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Cooking Instructor Jobs in Long Beach, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Living Services (ILS) Instructor plays a key role in empowering adults with developmental and ... Cooking, meal planning, and grocery shopping - Personal health, hygiene, and medical care ...

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Cooking Instructor information

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$81

$101

$119

How much do cooking instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooking instructor in Long Beach, CA is $101.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91.01 and $111.20 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.

What are popular job titles related to Cooking Instructor jobs in Long Beach, CA?

For Cooking Instructor jobs in Long Beach, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cooking Instructor jobs in Long Beach, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Cooking Instructor jobs in Long Beach, CA are:

What cities near Long Beach, CA are hiring for Cooking Instructor jobs?

Cities near Long Beach, CA with the most Cooking Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Cooking Instructor job openings in Long Beach, CA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 30% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $210,294 per year, or $101.1 per hour.

Program Leader/Instructor - School Year 2026-2027

Newport Beach, CA • On-site

$16.90 - $18/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 9 hours ago


Job description

Looking for a job that you'll LOVE?
  • Are you looking for a job where you can really make a difference?
  • Want a job that gives you the versatility to teach outdoors, on the water, and in the classroom?
  • Do you have the enthusiasm, work ethic, and presentation confidence to inspire youth ages 5-17? If YES, then this may be the job for you!

Types of Classes
  • Aquatics classes: Kayaking, Canoeing, Rowing, Stand-Up Paddle Boarding, Bay & Ocean Fishing
  • Merit badge classes: Cooking, Oceanography, Fish & Wildlife, Environmental Science, First Aid, Citizenship in the Nation/World, Communication, Engineering, and much more!

Overview of the Position
Merit Badge & Aquatics Instructors implement programs in conjunction with the Program Director and Scouting America program standards. An instructor serves with a major responsibility for customer service, classroom instruction, curriculum development, class/activity planning, and classroom behavior management. Adheres to Newport Sea Base health and safety standards. You must be at least 16 years old, be certified in CPR and First Aid, and attain your CA Boater's Card upon being hired. Needs to be enthusiastic, patient, creative, and be able to engage youth effectively. On-the-water instructors must be able to safely swim and participate in water-based activities, with or without reasonable accommodation. Must be comfortable communicating with children, teens, and parents. Reports to Program Director and Education/Aquatics Coordinator.
*For Aquatics Instructors: American Red Cross Lifeguard certification recommended.
Responsibilities/Duties
  • Prepare and deliver lesson plans/activities to youth in a well-planned, fun and engaging manner.
  • Develop and write program curriculum for new and existing classes.
  • Provide active supervision ensuring a safe environment for all youth.
  • Keep merit badge records, take roll and track attendance, and turn rosters into lead supervisors regularly.
  • Assist Lead Instructors in monitoring inventory of class supplies and program equipment.
  • Ensure proper set-up, usage, and clean-up of the facility, equipment, and docks.
  • Report program/equipment concerns to supervisor immediately.
  • Teach youth water, boating and paddle craft safety.
  • Be a positive role model and mentor to youth participants.
  • Enforce student-discipline procedures according to Newport Sea Base policy.
  • Communicate thoroughly and effectively with other program staff and Lead Instructors.
  • Participate in scheduled staff trainings throughout the year including
  • Be comfortable learning how to operate a Boston Whaler motorboat.
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

The essential functions of this position can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
  • Ability to stand, walk, and move for extended periods
  • Ability to lift and carry equipment (approximately 25-50 lbs)
  • Ability to safely board, exit, and operate boats, docks, and waterfront equipment
  • Ability to participate in water-based activities, including swimming (for aquatics roles)
  • Regular exposure to water, sun, and outdoor environments

Reports to: Program Director
Status: Part Time, Seasonal, Non-Exempt
Pay Scale: $16.90-$18.00
*Also hiring for Spring season
Hours
September-May (School Year)
*Max. 10-20 hours per week (Weekdays and Sat)
Equal Opportunity Employer
Scouting America, Orange County Council is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to disability or any other protected status.