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Culinary Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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Culinary Chef information

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How much do culinary chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary chef in the United States is $18.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

A Culinary Chef needs expert knowledge of cooking techniques, food safety regulations, and menu planning, often supported by a culinary arts degree or professional certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and specialized culinary tools is typically required. Creativity, time management, and leadership are crucial soft skills that help chefs excel in high-pressure kitchen environments. These skills ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality dishes, efficient kitchen operations, and effective team coordination.

What jobs can I get with culinary?

With a culinary background, you can pursue roles such as chef, sous chef, pastry chef, line cook, kitchen manager, or culinary instructor. These jobs typically require cooking skills, food safety knowledge, and sometimes certifications like ServSafe, and may involve working in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, or culinary schools.

What are some common challenges Culinary Chefs face when managing a kitchen team?

Culinary Chefs often encounter challenges such as coordinating a diverse team with varying skill levels, handling high-pressure situations during peak service hours, and ensuring consistent quality across all dishes. Effective communication and leadership are essential to delegate tasks, resolve conflicts, and maintain a positive work environment. Successful chefs also need to adapt quickly to last-minute changes, such as special dietary requests or ingredient shortages, all while upholding safety and sanitation standards.

What is the difference between Culinary Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectCulinary ChefLine Cook
CredentialsFormal culinary training or certification often preferredBasic culinary skills, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentKitchen management, menu planning, overseeing kitchen staffPreparing specific dishes on the kitchen line
Industry UsageLeads kitchen operations, develops recipesExecutes dishes as per instructions
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in culinary settingsLearning about entry-level or specialized kitchen positions

The main difference between a Culinary Chef and a Line Cook is that a Culinary Chef typically has leadership responsibilities, menu planning, and more extensive culinary training, while a Line Cook focuses on preparing specific dishes on the kitchen line under supervision. Culinary Chefs oversee kitchen operations, whereas Line Cooks execute dishes as part of a team. Both roles are essential in the culinary industry but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What's the highest paying culinary job?

The highest paying culinary jobs are often executive chef or culinary director roles in high-end restaurants, hotels, or resort chains, with salaries exceeding six figures. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often advanced certifications or culinary degrees.

What is the highest paying type of chef?

Executive chefs, also known as head chefs or master chefs, tend to be the highest paid in the culinary industry, often earning six-figure salaries. Specialized roles such as pastry chefs, sushi chefs, or chefs with advanced certifications and extensive experience in high-end restaurants can also command high wages. Salary levels depend on location, establishment size, and individual expertise.

What does a culinary chef do?

A culinary chef plans, prepares, and cooks food in restaurants, hotels, or other food service establishments. They oversee kitchen operations, develop menus, ensure food quality and safety, and may manage kitchen staff. Strong cooking skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and creativity are essential for this role.
More about Culinary Chef jobs
What cities are hiring for Culinary Chef jobs? Cities with the most Culinary Chef job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Culinary Chef jobs? The top employers for Culinary Chef jobs are:
What states have the most Culinary Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for Culinary Chef jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Culinary Chef jobs? For Culinary Chef jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Culinary Chef job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,501 per year, or $18 per hour.
Culinary Chef Instructor

Culinary Chef Instructor

The Culinary Institute of America

Hyde Park, NY โ€ข On-site

$75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

The anticipated hiring salary for this position is $75,000. This salary range is for Lecturing Instructors.ย  Individuals with higher academic qualifications which would merit a higher academic rank may be eligible for a higher salary.ย  Hiring offers will be determined based on the final candidateโ€™s qualifications and experience.ย  The recruiter can share more information about what the anticipated hiring salary would be based upon your specific qualifications during the selection process.ย 

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, Instituteโ€™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:

  • Associateโ€™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).
  • Bachelorโ€™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.
ย 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).