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 ...

Powers Health - Hartsfield Village

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 Sep 2, 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.

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 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 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 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 qualifications do you need to teach a cooking instructor?

To become a cooking instructor, you typically need relevant culinary experience, such as a culinary degree or professional cooking background, along with strong teaching skills. Certifications in food safety or sanitation may also be required, depending on the setting. Good communication and the ability to demonstrate techniques are essential for effective instruction.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 29% Full Time, 59% Part Time, and 12% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $206,191 per year, or $99.1 per hour.

Culinary Cooking Class Assistant

Taste Buds Kitchen

Deerfield, IL • On-site

$14 - $15/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Employee discounts
  • Flexible schedule
  • Free food & snacks
  • Free uniforms
  • Training & development

Join Taste Buds Kitchen as a Culinary Cooking Class Assistant, an excellent entry-level opportunity for those who are well-organized, enjoy working with people, and have a passion for the culinary arts. In this role, you will assist the Culinary Instructor with all class preparation and clean-up aspects.
If you have a passion for cooking, for making people smile, and the organizational skills to keep everything running smoothly in our sparkling clean kitchens, we want to meet you!
Benefits:
  • Competitive hourly pay plus tips
  • Flexible scheduling to suit your needs
  • Opportunities for advancement
  • Employee discounts on our services

The Ideal candidate:
  • Can move quickly in a fast-paced environment.
  • Has a natural curiosity and passion for food and culinary entertainment.
  • Possesses an upbeat personality.
  • Demonstrates excellent communication skills with people of all ages.
  • Desires to learn a variety of cooking and baking techniques.
  • Has open availability in the evenings and on weekends.
  • No experience is necessary; training is provided for the right candidate.
  • Is 16+ years old, has access to reliable transportation, can stand for long periods and doesn't mind getting their hands a little messy! ;)

Who are we?
Taste Buds Kitchen has captivated the country with a refreshingly simple concept: providing culinary entertainment to kids, families, and adults in a fun, beautiful, and state-of-the-art Kitchen Studio.
  • For Kids (ages 2 to teen): We offer hands-on cooking classes, camps, birthday parties, and field trips.
  • For Adults: We provide BYOB date night cooking classes, birthday parties, bachelorettes, showers, and corporate events.

Our innovative programs are entertaining and educational, and we always strive to engage and delight our guests.
Compensation: $14.00 - $15.00 per hour
About Us
Taste Buds Kitchen has taken the country by storm with a refreshingly simple concept. We provide culinary entertainment to kids, families and adults in a fun, beautiful and state-of-the art Kitchen Studio. Kids ages 2 to teen love our hands-on cooking classes, camps, birthday parties and field trips. Adults love our byob date night cooking classes, birthday parties, bachelorettes, showers and corporate events. Our innovative programs are as entertaining as they are educational. We always strive to engage and delight our guests.
Job Opportunities
We have incredible career opportunities in each of our growing Kitchen Studios nationwide, as well as our corporate office. Get involved in an exciting and growing company. We are always looking for dynamic talent to join our fun-loving and hard-working team! Perfect for culinary professionals, passionate foodies, teachers, managers, administrators, marketers and college and high school students alike.

Apply