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Culinary Arts Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Culinary Arts Instructor

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$20 - $27/hr

The Culinary Arts Instructor will be responsible for leading culinary arts programs After School Matters' spring session. The start date for this position will be January 13, 2026 and the end date ...

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Culinary Arts Instructor information

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$16K

$66.5K

$219K

How much do culinary arts instructor jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary arts instructor in the United States is $66,503.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $64,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Culinary Arts Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Culinary Arts Instructor, you need advanced culinary expertise, teaching skills, and typically a degree or certification from a recognized culinary institution. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food safety standards (like ServSafe certification), and curriculum development tools is essential. Strong communication, patience, and leadership abilities help engage students and foster a positive learning environment. These skills ensure effective teaching, student success, and adherence to industry standards in culinary education.

What are some of the main challenges Culinary Arts Instructors face when teaching students with varying skill levels?

Culinary Arts Instructors often work with students who have diverse backgrounds and varying levels of kitchen experience. One of the main challenges is creating lesson plans that are engaging and accessible for beginners, while still providing depth and advanced techniques for more experienced students. Balancing hands-on practice with theoretical knowledge, fostering teamwork in the kitchen, and ensuring safety and sanitation standards are consistently upheld also require careful attention. Instructors must adapt their teaching methods and offer individualized feedback to help every student succeed.

What are Culinary Arts Instructors?

Culinary Arts Instructors are professionals who teach students the techniques and principles of cooking, baking, and food preparation. They work in culinary schools, community colleges, or vocational programs, guiding students through hands-on practice and classroom instruction. In addition to teaching cooking skills, they may also cover topics such as food safety, nutrition, and kitchen management. Culinary Arts Instructors often draw on their own professional experience in the culinary industry to prepare students for a range of food service careers.

What is the difference between Culinary Arts Instructor vs Pastry Chef?

AspectCulinary Arts InstructorPastry Chef
CredentialsCooking certifications, culinary degreesPastry-specific training, culinary degrees
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, culinary schoolsRestaurants, bakeries, hotels
Industry UsageTeaching, curriculum developmentFood preparation, menu creation

The Culinary Arts Instructor primarily focuses on teaching culinary skills in educational settings, often requiring teaching credentials and culinary degrees. In contrast, a Pastry Chef specializes in creating baked goods and desserts in professional kitchens. While both roles require culinary expertise, their work environments and daily responsibilities differ significantly, with instructors emphasizing education and pastry chefs focusing on food production and creativity.

More about Culinary Arts Instructor jobs
What cities are hiring for Culinary Arts Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Culinary Arts Instructor job openings:
What states have the most Culinary Arts Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Culinary Arts Instructor jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Culinary Arts Instructor jobs? For Culinary Arts Instructor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Culinary Arts Instructor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 29% Full Time, 58% Part Time, and 13% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $66,503 per year, or $32 per hour.
Culinary Arts Instructor

Culinary Arts Instructor

YMCA of Greater Kansas City

Tacoma, WA โ€ข On-site

$17.13 - $19.80/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is seeking a Culinary Arts Instructor to join our team.
The YMCAfocuses on empowering people in all forms, by improving health and well-being and inspiring action in and across our neighborhoods.
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading non-profit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
The Culinary Arts Instructor provides direct leadership, instruction and motivation for program participants in culinary arts classes, creating a quality experience for students and parents focused on YMCA core values: honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring.
As the program is in its beginning stages of growth and development, the Culinary Arts Instructor will need to be creative and willing to help with ideas for new and innovative culinary classes, curriculum building, lesson plan preparation, member communication, and marketing.
Key Responsibilities
  • Share your passion for culinary arts with others.
  • Provide direct leadership, Instruction and motivation for program participants.
  • Work with the Program Director to develop lesson plans with a natural progression that relate to the abilities and age ranges of the classes being taught including the 5-2-1-0 plan.
  • Fine tune your skills as an instructor by teaching and demonstrating sound culinary principles and techniques.

Are you a good fit?
  • You are committed to valuing and promoting diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
  • You have 5 years of technical culinary arts training.
  • You have 1-2 years of experience in culinary arts as a teacher and/or teaching assistant.
  • You are able to instruct beginning and intermediate level classes.
  • You are excited to teach culinary arts classes for ages preschool through adult.
  • You have a current food handler permit or will have by the first day.
  • Able and willing to complete Child Abuse Prevention training and other online or in-person training as required.
  • Must be able to pass Background and Reference checks (in accordance with the WA State Fair Chance Act).

Wages:$17.13 - $19.80/hour (Compensation is determined based on relevant experience, skills, and qualifications, with most new hires starting between the minimum and midpoint of the posted wage range)
Hours: Part-Time, Up to 25 hours per week
Location: Pearl Street Family YMCA, Tacoma, WA
Benefits:
All YMCA Employees receive the below benefits:
  • A Personal YMCA membership and YMCA360 virtual streaming membership
  • Flexible scheduling around school and extracurricular activities Paid Sick Leave accrued at 1.23 hours for every 40 hours worked per year
  • Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), Digital mental health counseling platform, Wellness program, and LifeMart employee discount center
  • Professional training, education, and certification opportunities
  • 20% discount on YMCA programs, childcare services and merchandise

Part-Time employees who work more than 20 hrs./week are eligible for the below voluntary benefit options:
  • HealthiestYou: by Teladoc (24/7 virtual general medical care access for non-emergency conditions)
  • Willamette Dental Plan
  • VSP Vision Plan

Ignite your Passion, Live the Y Cause, and Join our Team. To apply visit our website at www.ymcapkc.org
The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is committed to diversity and inclusion throughout our organization and is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Women/Minority/Veteran/Disabled