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Culinary Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sodexo Live!

Culinary Supervisor

Chicago, IL

$22 - $23/hr

Culinary Supervisor Location: SHEDD AQUARIUM - 93312001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Sodexo

Culinary Supervisor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22 - $23/hr

Culinary Supervisor Location: #la-location_name Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type ...

Sodexo

Culinary Supervisor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22 - $23/hr

Culinary Supervisor Location: #la-location_name Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type ...

Chick-Fil-A

Culinary Team Member

Algonquin, IL · On-site

$12.50 - $18/hr

Culinary Team Members gain life experience that goes far beyond just serving a great product in a friendly and fun environment. Chick-fil-A is an opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Acxion Foodservice

Culinary R&D Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

You'll lead culinary ideation and product development for key accounts, translate trends into actionable opportunities, and deliver compelling presentations that inspire restaurant partners. As a ...

Topgolf

Culinary Manager

Naperville, IL

Supervise the team in providing best-in-class culinary experiences * Coach and develop the team and drive Associate engagement * Delegate tasks * Demonstrate Topgolf's Core Values: Fun, One Team ...

Bonefish Grill

Culinary Manager

Algonquin, IL · On-site

JOB OVERVIEW As a Restaurant Culinary Manager, you will be responsible for the daily operations of all back-of-the-house functions for your assigned restaurant and for providing nothing but the ...

Bonefish Grill

Culinary Manager

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

JOB OVERVIEW As a Restaurant Culinary Manager, you will be responsible for the daily operations of all back-of-the-house functions for your assigned restaurant and for providing nothing but the ...

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Culinary Instructor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$22.1K

$60.5K

$104K

How much do culinary instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary instructor in Chicago, IL is $60,549.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,300.00 and $64,900.00 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.
More about Culinary Instructor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Culinary Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Culinary Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL? For Culinary Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Culinary Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Culinary Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Culinary Instructor jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Culinary Instructor job openings:
Culinary Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Culinary Instructor job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,549 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

Nutrition Educator/Chef Instructor, Chicago

Common Threads

Chicago, IL • On-site

$20/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Nutrition Educator/Chef Instructor (Chicago)
Common Threads is seeking a passionate and engaging Nutrition Educator to teach hands-on cooking classes and nutrition education to children, caregivers, and families. This role is ideal for a candidate with experience in nutrition education and/or culinary instruction.
Educators serve as the face of Common Threads in schools and community settings, delivering culturally responsive lessons that promote healthy cooking, nutrition literacy, and lifelong healthy habits. Classes are taught both in person and virtually.
This is a part-time, variable-hour position based in Chicago, Illinois, averaging 5-10 hours per week during classes. Some evenings and/or weekends may be required.
Key Responsibilities
  • Teach hands-on cooking and nutrition education classes to PreK-12th grade students, caregivers, families, and teachers.
  • Create a welcoming, inclusive learning environment.
  • Follow Common Threads approved curriculum, lesson plans, and food safety protocols.
  • Demonstrate basic cooking skills and nutrition concepts using fresh, quality ingredients.
  • Complete grocery shopping, lesson preparation, and recipe demonstrations as required.
  • Administer pre- and post-surveys and complete required documentation and paperwork.
  • Communicate professionally with school staff, partner organizations, and Common Threads team members.
  • Manage classrooms of up to 20 participants and support volunteers.
  • Teach classes both in person and online using virtual platforms.

Required Qualifications
  • Experience teaching nutrition education and/or cooking to children and/or adults.
  • Basic knowledge of nutrition and healthy eating.
  • Reliable, organized, and dependable; able to arrive on time and commit to scheduled programs.
  • Flexible, adaptable, and comfortable working in dynamic classroom and community settings.
  • Access to reliable transportation and a valid driver's license.
  • Ability to teach virtual classes with appropriate technology (reliable internet, computer/tablet, camera, mic).
  • Current food service sanitation certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire).
  • Commitment to the mission and values of Common Threads.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Coursework, degree, or experience in nutrition, dietetics, public health, education, or a related field.
  • Culinary school training and/or food industry experience.
  • Experience as a chef instructor, nutrition educator, or cooking teacher.
  • Conversational fluency in English and Spanish; comfortable teaching in both languages.

Compensation & Benefits
  • Cooking Skills & World Cuisine and Family Cooking Classes: $150 per class (approx. 6 hours, including prep and clean-up)
  • Caregiver Workshops: $75 (approx. 2 hours, including prep and clean-up)
  • $20/hour for administrative duties (i.e., training, attending meetings)
  • Chef instructors are Common Threads employees eligible for paid sick time and access to the resources within the Employee Assistance Program.

Additional Information
  • Part-time, variable hours based on program needs.
  • Some evenings and/or weekends may be required.
  • Candidates must reside in or near Chicago, Illinois.
  • Background check required.
  • Position reports to the Senior Partnership Manager - Chicago, Illinois.

Apply