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Culinary Instructor Jobs in Lafayette, IN (NOW HIRING)

Chef

Delphi, IN · On-site

Culinary experience * Exceptional food presentations skills * Strong work ethic * Excellent communication skills * ServSafe certification preferred Benefits: * A family culture and atmosphere

Culinary degree is a plus * Must hold a valid manager level sanitation certification or obtain one within 30 days of employment Special Demands: * The work environment can be loud and busy. There are ...

Showing results 21-22

Culinary Instructor information

See Lafayette, IN salary details

$20.7K

$56.6K

$97.2K

How much do culinary instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary instructor in Lafayette, IN is $56,551.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,300.00 and $60,600.00 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 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.

What cities near Lafayette, IN are hiring for Culinary Instructor jobs?

Cities near Lafayette, IN with the most Culinary Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Culinary Instructor job openings in Lafayette, IN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,551 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Chef

AVI Foodsystems

Delphi, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


AVI Foodsystems rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 171 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 68 rated caterers


Job description

AVI Foodsystems is looking for an energetic and optimistic team member to fill the role of Chef. This position is Monday - Friday 6am-2pm, with possible Saturdays.


Founded in 1960, AVI Foodsystems has evolved into one of the most respected and trusted food service companies in the nation. Providing comprehensive food services with a focus on the highest quality and freshest ingredients, impeccable service and total value is the reputation we have earned and live up to everyday.


Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Coordinate and participate in activities of cooks and other team members engaged in preparing, cooking and serving food
  • Ensure all food handling, sanitation and customer service standards are met
  • Help select and develop recipes and menus
  • Receive and inspect products for quality and quantity to ensure appropriate inventory
  • Implement catered events, promotional programs and new standards
  • Maintain a safe work environment
  • Encourage good customer relations through product promotion

Requirements:

  • Culinary experience
  • Exceptional food presentations skills
  • Strong work ethic
  • Excellent communication skills
  • ServSafe certification preferred

Benefits:

  • A family culture and atmosphere
  • Competitive compensation
  • Health, dental, vision, and life insurance for full-time team members
  • 401(k) with generous company match
  • Paid vacations and holidays
  • Immense training and growth opportunities

We conduct pre-employment drug testing. EOE


What AVI Foodsystems employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


AVI Foodsystems logo

About AVI Foodsystems

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 1960, AVI Foodsystems has evolved into one of the most respected and trusted food service companies in the nation. Providing comprehensive food services with a focus on the highest quality and freshest ingredients, impeccable service and total value is the reputation we have earned and live up to everyday.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Warren, OH, US

Year founded

1960

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