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Culinary Chef Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CIA

Culinary Chef Instructor

Hyde Park, NY · On-site

$75K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) Chef Instructor is responsible for teaching students, in the classroom and kitchen lab environments, developing curriculum, conducting ...

CIA

Culinary Chef Instructor

Saint Helena, CA · On-site

$98K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) Chef Instructor is responsible for teaching students, in the classroom and kitchen lab environments, developing curriculum, conducting ...

CocuSocial

Recreational Chef Instructor

Houston, TX · On-site

CocuSocial is one of the premiere culinary experience providers in the US. As a minority founded ... Our team of Chef Instructors based in 26 different cities across the U.S. and the variety of ...

CocuSocial

Recreational Chef Instructor

Sacramento, CA · On-site

CocuSocial is one of the premiere culinary experience providers in the US. As a minority founded ... Our team of Chef Instructors based in 26 different cities across the U.S. and the variety of ...

CocuSocial

Recreational Chef Instructor

Houston, TX · On-site

CocuSocial is one of the premiere culinary experience providers in the US. As a minority founded ... Our team of Chef Instructors based in 26 different cities across the U.S. and the variety of ...

CocuSocial

Recreational Chef Instructor

Houston, TX

CocuSocial is one of the premiere culinary experience providers in the US. As a minority founded ... Our team of Chef Instructors based in 26 different cities across the U.S. and the variety of ...

CocuSocial

Recreational Chef Instructor

Boston, MA · On-site

CocuSocial is one of the premiere culinary experience providers in the US. As a minority founded ... Our team of Chef Instructors based in 26 different cities across the U.S. and the variety of ...

CocuSocial

Recreational Chef Instructor

Miami, FL · On-site

CocuSocial is one of the premiere culinary experience providers in the US. As a minority founded ... Our team of Chef Instructors based in 26 different cities across the U.S. and the variety of ...

CocuSocial

Recreational Chef Instructor

Denver, CO · On-site

CocuSocial is one of the premiere culinary experience providers in the US. As a minority founded ... Our team of Chef Instructors based in 26 different cities across the U.S. and the variety of ...

CocuSocial

Recreational Chef Instructor

Boston, MA

CocuSocial is one of the premiere culinary experience providers in the US. As a minority founded ... Our team of Chef Instructors based in 26 different cities across the U.S. and the variety of ...

CocuSocial

Recreational Chef Instructor

Miami, FL

CocuSocial is one of the premiere culinary experience providers in the US. As a minority founded ... Our team of Chef Instructors based in 26 different cities across the U.S. and the variety of ...

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How much do culinary chef instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary chef instructor in the United States is $22.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Culinary Chef Instructors face in balancing teaching and kitchen management responsibilities?

Culinary Chef Instructors often juggle the dual responsibilities of teaching students and managing the operational aspects of a teaching kitchen. Challenges can include ensuring lessons are engaging while maintaining kitchen safety, adapting teaching methods to accommodate students with varying skill levels, and keeping up with curriculum updates as industry trends evolve. Additionally, Chef Instructors may need to coordinate with other faculty and staff to schedule classes, manage inventory, and support student events, making strong organizational and communication skills essential for success.

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

To thrive as a Culinary Chef Instructor, you need advanced culinary skills, expertise in various cuisines, a culinary degree, and professional kitchen experience, often supported by certifications such as ServSafe or a Certified Executive Chef credential. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, recipe management systems, and instructional technology is typically required. Strong communication, patience, leadership, and the ability to inspire and mentor students are standout soft skills for this role. These skills are crucial for effectively transferring knowledge, maintaining kitchen safety, and fostering a positive learning environment.

What are Culinary Chef Instructors?

Culinary Chef Instructors are experienced culinary professionals who teach cooking techniques, food preparation, kitchen safety, and culinary theory to students in schools, colleges, or cooking classes. They develop lesson plans, demonstrate recipes, and oversee hands-on practice in a teaching kitchen. Chef instructors also evaluate student performance and provide feedback to help them improve their culinary skills. Their goal is to prepare students for careers in the food industry or to enhance their cooking knowledge for personal growth.

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

AspectCulinary Chef InstructorPastry Chef
CredentialsCooking certifications, culinary degreesPastry arts certifications, culinary degrees
Work EnvironmentCooking schools, culinary institutesBakery, pastry shops, restaurants
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, culinary schoolsRestaurants, bakeries, hotels
Search & Comparison IntentTeaching, training, culinary educationPastry making, baking, dessert creation

The main difference between a Culinary Chef Instructor and a Pastry Chef lies in their primary focus. A Culinary Chef Instructor specializes in teaching cooking techniques and culinary skills in educational settings, often holding certifications and degrees in culinary arts. In contrast, a Pastry Chef focuses on creating baked goods and desserts, working mainly in bakeries, restaurants, or hotels. Both roles require culinary expertise, but their work environments and career goals differ significantly.

More about Culinary Chef Instructor jobs
What states have the most Culinary Chef Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Culinary Chef Instructor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Culinary Chef Instructor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Culinary Chef Instructor jobs are:
Culinary Chef Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Culinary Chef Instructor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 39% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,109 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Culinary Chef Instructor

The Culinary Institute of America

Hyde Park, NY • On-site

$75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

The anticipated hiring salary for this position is $75,000. This salary range is for Lecturing Instructors. Individuals with higher academic qualifications which would merit a higher academic rank may be eligible for a higher salary. Hiring offers will be determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience. The recruiter can share more information about what the anticipated hiring salary would be based upon your specific qualifications during the selection process.
The CIA offers a substantial benefits package that includes medical coverage available at no cost to qualifying employees, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, short and long term disability insurance, retirement savings plan with high employer contributions, a generous paid time off program, and more!
As the benefits package at the CIA results in a significant value above the base hiring salary for this position, we encourage you to apply so that our recruiters can share more information with you about the benefits of working for the CIA.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) Chef Instructor is responsible for teaching students, in the classroom and kitchen lab environments, developing curriculum, conducting research, and contributing to the intellectual property of the college, all while maintaining a high standard of professionalism.
The responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to: preparing lesson plans, teaching, and evaluating students, preparing and revising course guides and other educational materials, and assessing degree program learning outcomes.
All faculty members are responsible to advise students on academics, to provide professional advice for students pursuing careers in the foodservice industry, maintain office hours (outside of class time), and to assist students who have difficulty with studies.
Faculty are expected to contribute to the overall operation of the college, honor college policies and procedures, and to support the mission of the Institute, by acting as Ambassadors of the Culinary Institute of America.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Prepare daily instructional lesson plans based upon agreed upon curriculum and instruct in a manner consistent with the philosophy, policies, and guidelines of the college.
  • Assess the learning outcomes listed in the course guide or syllabus of the class(es).
  • Instruct lectures and hands-on classes on-campus, off-campus, or remotely, to a standard consistent with the professional standards of the Culinary Institute of America.
  • Work individually as an advisor for students who may need extra help, who have questions about course information, who want career guidance, or who need assistance in their studies.
  • Provide regular and constructive feedback to students in an objective, consistent, criteria, manner; evaluate and document student performance using established methods, rubrics, and criteria; file course grades consistently and without prejudice.
  • Collaborate with colleagues, to prepare, review, and revise course guides, syllabi, and appropriate curriculum materials for courses offered at the Institute, and any other educational materials required.
  • Conduct travel and/or off-campus business related activities instruction, food preparation, and table service in an exemplary manner consistent with the professional standards of the Institute, and within budgetary limits.
  • Teach assigned courses following the schedule and curriculum provided for each course.
  • In culinary, baking, or pastry arts classes (degree programs or continuing education), supervise students in preparing quality food within Institute guidelines.
  • Enforce sanitation principles (appropriate to particular teaching assignment), attendance policies, Institute's Professionalism, Uniform, and Hygiene Policy, and other academic policies.
  • Assume responsibility for equipment and facilities of the kitchen, bakeshop, pastry shop, dining room, or classrooms.
  • Stay abreast of new developments in the foodservice and hospitality industries; plan on an annual basis professional development; and strive to accomplish the goals set out in the formal annual plan.
  • Support the mission and policies of the Institute as well as the overall strategic direction of the Department of Continuing Education.
  • Contribute to the growth of the college by serving on committees or task forces, assisting with visitors, recommending students and potential employees, and displaying hospitality.
  • Develop menus, planning documents and organizational plans for conferences, retreats and any other event as required.
  • Any and all other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
  • Associate's Degree or equivalent required in the field of Culinary Arts, Foodservice Management, Hospitality, or a related field.

Experience:
  • Minimum seven (7) years industry post-graduate recent experience.
  • At least three (3) years of supervisory experience with both management and line level employees.
  • Proven track record showing a steady progression of skill level, increased levels of responsibility, and personal career oriented professional development chef and/or instructor in culinary education.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Relevant work experience in one or more of the following areas volume food service, fine dining, multi-unit restaurant operations, and menu research and development (R&D).
  • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in the field of Culinary Arts, Foodservice Management, Hospitality, Education, or a related field.

REQUIRED SKILLS
  • High level of proficiency in hands-on culinary techniques.
  • Must have an excellent and welcoming presence in front of guests and employees. Moderate to strong presentation skills are required.
  • Strong interpersonal skills; excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to effectively work with multiple teams across the organization to respond to business needs.
  • Ability to work independently or in a team environment and maintain collaborative relationships with all members of faculty and administration.
  • Ability to use sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive student issues with confidentiality and discretion.
  • Excellent written, verbal communication, and presentation skills required.
  • Strong computer experience, which must include abilities to work effectively with Microsoft Office suite products, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
  • Strong customer service skills.
  • Moderate to strong organizational skills, detail oriented and thorough.

WORKING CONDITIONS
  • Must have the ability to lift fifty (50) pounds on a frequent basis.
  • Must be able to stand for extended periods of time in a typical kitchen environment.
  • Must be able to perform hands-on demonstrations of culinary techniques and correct use of equipment.
  • Must have the ability to be exposed to common cleaning agents and chemicals associated with food safety and kitchen sanitation.
  • Must have the ability to be exposed to lower-than-average temperatures of approximately 48-degrees Fahrenheit to 54-degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods of time.

Application Materials Required:
  • Cover Letter
  • Resume

Submissions without these documents will not be reviewed by the search committee.
The CIA does not have a traditional faculty tenure system per se; however, following a successful 3-year probationary period, appointments are considered ongoing, and faculty are eligible to apply for promotions in academic rank, subject to standard employment terms and conditions and the collective bargaining agreement (if any).
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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