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Culinary Arts Instructor Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Culinary Arts Instructor information

See Portland, OR salary details

$17K

$70.5K

$232.3K

How much do culinary arts instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary arts instructor in Portland, OR is $70,526.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,300.00 and $68,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Culinary Arts Instructor jobs in Portland, OR? For Culinary Arts Instructor jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Culinary Arts Instructor jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Culinary Arts Instructor jobs in Portland, OR are:
Infographic showing various Culinary Arts Instructor job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,785 per year, or $33.1 per hour.

After School Class Instructor

Oregon Episcopal School

Portland, OR • On-site

$25 - $50/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Description
OUR MISSION: Oregon Episcopal School educates students to realize their power for good as engaged citizens of the world.
ABOUT US: Founded in 1869, Oregon Episcopal School today occupies a wooded 59-acre campus where 880 students in Pre-K through 12th Grade share an excellent faculty, an inquiry based curriculum, and a strong sense of community. The Upper School also includes a small boarding program of international and domestic students who live and learn together enhancing the vibrancy of the school community.
The School values employees who seek to continually develop the OES Essential Competencies in themselves and others and are prepared to engage in a vibrant, diverse learning community. Committed to the professional development of our faculty, teachers are guided by the Learning and Teaching at OES faculty growth model.
As an Episcopal school, we are rooted in a rhythm of gathering and reflection that values and respects all beliefs and cultures. As such, we educate toward a larger purpose - toward inclusion and respect, service and justice and commitment beyond ourselves.
The Extension Instructor designs and leads after-school classes in alignment with OES standards and instructional methods. This role encourages curiosity, creativity, and the exploration of ideas and concepts while fostering a love of lifelong learning. In addition to the qualifications listed below, the successful candidate demonstrates strong communication and interpersonal skills, respect for individual differences, and excellent organizational abilities.
Requirements
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
  • Collaborate with Extension staff to design an 8-12 week inquiry-based course in areas such as dance, design, chess, culinary arts, theater, improv, and more.
  • Develop intellectually challenging, creative, and developmentally appropriate classes using research-based practices.
  • Incorporate a variety of instructional approaches, including experiential learning, the cycle of inquiry, conceptual and manipulative-based methods, and reading and writing activities.
  • Create a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for classes of 6-15 students.
  • Promote the responsible, safe, and healthy use of equipment, materials, and the environment.
  • Individualize instruction to educate the whole child.
  • Develop familiarity with frameworks for understanding students' individual strengths, affinities, and challenges.
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues in a spirit of openness and cooperation.
  • Demonstrate kindness, enthusiasm, and a passion for teaching.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • BA/BS in a relevant discipline
  • 2-5 years of teaching experience
  • Intercultural competence and ability to teach diverse groups of students effectively
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact appropriately with students, colleagues, and families
  • Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • MA/MS in a relevant discipline
  • Prior work experience in a school setting (public or independent)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • Commitment to ongoing professional learning and staying current with educational practices
  • Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills
  • Intercultural competence and ability to engage with diverse groups of students and colleagues
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with students, families, and colleagues

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Primarily classroom environment with ability to sit at a computer for moderate periods
  • Ability to lift up to 20 pounds occasionally
  • Sufficient mobility to move around campus and ensure the safety of young children
  • Ability to see, hear, and speak to interact effectively with students, parents, and colleagues

COMPENSATION: $25-$50 per teaching hour, depending on experience.
Job descriptions are reviewed periodically and changes made based on the needs of the school and the position.