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Culinary Apprentice Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Prep Cook

Mission, KS · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Culinary apprenticeship or training preferred. * Food Services Sanitation Certificate. * If having a direct impact on the lives of others is appealing to you, apply today and join our team! EOE D/V

Culinary Apprentice information

See Kansas salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do culinary apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary apprentice in Kansas is $14.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.45 and $17.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a culinary apprentice?

Culinary apprentices are individuals who are learning the skills and techniques required to work in a professional kitchen, typically under the guidance of experienced chefs. They combine hands-on training with classroom instruction to gain a comprehensive understanding of cooking methods, food safety, and kitchen operations. Culinary apprenticeships are often part of formal programs that may lead to certification or qualifications recognized in the culinary industry. This role is ideal for those who want to gain practical experience while learning the trade. Apprentices may rotate through different kitchen stations, assisting with food preparation, cooking, and plating, while gradually taking on more responsibility.

What does a culinary apprentice do?

As a Culinary Apprentice, you can expect a hands-on learning experience that includes assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting chefs with various cooking and plating tasks. You'll likely rotate through different kitchen stations to gain exposure to a range of culinary techniques and cuisines. Apprentices are often responsible for ingredient measuring, chopping, and basic cooking, as well as learning proper food safety standards. Collaboration with chefs and other kitchen staff is key, and you'll receive ongoing feedback to help you develop your culinary skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a culinary apprentice?

To thrive as a Culinary Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and a passion for learning, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, knife skills, and sometimes completion of a food handler certification are important for this role. Attention to detail, strong work ethic, teamwork, and the ability to take direction help apprentices excel in fast-paced kitchen environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for building foundational culinary techniques, ensuring safety, and supporting efficient kitchen operations.

What is the difference between Culinary Apprentice vs Culinary Intern?

AspectCulinary ApprenticeCulinary Intern
CredentialsOften requires basic culinary training or certificationMay have limited or no formal credentials, often students
Work EnvironmentApprentices work in professional kitchens, learning hands-on skillsInterns may assist in kitchens or food service settings, focusing on observation and learning
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in culinary schools, restaurants, hotelsTypically found in hospitality or food service programs, internships
Search & Comparison IntentPeople seeking entry-level culinary training or apprenticeshipsIndividuals exploring internship opportunities in culinary fields

In summary, a Culinary Apprentice is usually engaged in structured training with hands-on experience, often requiring some certification, while a Culinary Intern generally focuses on observational learning, often as part of an educational program. Both roles serve as entry points into the culinary industry but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary jobs in Kansas?

The most popular types of Culinary jobs in Kansas are:

What are popular job titles related to Culinary Apprentice jobs in Kansas?

For Culinary Apprentice jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Culinary Apprentice jobs in Kansas look for?

The top searched job categories for Culinary Apprentice jobs in Kansas are:

What cities in Kansas are hiring for Culinary Apprentice jobs?

Cities in Kansas with the most Culinary Apprentice job openings:

Infographic showing various Culinary Apprentice job openings in Kansas 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 $30,356 per year, or $14.6 per hour.

Teacher Culinary Arts

Topeka, KS • On-site

Topeka Public Schools
1 - 5K employees

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Topeka Public Schools rating

4.2

Company rating: 4.2 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Title: Culinary Arts Instructor

Reports to: Principal, Topeka Center for Advanced Learning and Careers

Position Purpose:

The Culinary Arts Instructor provides a learning environment for students to practice and develop skills in making a wide variety of baked goods using traditional and modern techniques. The instructor will support students in the practice and development of these skills within a broader culinary environment. Additionally, the instructor will teach students introductory and advanced pastry culinary courses. The instructor will train the students to become chefs and foodservice professionals, as well as employ business management practices per industry standards.

The instructor demonstrates a commitment to learning for all students by maintaining a learning environment where students are encouraged to ask questions while they are actively involved in the learning process. The instructor uses a variety of instructional strategies that are reflective of current best practices. The instructor must be able to effectively instruct/communicate this knowledge, so that students will acquire practical, relevant, and real-world baking skills.

Qualifications:

  • Kansas Career and Technical Education (CTE) Specialized Certificate

  • Ability to apply for Industry Recognized Certification

  • Five years of full-time work experience in the profession

  • Kansas Teaching License 7-12 (preferred)

  • Endorsements: Family and Consumer Science, Home Economics, Home Economics Vocational State Approved Program or Vocational Home Economics

  • Two or more years of industry supervisory experience

  • Strong teaching background

  • Skilled in food preparation, structure and workflow of a kitchen, culinary facilities, supplies, equipment, and safety and sanitation guidelines

  • Effective planning, organization, written and verbal communication skills

Physical/Emotional Requirements: (The incumbent may be required to use the skills and abilities outlined below during any part of the working day.) While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk, and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Performance Responsibilities:

  • Instructs students in the art of cooking, food presentation and food service, as well as health and safety protocols

  • Maintains certification in ServSafe, and is able to teach and certify students

  • Develops instructional plans which allow for hands-on participation from the students so that they develop a firmer understanding of the practice

  • Modifies instruction, as needed, to meet the needs of all participants

  • Knowledge in food preparation and the components of the foods which provide nutrition

  • Knowledgeable about fat, calories, proteins, vitamins, and other nutrients in food

  • Monitors and assesses the progress of students by using formal and informal assessments

  • Maintains complete and accurate student academic and attendance records

  • Communicates relevant, real-world experiences to the students

  • Works with staff and post-secondary institutions to develop and maintain career pathways which prepare students for apprenticeship, licensure, community college, or university degree programs

  • Demonstrates knowledge and implements a hands-on approach to critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed for current and future food service industry employment standards

  • Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with students, parents, and staff

  • Maintains confidentiality

  • Performs other tasks and assumes other responsibilities as the superintendent, principal, or designee may assign

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Salary and work year to be determined by Board of Education.

EVALUATION:

Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy on evaluation of certified staff.


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