ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Cooking Instructor Jobs in Denver, CO (NOW HIRING)

South Suburban

Cooking Instructor

Lone Tree, CO

$17.85 - $22.75/hr

Cooking Instructor Part-Time Application Closing Deadline: Ongoing/Open. This is an ongoing recruitment process, with no specific closing date. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCooking Instructor JobsCooking Instructor Jobs in Denver, CO

Cooking Instructor information

See Denver, CO salary details

$79

$98

$116

How much do cooking instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooking instructor in Denver, CO is $98.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89.09 and $108.85 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 Denver, CO? For Cooking Instructor jobs in Denver, CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cooking Instructor jobs in Denver, CO look for? The top searched job categories for Cooking Instructor jobs in Denver, CO are:
Cooking Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooking Instructor job openings in Denver, CO as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $205,855 per year, or $99 per hour.
Cooking Instructor

Cooking Instructor

South Suburban Parks and Recreation

Lone Tree, CO

$17.85 - $22.75/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Cooking Instructor Part-Time

Application Closing Deadline: Ongoing/Open.

This is an ongoing recruitment process, with no specific closing date. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis.

$17.85 - $22.75 per hour

Do you have a passion for teaching children and adults how to cook? Are you an exemplary teacher who loves enriching the lives of others? Then this is the opportunity for you! The Arts & Enrichment Cooking Instructor teaches arts and enrichment classes for all ages in group settings. This position may also teach cupcake making for birthday parties. the course curriculum includes kitchen safety tips, recipe reading, methods for proper cleanup, and equipment care after cooking. Our ideal candidate will be prepared, creative and energized while providing a safe learning environment.

Our Ideal Candidate

  • Prior experience teaching art and/or enrichment is highly preferred.
  • Current AED/CPR and First Aid certifications preferred.
  • Ability to develop and maintain a positive work relationship with program participants, parents of children, and staff.
  • Will be able to communicate effectively with children, parents of children, and staff.
  • Must have the ability to visually and audibly supervise children in a variety of situations.
  • Must be highly motivated and take direction well with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Will have knowledge of child care programming; recreation and its application; safety and emergency first-aid procedures; program management; and customer service principles.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Must be at least eighteen (18) years old with a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Must have at least three (3) years of teaching experience.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License or the ability to obtain one within thirty (30) days of employment. Must be insurable by the District carrier at the onset and for the duration of employment.

The job description above covers the main duties of this position. Please note, as a team member, there may be additional responsibilities that are required to meet ongoing needs of the department.

Employee Benefits & Perks at South Suburban

  • FREE use of District fitness centers and swimming pools
  • Discounts on recreation classes and golf (applicable to employees working 14+ hours/week)
  • Paid sick leave
  • Opportunities for training and promotion from within
  • Flexible schedules
  • To view a complete listing of the District's most current benefit package, please visit http://careers.ssprd.org

About Us

Our mission is to foster healthy living through stewardship of the environment, parks, trails, and open space by providing recreational services and programs.

We serve residents in Bow Mar, Columbine Valley, Centennial west of I-25, Littleton, Lone Tree and Sheridan and unincorporated portions of Douglas, Jefferson and Arapahoe counties. We operate four full-service recreation centers, golf courses, outdoor pools and restaurants, two ice centers and miniature golf courses, a botanical garden event center, a BMX track, a sports dome, batting cages, an entertainment center, a hotel and a nature center. In addition, we maintain nearly 3,800 acres of developed and open space land, including 119 multi-purpose athletic fields, more than 100 parks, nearly 80 miles of trails, 60 playgrounds, 56 tennis courts, and the 880-acre South Platte Park.


Apply