep Cook - CVI

Munster, IN · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

Our leaders are also mentors and culinary instructors in the community. Now come join our winning team. What We Need: The Prep Cook plays an important role in preparing high quality meals in a timely ...

Powers Health

Prep Cook - CVI

Munster, IN · On-site

$15.57 - $21.73/hr

Our leaders are also mentors and culinary instructors in the community. Now come join our winning team. What We Need: The Prep Cook plays an important role in preparing high quality meals in a timely ...

Powers Health

Cook - CVI

Munster, IN · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Cook - CVI - Rehab Center at Hartsfield Village (Powers Health) Schedule: Full-time, 11:30 am - 8 ... Our leaders are also mentors and culinary instructors in the community. Now is the time to join our ...

Powers Health - Hartsfield Village

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Kitchen Cook

Munster, IN · On-site

$35K - $42K/yr

Cook - CVI - Rehab Center at Hartsfield Village (Powers Health) Schedule: Full-time, 11:30 am - 8 ... Our leaders are also mentors and culinary instructors in the community. Now is the time to join our ...

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All JobsCooking Instructor JobsCooking Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL

Cooking Instructor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$79

$99

$116

How much do cooking instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooking instructor in Chicago, IL is $99.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89.13 and $108.94 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.
More about Cooking Instructor jobs
What are popular job titles related to Cooking Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL? For Cooking Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cooking Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Cooking Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Cooking Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooking Instructor job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 36% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $206,029 per year, or $99.1 per hour.

Youth Soccer Instructor

i9 Sports NE Cook County IL

Lincolnwood, IL

Part-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Soccer Instructor – Lincolnwood / Devon & Kedzie Area

Why You’ll Love This Role

  • Coach locally in the Lincolnwood area, including sites near Devon & Kedzie

  • Opportunities available both on weekends and after school

  • A fun, team-based environment focused on kids first

  • Flexible scheduling with consistent weekly opportunities

  • Build coaching and leadership skills while making a real impact

  • Online training, structured practice plans, and ongoing support provided

  • Employee program discounts available for family members

  • Great fit for educators, college students, former athletes, and coaches looking for meaningful part-time work

About i9 Sports – Northeast Cook County
i9 Sports is the nation’s largest youth sports league franchise, serving more than 1 million families in 500+ communities nationwide.

Our Northeast Cook County programs serve families across North Side Chicago neighborhoods through the North Shore, with a strong concentration of programs in and around Lincolnwood, including locations near Devon & Kedzie. We offer recreational soccer leagues, camps, and clinics for kids ages 4–14, partnering with local schools, park districts, and community facilities to deliver a positive, well-organized youth sports experience focused on fun, skill development, and sportsmanship.

Job Summary
The Soccer Instructor is a hands-on role leading practices and instruction for youth athletes ages 4–14 at local fields and community facilities primarily in the Lincolnwood area, including sites near Devon & Kedzie and surrounding North Side neighborhoods.

Programs run after school on weekdays and on weekends, offering flexible options that work well alongside school, teaching, or other part-time commitments.

What You’ll Do

  • Lead engaging, age-appropriate soccer practices focused on fundamentals and fun

  • Teach and model sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect

  • Communicate practice and game-day information to families using established tools

  • Create a positive, welcoming experience for players and parents

  • Represent i9 Sports professionally at local venues

Scheduling & Coaching Support

  • Hours are flexible but consistent, with opportunities on weekends and after school

  • Coaches may work a few hours per week or take on larger weekly commitments

  • Coaches are asked to make a good-faith effort to maintain regular attendance to build continuity and a trusting, supportive environment for young athletes

  • Defined, detailed practice plans are provided, with flexibility for coaches to bring their own fresh ideas and favorite drills

  • Technology platforms help coaches organize schedules, plan practices, and communicate efficiently

What We’re Looking For

  • Soccer playing and/or coaching experience

  • Comfortable working with kids ages 4–14 and speaking to groups

  • Reliable, positive, and able to work independently

  • Availability for weekend and/or after-school sessions

  • Reliable transportation preferred; some locations may be accessible via public transit

  • Passion for being a positive role model in the community

Programs are held at local fields and community facilities in the Lincolnwood / Devon & Kedzie area, with some nearby North Side locations as needed.

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