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Culinary Instructor Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Culinary Assistant We are seeking a Culinary Assistant to support the kitchen, dining room, dish room, and related areas under the direction of the Culinary Coordinator. This role ensures a high ...

Culinary Assistant We are seeking a Culinary Assistant to support the kitchen, dining room, dish room, and related areas under the direction of the Culinary Coordinator. This role ensures a high ...

Culinary Assistant We are seeking a Culinary Assistant to support the kitchen, dining room, dish room, and related areas under the direction of the Culinary Coordinator. This role ensures a high ...

Culinary Assistant We are seeking a Culinary Assistant to support the kitchen, dining room, dish room, and related areas under the direction of the Culinary Coordinator. This role ensures a high ...

Join WesleyLife and Help Revolutionize the Aging Experience! Discover how WesleyLife is redefining what it means to age well: The WesleyLife Way Why Work at WesleyLife? At WesleyLife, we're not just ...

Join WesleyLife and Help Revolutionize the Aging Experience! Discover how WesleyLife is redefining what it means to age well: The WesleyLife Way Why Work at WesleyLife? At WesleyLife, we're not just ...

Join WesleyLife and Help Revolutionize the Aging Experience! Discover how WesleyLife is redefining what it means to age well: The WesleyLife Way Why Work at WesleyLife? At WesleyLife, we're not just ...

Join WesleyLife and Help Revolutionize the Aging Experience! Discover how WesleyLife is redefining what it means to age well: The WesleyLife Way Why Work at WesleyLife? At WesleyLife, we're not just ...

Executive Sous Chef Experienced culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced hospitality environment and enjoys leading teams that create memorable guest experiences? The Hyatt Regency Coralville ...

Executive Sous Chef

Coralville, IA ยท On-site

$60K/yr

Executive Sous Chef Experienced culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced hospitality environment and enjoys leading teams that create memorable guest experiences? The Hyatt Regency Coralville ...

Showing results 21-40

Culinary Instructor information

See Iowa salary details

$20.2K

$55.2K

$94.9K

How much do culinary instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary instructor in Iowa is $55,207.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,300.00 and $59,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a culinary instructor do?

A Culinary Instructor teaches students about cooking techniques, food safety, kitchen equipment, and various cuisines. They develop lesson plans, demonstrate recipes, and oversee hands-on practice to help students build practical culinary skills. Culinary Instructors may work in culinary schools, community colleges, or private cooking classes, and they often assess students' progress through exams or practical evaluations. Their goal is to prepare students for careers in the culinary industry or to improve their cooking abilities for personal use.

What is the difference between Culinary Instructor vs Pastry Chef?

AspectCulinary InstructorPastry Chef
CredentialsCooking certifications, culinary degreesPastry arts certifications, culinary degrees
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, culinary schoolsRestaurants, bakeries, hotels
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, culinary schoolsFood service industry, hospitality
Primary FocusTeaching cooking techniques and recipesCreating and preparing baked goods and desserts

While both Culinary Instructors and Pastry Chefs have culinary expertise and certifications, Culinary Instructors focus on teaching cooking skills in educational settings, whereas Pastry Chefs specialize in baking and pastry creation in commercial kitchens. Their work environments and primary responsibilities differ, but both roles require strong culinary knowledge and passion for food.

What are some common challenges culinary instructors face when teaching diverse groups of students?

Culinary Instructors often teach students with varying skill levels, cultural backgrounds, and learning styles, which can make it challenging to ensure everyone keeps pace and feels included. Balancing hands-on instruction with classroom theory, maintaining kitchen safety, and managing time effectively during practical sessions are frequent hurdles. Additionally, adapting teaching methods to engage both beginners and advanced students requires flexibility and creativity. Successful instructors foster an inclusive, supportive learning environment while maintaining high standards and encouraging teamwork.

What is a culinary instructor?

As a culinary instructor, also called a chef instructor, you often teach in culinary arts programs where students train to work in professional kitchens. Your job duties as a culinary educator include preparing lesson plans and demonstrating cooking techniques. You supervise students as they practice their new skills and provide feedback on their execution. As a culinary instructor, you may teach general skills courses or specialized classes like butchery, sauces, or classes on regional cuisines. As students advance, you help cultivate professionalism in your students and help them prepare to work in the industry.

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

To thrive as a Culinary Instructor, you need advanced culinary expertise, teaching experience, and often a degree or certification from a culinary school. Familiarity with industry-standard kitchen equipment, food safety regulations, and learning management systems is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to inspire and mentor students are vital soft skills in this role. These skills ensure high-quality instruction, safe kitchen practices, and effective student engagement, which are crucial for student success and program reputation.
What job categories do people searching Culinary Instructor jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Culinary Instructor jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Culinary Instructor jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Culinary Instructor job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Culinary Instructor jobs in IA? For Culinary Instructor jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Culinary Instructor job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 89% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,207 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

Culinary Assistant

Arlington Place at Grundy Center

Grundy Center, IA โ€ข On-site

Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Culinary Assistant
We are seeking a Culinary Assistant to support the kitchen, dining room, dish room, and related areas under the direction of the Culinary Coordinator. This role ensures a high-quality dining experience for residents while maintaining cleanliness, food safety, and regulatory compliance.
What You'll Do
  • Prepare and set up the dining room for meals; serve residents and transport food to other dining areas.
  • Set and clear tables, wash dishes, and clean kitchen and dining spaces according to schedules.
  • Maintain proper sanitation and hygiene practices, including use of PPE and compliance with hair covering and hand protection regulations.
  • Report unsafe conditions and respond appropriately to alarms or emergency situations.
  • Participate in staff meetings, bi-weekly in-services, and food service safety committees.
  • Assist with scheduled activities and special events as requested.
  • Complete incident reports, work orders, and uphold confidentiality of residents and coworkers per HIPAA.
  • Follow all Policies & Procedures and comply with state regulations applicable to assisted living.
What We're Looking For
  • High school student (14+) currently working toward a diploma; preference for high school graduates or GED holders. Must comply with state employment regulations.
  • Good communication, organizational, and listening skills.
  • Calm, friendly demeanor with patience and flexibility.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
  • Basic problem-solving skills and willingness to accept supervision.
  • Preferred experience in elderly care or hospitality settings.
The Perks That Matter:
  • Competitive salary and bonus opportunities
  • Health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
  • 401(k) with match
  • Paid time off and flexible hours
  • Employee assistance program and on-demand pay
  • Career growth in a fast-growing company
About Jaybird Senior Living
We provide seniors with the exceptional care they deserve, in an extraordinary living environment. Our communities offer seniors the freedom to enjoy each day as they see fit, with the right level of care and support; helping them approach life with renewed confidence and purpose.
Since 2004, we've created a culture where our staff can innovate and grow - while our residents thrive and their families enjoy peace of mind.
The Minnesota Equal Pay for Equal Work Act requires employers in the state of Minnesota to disclose the following information. If the position applied to is not located in Minnesota, the following information may not apply. The base range represents the low and high end of the pay range for this position. Actual pay will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range listed is just one component of our total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. In addition, we provide a variety of benefits to employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage, disability insurance, 401(k) with match, paid time off (PTO), Flexible hours for better work-life balance, Employee assistance program, on-demand pay.
We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local laws.