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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

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 ...

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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 9, 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.

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 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 29% Full Time, 59% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $206,191 per year, or $99.1 per hour.
Lecturer - Vocational - Culinary Instructor

Lecturer - Vocational - Culinary Instructor

City Colleges of Chicago

Chicago, IL

$35/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

CULINARY CLASS INSTRUCTOR - PART-TIME
KENNEDY-KING COLLEGE 

Kennedy-King College is currently seeking a part-time Culinary Instructor. If you have a passion for teaching and learning and are committed to the mission of the community college, consider joining our team. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success in the classroom by developing and using effective teaching strategies that meet students' diverse needs and engage the student in critical thinking and problem-solving.

 GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Deliver fun, educational, and motivating classes to our students and community members.
  • Teach adults of all ages the basics of gourmet cooking.
  • Demonstrate the proper techniques to prepare food.
  • Develop and maintain positive relationships with class participants.
  • Proper use of kitchen equipment.
  • Teach a variety of recipes.
  • Taking attendance at each class, ensuring that all participants are registered and properly signed in.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Associate in applied science degree (Culinary Arts, Baking or Culinary Management, depending on the position) required OR national or industry recognized certification in the field and experience.
  • Bachelor level degree preferred.
  • ServSafe Manager's Certification required.
  • Kitchen teaching experience preferred (especially in a kitchen environment).
  • A minimum of five years of experience as a Chef required.
  • Ability to instruct and guide students in learning principles used in the industry including but not limited to cooking techniques and methods, Garde manger, international cuisines, restaurant management, catering.
  • Strong knowledge base in culinary history and culture of foods.
  • Brightspace Learning Management System preferred. 
  • Knowledge of Microsoft computer systems and tools.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to communicate with diverse group of staff and students required.
  • Experience with a diverse, multi-lingual student population is desired, as is a commitment to the open access mission of the community college.

The salary for this position is $35/hr.

Benefits information is found at https://www.ccc.edu/departments/Benefits/

We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.
Thank you for your interest in City Colleges of Chicago!

Additional Information

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