ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

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.

Crossroads YMCA

Culinary Instructor I

Crown Point, IN · On-site

$11/hr

Ready to Cook Up the Next Generation of Culinary Stars? Join the team with no experience needed ... STEAM Instructor I provides excellent customer service to all members, guests, and program ...

Crossroads YMCA

Culinary Instructor I

Gary, IN · On-site

$11/hr

Ready to Cook Up the Next Generation of Culinary Stars? Join the team with no experience needed ... STEAM Instructor I provides excellent customer service to all members, guests, and program ...

New

Powers Health - Hartsfield Village

Be Seen First

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 ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

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 Jul 24, 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.
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 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.
Lecturer - Vocational - Culinary Instructor - Part-Time

Lecturer - Vocational - Culinary Instructor - Part-Time

City Colleges of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$35/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 24 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 and 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!

Apply