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Culinary Instructor Jobs in Columbus, MS (NOW HIRING)

Culinary Specialist

Carrollton, AL

$31.80K - $42.70K/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

Columbus, MS

$34.20K - $45.90K/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

Macon, MS

$31K - $41.70K/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

Aberdeen, MS

$28.40K - $38.10K/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 Instructor information

See Columbus, MS salary details

$21K

$57.4K

$98.7K

How much do culinary instructor jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary instructor in Columbus, MS is $57,437.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,000.00 and $61,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 popular job titles related to Culinary Instructor jobs in Columbus, MS? For Culinary Instructor jobs in Columbus, MS, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Columbus, MS are hiring for Culinary Instructor jobs? Cities near Columbus, MS with the most Culinary Instructor job openings:
Infographic showing various Culinary Instructor job openings in Columbus, MS as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,437 per year, or $27.6 per hour.
Adjunct Instructors of Culinary Arts (Pool for Culinary Arts Institute)

Adjunct Instructors of Culinary Arts (Pool for Culinary Arts Institute)

Mississippi University for Women

Columbus, MS โ€ข On-site

Part-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Position Justification
Position Information
Position Title
Adjunct Instructors of Culinary Arts (Pool for Culinary Arts Institute)
Unit Name
Culinary Arts Institute
Salary Grade
Faculty
Number of Months
Time-limited
Full-time or Part-time
Part-Time
Hours per week
No more than 10
Annual Salary or Hourly Rate Range
Essential Duties
The Culinary Arts Institute anticipates the need for part-time time-limited, non-tenure track positions. Adjunct instructors may be needed to teach courses in both the kitchen lab environment and online.
Essential Duties Include:
  • Provide high commitment to quality teaching.
  • Commitment to maintaining prompt and regular communication with student population.
  • Other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree - Culinary Arts or related field or Associates degree in Culinary Arts with at least 5 years of industry experience.
  • Master's degree - Hospitality Management, Food Science, Nutrition, Workforce Development, or field related to the development of a skilled culinary workforce.

Preferred:
  • 5 years work experience in culinary industry.
  • 3 years teaching experience in culinary arts or related field.
  • Experience with outreach to community college and high school culinary arts programs.
  • Maintenance of ServSafe certification.

Job Description Summary
The Culinary Arts Institute anticipates the need for part-time time-limited, non-tenure track positions. Adjunct instructors may be needed to teach courses in both the kitchen lab environment and online.
Instructors may teach up to two Culinary courses per semester.
Background Check Statement
Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. However, failure to disclose may disqualify a candidate.
Requisition Detail Information
Requisition Number
FY20249F
Open Date
04/29/2025
Will this job have a specific close date?
No
Close Date
Special Instructions to Applicants