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Culinary Instructor Jobs in Des Moines, IA (NOW HIRING)

WesleyLife

Culinary Innovation Specialist

Johnston, IA · On-site

$32K - $44K/yr

Position Summary The Culinary Innovation Specialist will spend 10 weeks immersed in WesleyLife's culinary culture, operations, and innovation efforts. The ideal candidate is a culinary student ...

WesleyLife

Culinary Innovation Specialist

Johnston, IA · On-site

$32K - $44K/yr

Position Summary The Culinary Innovation Specialist will spend 10 weeks immersed in WesleyLife's culinary culture, operations, and innovation efforts. The ideal candidate is a culinary student ...

Edgewater

Culinary Innovation Specialist

Johnston, IA · On-site

$32K - $44K/yr

Position Summary The Culinary Innovation Specialist will spend 10 weeks immersed in WesleyLife's culinary culture, operations, and innovation efforts. The ideal candidate is a culinary student ...

WesleyLife

Culinary Innovation Specialist

Johnston, IA · On-site

$32K - $44K/yr

Position Summary The Culinary Innovation Specialist will spend 10 weeks immersed in WesleyLife's culinary culture, operations, and innovation efforts. The ideal candidate is a culinary student ...

Cassia

Culinary Assistant

Newton, IA · On-site

As a Culinary Assistant at Newton Village , you will gain valuable knowledge and experience by serving meals to our residents, staff, and family members. Mealtimes are a meaningful part of our ...

Cassia

Culinary Assistant

Newton, IA · On-site

As a Culinary Assistant at Newton Village , you will gain valuable knowledge and experience by serving meals to our residents, staff, and family members. Mealtimes are a meaningful part of our ...

Cassia

Culinary Assistant

Boone, IA · On-site

As a Culinary Assistant at Westhaven , you will gain valuable knowledge and experience by serving our residents, employees, and family members' meals. Our Dietary Department is a great group to work ...

Cassia

Culinary Assistant

Boone, IA · On-site

As a Culinary Assistant at Westhaven , you will gain valuable knowledge and experience by serving our residents, employees, and family members' meals. Our Dietary Department is a great group to work ...

Cassia Community

Culinary Assistant

Clive, IA · On-site

$16.53/hr

As a Culinary Assistant at Meadowview of Clive, you will gain valuable knowledge and experience by serving our residents, employees, and family members' meals. Our Dietary Department is a great group ...

Cassia

Culinary Assistant

Clive, IA · On-site

As a Culinary Assistant at Meadowview of Clive , you will gain valuable knowledge and experience by serving our residents, employees, and family members' meals. Our Dietary Department is a great ...

Cassia

Culinary Assistant

Clive, IA · On-site

As a Culinary Assistant at Meadowview of Clive , you will gain valuable knowledge and experience by serving our residents, employees, and family members' meals. Our Dietary Department is a great ...

StoryPoint Group

Executive Chef

Waukee, IA · On-site

$65 - $90/hr

Bachelor's degree or related culinary degree. * Certified Executive Chef preferred. * Minimum four years of industry and culinary management experience. * Must demonstrate proven leadership abilities ...

StoryPoint

Executive Chef

Waukee, IA · On-site

$65 - $85/hr

Bachelor's degree or related culinary degree. * Certified Executive Chef preferred. * Minimum four years of industry and culinary management experience. * Must demonstrate proven leadership abilities ...

Aparium Hotel Group

Executive Chef

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

At Aparium, our culinary teams are expected to hold themselves, the guests, and each other in high regard. You will actively develop trusting and transparent relationships with your peers on the ...

APARIUM HOTEL GROUP

Executive Chef

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$69K - $96K/yr

At Aparium, our culinary teams are expected to hold themselves, the guests, and each other in high regard. You will actively develop trusting and transparent relationships with your peers on the ...

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Culinary Instructor information

See Des Moines, IA salary details

$21K

$57.4K

$98.6K

How much do culinary instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary instructor in Des Moines, IA is $57,362.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,900.00 and $61,500.00 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 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 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 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.

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The top searched job categories for Culinary Instructor jobs in Des Moines, IA are:

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Cities near Des Moines, IA with the most Culinary Instructor job openings:

Culinary Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Culinary Instructor job openings in Des Moines, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,362 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Culinary Innovation Specialist

WesleyLife

Johnston, IA • On-site

$32K - $44K/yr

Part-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

WesleyLife rating

4.6

Company rating: 4.6 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Position Summary

The Culinary Innovation Specialist will spend 10 weeks immersed in WesleyLife's culinary culture, operations, and innovation efforts. The ideal candidate is a culinary student, recent culinary graduate, or emerging culinary professional who is passionate about food innovation, hospitality, nutrition, and improving the dining experience for older adults. This position is designed as a talent pipeline opportunity, with the goal of identifying future culinary team members interested in joining WesleyLife following the completion of the program.

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities 

  • Participate in community tours and culinary immersion experiences. 
  • Research industry-leading adaptive dining and finger-food programs. 
  • Develop creative culinary concepts and recipes. 
  • Conduct recipe testing, tastings, and resident evaluations. 
  • Analyze nutrition, production feasibility, and food costs. 
  • Create standardized recipes and production procedures. 
  • Document culinary innovations. 
  • Gather resident and team member feedback. 
  • Assist in establishing the framework for future WesleyLife culinary internship programs. 
  • Present a final project and recommendations to WesleyLife leadership. 

Education & Experience 

  • Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a Culinary Arts, Hospitality, Food Science, Nutrition, or related program
  • ServSafe Certification required  
  • Passion for culinary innovation and hospitality
  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively
  • Previous restaurant, hotel, healthcare, or foodservice experience preferred 
  • Interest in senior living, wellness, healthcare dining, or culinary research and development
  • Interest in pursuing a culinary career within WesleyLife following the completion of the program

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