1

Culinary Instructor Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Culinary Specialist

Madisonville, TN

$28K - $37K/yr

... Instructor duty. Enlist as a Culinary Specialist and complete accession training, with rating assignment and formal schooling sequenced based on service needs; compete for special duty programs ...

Culinary Specialist

Niota, TN

$30K - $40K/yr

... Instructor duty. Enlist as a Culinary Specialist and complete accession training, with rating assignment and formal schooling sequenced based on service needs; compete for special duty programs ...

Culinary Specialist

Huntsville, TN

$31K - $42K/yr

... Instructor duty. Enlist as a Culinary Specialist and complete accession training, with rating assignment and formal schooling sequenced based on service needs; compete for special duty programs ...

Culinary Specialist

Fayetteville, TN

$31K - $42K/yr

... Instructor duty. Enlist as a Culinary Specialist and complete accession training, with rating assignment and formal schooling sequenced based on service needs; compete for special duty programs ...

Culinary Specialist

Knoxville, TN

$33K - $44K/yr

... Instructor duty. Enlist as a Culinary Specialist and complete accession training, with rating assignment and formal schooling sequenced based on service needs; compete for special duty programs ...

Culinary Specialist

Manchester, TN

$29K - $40K/yr

... Instructor duty. Enlist as a Culinary Specialist and complete accession training, with rating assignment and formal schooling sequenced based on service needs; compete for special duty programs ...

Culinary Specialist

Lewisburg, TN

$32K - $43K/yr

... Instructor duty. Enlist as a Culinary Specialist and complete accession training, with rating assignment and formal schooling sequenced based on service needs; compete for special duty programs ...

Culinary Specialist

Loretto, TN

$31K - $42K/yr

... Instructor duty. Enlist as a Culinary Specialist and complete accession training, with rating assignment and formal schooling sequenced based on service needs; compete for special duty programs ...

Culinary Specialist

Milan, TN

$28K - $38K/yr

... Instructor duty. Enlist as a Culinary Specialist and complete accession training, with rating assignment and formal schooling sequenced based on service needs; compete for special duty programs ...

Culinary Specialist

Newport, TN

$29K - $40K/yr

... Instructor duty. Enlist as a Culinary Specialist and complete accession training, with rating assignment and formal schooling sequenced based on service needs; compete for special duty programs ...

Culinary Specialist

Rutledge, TN

$27K - $36K/yr

... Instructor duty. Enlist as a Culinary Specialist and complete accession training, with rating assignment and formal schooling sequenced based on service needs; compete for special duty programs ...

Culinary Specialist

Midtown, TN

$30K - $41K/yr

... Instructor duty. Enlist as a Culinary Specialist and complete accession training, with rating assignment and formal schooling sequenced based on service needs; compete for special duty programs ...

Culinary Specialist

Bristol, TN

$34K - $45K/yr

... Instructor duty. Enlist as a Culinary Specialist and complete accession training, with rating assignment and formal schooling sequenced based on service needs; compete for special duty programs ...

Culinary Specialist

Lawrenceburg, TN

$32K - $44K/yr

... Instructor duty. Enlist as a Culinary Specialist and complete accession training, with rating assignment and formal schooling sequenced based on service needs; compete for special duty programs ...

Culinary Specialist

Riceville, TN

$28K - $37K/yr

... Instructor duty. Enlist as a Culinary Specialist and complete accession training, with rating assignment and formal schooling sequenced based on service needs; compete for special duty programs ...

Culinary Specialist

Ripley, TN

$30K - $41K/yr

... Instructor duty. Enlist as a Culinary Specialist and complete accession training, with rating assignment and formal schooling sequenced based on service needs; compete for special duty programs ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Culinary Instructor information

See Tennessee salary details

$19.5K

$53.3K

$91.7K

How much do culinary instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary instructor in Tennessee is $53,347.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,900.00 and $57,200.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Culinary Instructor jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Culinary Instructor jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Culinary Instructor jobs in Tennessee? For Culinary Instructor jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Culinary Instructor jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Culinary Instructor jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Culinary Instructor jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Culinary Instructor job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Culinary Instructor jobs in TN? For Culinary Instructor jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Culinary Instructor job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,347 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Adjunct Instructor - Culinary Arts

Tennessee Board of Regents

Knoxville, TN

Other

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Adjunct Instructor - Culinary Arts

Apply now Job no: 503488
Work type: Adjunct, Faculty - Part-Time
Location: Knoxville
Categories: Faculty, Adjunct

Title: Adjunct Instructor - Culinary Arts

Required Documents Needed to Upload at Time of Application:
Resume
Unofficial Transcripts

Position Summary: The Pellissippi State Culinary Institute is seeking an experienced and passionate culinary professional to join our team as an Adjunct Culinary Instructor. The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching hands-on culinary courses, guiding students through foundational and advanced cooking techniques, and preparing them for careers in the culinary industry. This position requires an individual with a strong background in culinary arts, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to student success.

Department: Culinary Arts

Duties and Responsibilities:
Teach assigned culinary courses in alignment with the department's curriculum.
Provide instruction on a variety of culinary techniques, including knife skills, cooking methods, and food safety.
Plan and execute class lectures, practical demonstrations, and assessments.
Foster a positive, supportive learning environment that encourages student engagement and growth.
Assess student performance, provide constructive feedback, and offer mentorship and guidance.
Maintain a professional kitchen environment, ensuring safety and cleanliness standards are upheld.
Collaborate with full-time faculty and staff to continuously improve course offerings.
Stay current on culinary trends and industry best practices.
Assist culinary staff in planning and execution of off-site catering events

This position requires the ability to stand, walk, sit, manipulate kitchen instruments with the hands, operate a variety of kitchen equipment, and generally be mobile 100% of the time while on and between campuses. The position requires the ability to lift bulk food products and equipment or supplies (which could include items weighing up to 50 pounds).

This position requires the ability to hear. In a relatively noisy kitchen environment, this position must be able to hear a student who has injured him/herself and requires immediate medical attention. The position requires the ability to communicate orally with others in the English language and to understand responses given.

This position requires visual acuity. In an active kitchen with multiple students engaged in different tasks, this position must be able to observe and stop any activity that is potentially dangerous or poses a risk to health and safety.

The position requires the ability to determine if food items are prepared properly (appealing to the eye of a customer or judge) or fit to be used (not spoiled or rotten). The position must be able to visually judge student work effectively.
This position requires the ability to tolerate frequent temperature shifts (frozen to extreme heat), ability to drive a vehicle, and work both indoors and outdoors. The work environment is usually either a commercial kitchen or a classroom.
1. Planning and teaching classes as assigned and as outlined in the course descriptions and course syllabi.
2. Supervising the study and learning activities of students assigned.
3. Submitting requests through the department head, program coordinator, or lead teacher for equipment, supplies, textbooks, and other instructional aids.
4. Evaluating the academic progress of students.
5. Demonstrating knowledge of services, regulations, and procedures as defined in the Adjunct Faculty Handbook.
6. Submitting course grades and performing other administrative duties as required.
7. Scheduling two office hours. For extenuating circumstances in which office hours cannot be scheduled, the adjunct faculty member must submit a written plan to the Dean describing how students can access the instructor. Office hours are not paid during the summer session.

Required Qualifications:

Associate's degree or higher in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, or related field, or equivalent industry experience.
Minimum of 4 years of experience in the culinary industry, including experience in kitchen management and food preparation.
Teaching experience at the college level preferred, but not required.
Strong communication and organizational skills.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Ability to withstand 10 plus hours on your feet
Current ServSafe certification (or equivalent food safety certification) preferred.
Passion for teaching and mentoring students pursuing careers in the culinary arts.

Availability/Closing Date: This posting is not a guarantee of an open position. Applications for adjunct faculty positions are accepted continuously and reviewed by the department if openings are available. Adjuncts are hired on an as-needed basis. Future teaching assignments are on a term-by-term basis, which may include fall, spring, and summer. Postings close yearly on January 31; to maintain your application within the system, you will need to re-apply each year.

Special Instructions to Applicants: To be considered for a position at Pellissippi State, you must create an on-line application. Your skills, abilities, qualifications, and years of experience will be evaluated using only what is recorded on your application. Please note: attaching a resume does not substitute for completion of the application form. Part-time work experience is calculated at 50% of full-time experience.

Please note: to scan, upload, or attach documents, a computer and scanner are available at the Hardin Valley Campus Educational Resources Center, if needed.

Pellissippi State Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, disability, age (40+), status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulations and by Tennessee Board of Regents policies concerning all employment and education programs and activities. View the nondiscrimination policy. For questions or concerns, please contact George Underwood at gtunderwood@pstcc.edu or 865-539-7354.

The College reserves the right to assign every employee work that fulfills the strategic priorities and mission of the College


If you have any problems or questions, please contact Pellissippi State Community College's Human Resource Office at 865-694-6607 or by email at recruiting@pstcc.edu.


If you are interested in this position, click on the link to the top "right" to apply.
#mrp

Advertised: 01 Feb 2026 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 31 Jan 2027 Eastern Standard Time

Back to search results Apply now Refer a friend

Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App