ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Culinary Arts Instructor Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

All JobsCulinary Arts Instructor JobsCulinary Arts Instructor Jobs in Detroit, MI

Culinary Arts Instructor information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$15.8K

$65.8K

$216.8K

How much do culinary arts instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary arts instructor in Detroit, MI is $65,835.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,000.00 and $63,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a culinary arts instructor?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a culinary arts instructor?

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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Culinary Arts Instructor jobs in Detroit, MI?

For Culinary Arts Instructor jobs in Detroit, MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Culinary Arts Instructor jobs in Detroit, MI look for?

The top searched job categories for Culinary Arts Instructor jobs in Detroit, MI are:

Culinary Arts Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Culinary Arts Instructor job openings in Detroit, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,835 per year, or $31.7 per hour.

Culinary Arts & Baking Instructor

Inkster, MI • On-site

Zaman International
Non-Profits • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Zaman Internationalexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Position Title: Culinary Arts & Baking Instructor

Department: Workforce Development

Reports To: Program Director

Classification: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

The Culinary Arts & Baking Instructor is responsible for delivering structured classroom and hands-on instruction in Culinary Arts and Baking while overseeing Department of Labor (DOL) Registered Apprenticeship programs. This role combines professional culinary expertise with strong instructional leadership to equip participants with technical skills, industry certifications, and workforce readiness. The Instructor administers American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) and ServSafe certification exams and ensures compliance with apprenticeship standards and regulatory requirements. All responsibilities are carried out in alignment with Zaman International’s Core Values: Empowerment, Compassion, Integrity, and Excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Develop and deliver structured lesson plans in Culinary Arts and Baking, including cooking techniques, pastry arts, bread production, food safety, knife skills, and plating.
  • Utilize adult learning principles and differentiated instruction strategies to support diverse learners.
  • Create and implement competency-based assessments and maintain accurate grading and attendance records.
  • Integrate job readiness and professional workplace skills into daily instruction, modeling Excellence.
  • Administer and proctor AHLEI and ServSafe certification exams in compliance with testing standards and maintain exam integrity.
  • Oversee Culinary Arts and Baking Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship programs, tracking competencies and required hours.
  • Maintain regulatory compliance documentation with integrity and accuracy.
  • Provide mentorship and individualized support to students, fostering Empowerment and Compassion.
  • Maintain a safe, sanitary, and organized commercial kitchen and baking kitchen in compliance with food safety standards.
  • Manage inventory, equipment maintenance, and collaborate with leadership on continuous program improvement.
Required Qualifications
  • Demonstrated teaching or vocational instructional experience (required).
  • Current ServSafe Manager Certification (required).
  • Minimum 3–5 years of professional culinary and/or baking experience.
  • Experience developing curriculum, lesson plans, and student assessments.
  • Ability to administer and proctor AHLEI and ServSafe exams.
  • Experience overseeing or supporting Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeships.
  • Strong classroom management and organizational skills.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Associate’s degree or higher in Culinary Arts, Baking & Pastry Arts, Hospitality, Education, or related field.
  • Teaching certification or vocational credential.
  • Experience working with adult learners or workforce development programs.
Core Competencies
  • Instructional leadership and curriculum development
  • Apprenticeship compliance management
  • Student mentorship and engagement
  • Regulatory documentation accuracy
  • Commitment to Zaman International’s mission and core values
  • Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds
  • Ability to work in a fast paced agile environment
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to stand for extended periods.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced commercial kitchen environment.