Executive Chef
Newton, IA · On-site
$65K - $90K/yr
Preferred Culinary education preferred, or a combination of education and fine dining experience. Experience with menu creation, purchasing, cost control, and large function banquet production.
Executive Chef
Newton, IA · On-site
$65K - $90K/yr
Preferred Culinary education preferred, or a combination of education and fine dining experience. Experience with menu creation, purchasing, cost control, and large function banquet production.
Culinary Instructor information
See Des Moines, IA salary details
$21K - $28K
5% of jobs
$28K - $35.1K
8% of jobs
$35.1K - $42.1K
12% of jobs
$42.2K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$42.1K - $49.2K
23% of jobs
The median wage is $50.2K / yr.
$49.2K - $56.2K
18% of jobs
$59.7K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$56.2K - $63.3K
19% of jobs
$63.3K - $70.4K
8% of jobs
$70.4K - $77.4K
4% of jobs
$77.4K - $84.5K
1% of jobs
$84.5K - $91.5K
1% of jobs
$91.5K - $98.6K
1% of jobs
$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?
| Aspect | Culinary Instructor | Pastry Chef |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Cooking certifications, culinary degrees | Pastry arts certifications, culinary degrees |
| Work Environment | Educational settings, culinary schools | Restaurants, bakeries, hotels |
| Employer & Industry | Educational institutions, culinary schools | Food service industry, hospitality |
| Primary Focus | Teaching cooking techniques and recipes | Creating 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.
More about Culinary Instructor jobs
What are popular job titles related to Culinary Instructor jobs in Des Moines, IA?
For Culinary Instructor jobs in Des Moines, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Culinary Instructor jobs in Des Moines, IA look for?
The top searched job categories for Culinary Instructor jobs in Des Moines, IA are:
What cities near Des Moines, IA are hiring for Culinary Instructor jobs?
Cities near Des Moines, IA with the most Culinary Instructor job openings:
$65K - $90K/yr
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement
Posted 15 days ago
WesleyLife rating
4.6
Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
Job description
Join WesleyLife and Help Revolutionize the Aging Experience!
WesleyLife is revolutionizing the experience of aging by challenging the stigma that aging means decline and promoting the idea that life transitions are opportunities for growth and purpose. Come be a part of the revolution!
A Typical Day in the life of an Executive Chef at Park Centre:
Qualifications
Experience
Required
5 years:
Minimum of five years cooking experience in a fine dining setting.
Preferred
Culinary education preferred, or a combination of education and fine dining experience. Experience with menu creation, purchasing, cost control, and large function banquet production.
Community Location: 500 1st St N, Newton, IA 50208
What We Offer
We know a great career is about more than just a paycheck - it's about belonging, growth, and making a difference. At WesleyLife, we provide:
Compensation & Flexibility:
Health & Wellness:
Education & Career Growth:
Extra Perks:
Located in the heart of Newton, Park Centre offers a vibrant community with a full continuum of care including adult day services, independent living, assisted living, memory care, long-term care, and short-term rehabilitation. Residents enjoy convenient access to downtown amenities and onsite facilities such as the wellness center and First Street Bistro. Park Centre emphasizes holistic health with programs designed to enrich mind, body, and spirit, supported by caring team members who bring years of dedicated service. Whether participating in cultural events or enjoying community spaces, Park Centre fosters a sense of belonging and quality living for residents and their families.
Why Choose WesleyLife?
At WesleyLife, you're not just starting a job - you're joining a purpose-driven community where your well-being, growth, and impact truly matter. With nearly 80 years of excellence in serving older adults, we empower our team members to thrive while making meaningful connections and changing lives every day.
WesleyLife is proud to be recognized as one of Senior Care's Best Places to Work by WeCare Connect! We're committed to a workplace where every team member is seen, heard, and appreciated.
Ready to Make a Difference?
We're excited to meet people who share our passion for service, wellness, and community.
Apply today and help us continue to revolutionize the aging experience - the WesleyLife Way.
WesleyLife believes in welcoming all people to our team and is an equal opportunity employer. Because of our commitment to your health and well-being, you will be required to successfully complete a pre-hire health assessment, drug screen, and tobacco screen prior to beginning employment
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
WesleyLife is revolutionizing the experience of aging by challenging the stigma that aging means decline and promoting the idea that life transitions are opportunities for growth and purpose. Come be a part of the revolution!
A Typical Day in the life of an Executive Chef at Park Centre:
- Assist with meal service and determination of amount and type of food and supplies required for daily menus.
- Lead and collaborate with the CDM for all activities and divisional operational opportunities and problems.
- Responsible for creating, planning, and execution of all catered and other special functions.
- Responsible for the creation of all food purchases, production sheets, scheduling, and other related material.
- Monitor food quality and quantity and takes corrective action to ensure food and service standards are maintained in a timely manner.
- Follows infection control techniques in all work and practices. Utilizes sanitary work practices while handling food and for department maintenance.
- Responsible for waste control of resources (food, supplies, equipment and utilities) to avoid over and under production, preparation, waste and improper care and utilization of leftovers.
Qualifications
Experience
Required
5 years:
Minimum of five years cooking experience in a fine dining setting.
Preferred
Culinary education preferred, or a combination of education and fine dining experience. Experience with menu creation, purchasing, cost control, and large function banquet production.
Community Location: 500 1st St N, Newton, IA 50208
What We Offer
We know a great career is about more than just a paycheck - it's about belonging, growth, and making a difference. At WesleyLife, we provide:
Compensation & Flexibility:
- DailyPay Access: Get paid when you need it - instantly access your earnings before payday
Health & Wellness:
- Comprehensive Benefits Package: Including health care, vision, dental, and 401(k).
- Free wellness center memberships and cash incentives for healthy habits
- Voluntary benefits including life, accident, and critical illness coverage
Education & Career Growth:
- Scholarship Assistance: Up to $3,000/year
- Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $1,500/year
- Educational Discounts: 18% off tuition at Purdue University Global
- Ongoing leadership training and development pathways
Extra Perks:
- Referral Bonus Program - bring your friends and earn rewards
- Recognition and appreciation programs that highlight your impact
- A workplace culture that prioritizes respect, teamwork, and support
Located in the heart of Newton, Park Centre offers a vibrant community with a full continuum of care including adult day services, independent living, assisted living, memory care, long-term care, and short-term rehabilitation. Residents enjoy convenient access to downtown amenities and onsite facilities such as the wellness center and First Street Bistro. Park Centre emphasizes holistic health with programs designed to enrich mind, body, and spirit, supported by caring team members who bring years of dedicated service. Whether participating in cultural events or enjoying community spaces, Park Centre fosters a sense of belonging and quality living for residents and their families.
Why Choose WesleyLife?
At WesleyLife, you're not just starting a job - you're joining a purpose-driven community where your well-being, growth, and impact truly matter. With nearly 80 years of excellence in serving older adults, we empower our team members to thrive while making meaningful connections and changing lives every day.
WesleyLife is proud to be recognized as one of Senior Care's Best Places to Work by WeCare Connect! We're committed to a workplace where every team member is seen, heard, and appreciated.
Ready to Make a Difference?
We're excited to meet people who share our passion for service, wellness, and community.
Apply today and help us continue to revolutionize the aging experience - the WesleyLife Way.
WesleyLife believes in welcoming all people to our team and is an equal opportunity employer. Because of our commitment to your health and well-being, you will be required to successfully complete a pre-hire health assessment, drug screen, and tobacco screen prior to beginning employment
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
What WesleyLife employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
Get the full story on Breakroom
About WesleyLife
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Health care and social assistance
Company size
1,001 - 5,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Johnston, IA, US
Year founded
1947