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Cooking Instructor Jobs in Denver, CO (NOW HIRING)

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$79

$98

$116

How much do cooking instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 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.

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.

What qualifications do you need to teach a cooking instructor?

To become a cooking instructor, individuals typically need culinary training or a related certification, along with experience in cooking or food preparation. Strong communication skills and the ability to demonstrate techniques are also important, and some employers may require food safety certifications such as ServSafe.
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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 August 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.

Nutrition Specialist II

YMCA of Metropolitan Denver

Denver, CO • On-site

$19.50 - $25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development. The Youth Nutrition Program Instructor, working as part of the Community Well-Being team, will deliver world-class customer service and relationship building skills to create a welcoming environment at the YMCA. The Youth Nutrition Program Instructor will be responsible for teaching nutrition enrichment and cooking classes under the general direction of the Senior Manager, Bilingual Health and Well-being, consistent with the philosophy, policies and purpose of the YMCA of Metropolitan Denver. The incumbent will also exhibit the core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and respect in all aspects of their work with the YMCA.

OUR PATH

For 150 years, the YMCA of Metro Denver has been more than a place - it is a movement that lifts spirit, mind and body for all.  Our direction is clear: Elevate Lives and Rise Together.  Grounded by our mission and strengthened by the global YMCA movement we will elevate our people, purpose, partnerships and promise.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Facilitate engaging, educational, and FUN food and nutrition programs for youth, including cooking classes in YMCA kitchen spaces, afterschool enrichment activities at local elementary schools, and culinary camps during school breaks.
  • Adhere to YMCA curriculums with attention to cultural competency in delivery of lesson plans.
  • Arrive for programs in a timely manner, prepared with all necessary supplies, learning materials, and ingredients as expected.
  • Maintain proper kitchen & food safety and food handling at all times, with attention to any food allergies or dietary restrictions.
  • Delegate tasks, as appropriate, to support staff in programs, such as interns or volunteers.
  • Maintain a clean and safe YMCA. Take initiative to clean areas and maintain proper use of cooking supplies and equipment. Report any necessary repairs to supervisor in a timely manner.
  • Maintain accurate program documentation for incidents, behavior, attendance, and feedback.
  • Communicate with supervisor and teammates regularly, ensuring good relationships and responsibility.
  • Actively participate in all training sessions, assigned meetings, and special events as directed.
  • Perform and provide excellent customer service skills. Always greet class participants by name.
  • Engage in active listening with youth to build relationships and take initiative to create an atmosphere of belonging, safety, and fun.
  • Be knowledgeable and supportive of the YMCA annual support campaign, and general procedures and policies, including personnel guidelines, facility access procedures, membership policies, and emergency plans.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

  • Clear Communication
  • Customer Service
  • Inclusion
  • Engaging
  • Safety
  • Time management
  • Teamwork
  • Organized

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

          None

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Must have reliable transportation and be willing to teach programs at different locations.
  • Must have consistent weekly availability throughout the school year to teach programs in the afterschool hours that could vary between 2pm-7pm and variable part time hours as needed.
  • Physical demands described here are representative of those needed to successfully perform the essential functions of this job; reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions
  • Must be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device.
  • Must be able to move around the work environment, reach, and stand for long periods.
  • Occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds for transport of groceries and supplies.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and focus
  • Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate

DISCLAIMER

The YMCA of Metropolitan Denver reserves the right to modify, add, or remove job duties and responsibilities as business needs evolve.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required for the position.

Employment with the YMCA of Metropolitan Denver is at-will and may be terminated by either the employee or the organization at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable law.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT

The YMCA of Metropolitan Denver is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION & RISK MANAGEMENT

The YMCA is committed to the safety and well-being of all children and vulnerable individuals. As part of our commitment to child abuse prevention and Praesidium accreditation standards, all employees are required to comply with YMCA abuse prevention policies, including screening, training, supervision, and reporting requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • High School Diploma or GED/Certifications at minimum; Undergraduate-level or above studies in nutrition education or related field OR adequate related experience in nutrition or specialty classes/certifications, highly preferred.
  • At least one year’s experience working with youth of diverse backgrounds in a cooking class or nutrition education setting.
  • Comfortable managing and engaging with youth ranging in age from 5 through 14 years old, in groups of up to 20.
  • Active safe food handler certification is a plus.
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish, preferred.
  • Obtain CPR, First Aid, AED, and Child Abuse prevention training within 60 days of hire
  • Outgoing, energetic, and engaging.

BENEFITS

  • Free individual membership 
  • Program discounts
  • Generous Retirement Contribution Options -Includes company contribution of 10% once eligibility is met
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours

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