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How much do cooking instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 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.

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.

Can I teach culinary school without a degree?

Cooking instructors typically do not need a formal degree but should have extensive culinary experience, strong teaching skills, and relevant certifications or credentials. Many employers prioritize practical expertise and industry knowledge over formal education when hiring culinary instructors.

What is the highest paying job for a cook?

The highest paying roles for cooks include executive chefs and head chefs in fine dining restaurants or luxury hotels, where salaries can exceed $70,000 annually. Specialized roles such as culinary directors or restaurant owners also tend to offer higher compensation, often supplemented by profit sharing or bonuses.

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.

How to become a cooking instructor?

To become a cooking instructor, you typically need culinary training or experience in cooking, along with strong communication skills. Many employers prefer candidates with a culinary degree or certification, and some may require food safety certifications. Gaining teaching experience and developing a specialty can also enhance your qualifications.

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 much does a Culinary Institute of America instructor make a year?

Culinary Institute of America instructors typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and the specific institution. Salaries may vary based on location, full-time or part-time status, and additional responsibilities such as curriculum development or student mentorship.
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Cooking Instructor jobs near you
Children's Cooking Instructor Seattle Eastside (Redmond)

Children's Cooking Instructor Seattle Eastside (Redmond)

Sticky Fingers Cooking

Redmond, WA • On-site

$40/hr

Part-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

SFC SEATTLE EASTSIDE LLC dba Sticky Fingers Cooking® is looking to hire part-time Chef Instructors in Redmond to help us Cultivate COOLinary Curiosity in Kids®!

  • Are you ready to TURNIP the BEET on what KIDS EAT®?
  • Are you looking for a fun, part-time job?
  • Do you love the magical combination of children and cooking?
  • Are you passionate about introducing kids to new ingredients and exploring new tastes in the kitchen?
  • Do you have a love for food and want to lead cooking classes for children using our kid-tested and approved recipes?

If so, please read on and consider joining us in the kitchen!

Our instructors bring the kitchen to the kids with our cooking kit that contains all the necessary equipment and tools. SFC SEATTLE EASTSIDE LLC dba Sticky Fingers Cooking® provides paid hands-on training and individualized support.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Availability at least 2 days a week (Monday - Friday, between 2-5pm)
  • Commitment to teaching full sessions (ranging from 4-12 weeks)
  • Washington Food Worker Card (can obtain before teaching)
  • Ability to manage and engage a group of 8-14 children with diverse backgrounds and academic levels
  • Upon hire, employees will be required to pass a fingerprint background check
  • Access to reliable transportation
  • Ability to communicate with our team in a timely manner
  • Punctual and reliable
  • No professional cooking experience required
  • Experience working with kids of varying ages is a plus!

Let's TACO-bout "a day in the life" of a chef instructor

As a part-time chef Instructor, you are the face of our company, getting to interact with children between the ages of 3-18, parents, and school staff each week. You work on-site at different locations in your area, leading hour-long healthy and engaging cooking enrichment classes for students.

Each week, you will use our creative recipes and teach children about new ingredients and healthy foods from all over the world in an engaging and hands-on way. Your organizational skills come into play as your commitment is to review weekly class curricula and prepare for instruction which includes shopping independently for fresh ingredients. You teach basic kitchen skills including washing, cutting, grating, stirring, measuring, nutrition, safety, and more as well as the history, geography, and language behind each recipe.

Kids learn in a dynamic hands-on environment while you provide the direction and encouragement to prepare a new recipe each class. Teach kids healthy food habits that will nourish their bodies and minds for a lifetime.

Our chefs are ONE in a MELON! Meet some of them in this video: https://vimeo.com/492139079

ABOUT STICKY FINGERS COOKING®

Our dedicated, talented and creative team has been busy cultivating 'cool'inary curiosity for thousands of children in online classes, schools, camps, and special events for almost 15 years.

We offer quality enrichment cooking classes before, during, and after school, as well as birthday parties, private cooking classes, and camps for children 3-18 years of age. Sticky Fingers Cooking® also operates in select cities across the country!

Our philosophy is that kids are only impacted if we have great instructors who are passionate about what they do. We attract and retain such amazing instructors by offering great pay, a friendly schedule, all the needed equipment and tools, paid training, individualized support, and FUN!

ARE YOU READY TO JOIN US IN THE KITCHEN?

If you feel that you would be a GRATE fit, please fill out our application. We look forward to meeting you!

SFC Seattle Eastside LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, religion, sex, age, disability, and all other characteristics protected by federal and Washington law, including intersectionality and reproductive health decision-making.


  • Upon hire, employees will be required to pass a fingerprint background check