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Cooking Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Togetherhood

Cooking Instructor (PA)

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$70 - $120/hr

Help children understand why cooking is so wonderful and how it's helped shape you as a person Who You Are A fun, enthusiastic, adaptable instructor, with experience teaching school age children, and ...

YMCA

Cooking Instructor- Delaware YMCA

Delaware, OH

The Delaware Community Center YMCA is looking for a passionate Cooking Instructor to lead fun, hands-on cooking classes for both kids and adults. In this role, you will: * Plan and prepare engaging ...

Togetherhood

Cooking Instructor (PA)

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$70 - $120/hr

Help children understand why cooking is so wonderful and how it's helped shape you as a person Who You Are A fun, enthusiastic, adaptable instructor, with experience teaching school age children, and ...

Togetherhood

Cooking Instructor (PA)

Philadelphia, PA

$70 - $120/hr

Help children understand why cooking is so wonderful and how it's helped shape you as a person Who You Are A fun, enthusiastic, adaptable instructor, with experience teaching school age children, and ...

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Cooking Instructor information

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How much do cooking instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooking instructor in the United States is $96.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86.54 and $105.77 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.
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What cities are hiring for Cooking Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Cooking Instructor job openings:
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What are popular job titles related to Cooking Instructor jobs? For Cooking Instructor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Cooking Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooking Instructor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 39% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $199,999 per year, or $96.2 per hour.
Cooking Instructor (PA)

Cooking Instructor (PA)

Togetherhood

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

$70 - $120/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

About Togetherhood

At Togetherhood, we're building something special: a vibrant marketplace where passionate educators meet schools and communities hungry for enrichment. Whether it's arts & crafts, skateboarding, breakdancing, or STEM through the lens of Harry Potter, we match talented instructors with opportunities to share their skills and spark joy in the next generation.

Our mission is simple but powerful: to infuse every community with high quality enrichment and education. We're here to support you in sharing your craft, your voice, and your passion with kids who are ready to learn and grow. If you're a dynamic instructor who loves what you teach and why you teach it, we'd love for you to be part of Togetherhood.

What You'll Do

As a member of our network, you will be matched with opportunities to teach cooking to K-12 students at schools, buildings, and communities across New york. These teaching opportunities will be for terms that could last anywhere from 6 weeks to 18 weeks. As an after school instructor, you'll have the following responsibilities:

  • Conceive of and create an age-appropriate curriculum for your class
  • Create memorable experience for the children in your class to help them grow and develop a passion for cooking
  • Consistently arrive at your class on time (or early!), prepared with the lesson plan for the day
  • Help children understand why cooking is so wonderful and how it's helped shape you as a person
Who You Are

A fun, enthusiastic, adaptable instructor, with experience teaching school age children, and who:

  • Has managed classrooms of elementary-age kids on their own
  • Has excitement, joy, and passion for both teaching kids and personal development/learning
  • Knows how to create a fun, structured, and inclusive classroom environment
  • Brings your own voice and creativity to each class you teach
  • Is cooperative, supportive, flexible
  • Is dependable, proactive, and thrives when given autonomy and also appreciates support and clear expectations
How To Apply
  • Click the Link!
  • Provide a resume showcasing relevant teaching experience
  • If you lack formal teaching experience, please share any other relevant experience or training either in a cover letter or on the application questionnaire
  • If you are interested in after school assistant positions, please click here to learn more!
What to Expect
  • If your resume is a fit, we'll reach out to set up a screening call on Google Meet
  • Candidates advancing from screenings will have a second video interview, including sharing a sample lesson plan
  • The final step of the process is to complete onboarding into our platform