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Culinary Instructor Jobs in Lockport, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Brand summary Chick-fil-A is one of the largest American fast-food restaurant chains and the largest specializing in chicken sandwiches. The company is headquartered in College Park, Georgia. Chick ...

Culinary Manager

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Brand summary Chick-fil-A is one of the largest American fast-food restaurant chains and the largest specializing in chicken sandwiches. The company is headquartered in College Park, Georgia. Chick ...

Kitchen Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

The ideal candidate must have strong culinary knowledge as well as technical and customer service ... Current ServSafe certification, ServSafe instructor certificate, or ability to become certified ...

As the culinary leader of the Club, the Executive Chef develops and inspires a high-performing culinary team, establishes operational standards, drives innovation, and creates a culture focused on ...

Showing results 21-40

Culinary Instructor information

See Lockport, IL salary details

$21.6K

$59K

$101.3K

How much do culinary instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary instructor in Lockport, IL is $58,951.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,100.00 and $63,200.00 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.
What job categories do people searching Culinary Instructor jobs in Lockport, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Culinary Instructor jobs in Lockport, IL are:
What cities near Lockport, IL are hiring for Culinary Instructor jobs? Cities near Lockport, IL with the most Culinary Instructor job openings:
Infographic showing various Culinary Instructor job openings in Lockport, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,951 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


Topgolf rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 279 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 51 rated entertainment


Job description

How You'll Do It

  • 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, Excellence, Edgy Spirit and Caring
  • Monitor inventory and purchase product
  • Maintain food and labor costs according to budget, with a full understanding of COGS
  • Select and develop recipes to corporate approval
  • Standardize production recipes to ensure consistent quality
  • Establish presentation technique and maintain quality standards
  • Plan and cost menus for special events, chef choice menus
  • Ensure proper equipment operation and maintenance
  • Oversee safety and sanitation in the kitchen

What We're Looking For

  • Minimum of 3 years in culinary management
  • Proven ability to develop a culinary team
  • Bachelor's degree or related culinary degree preferred
  • Ability to work in a fast paced environment
  • Ability to stand and exert well-paced mobility for the duration of a scheduled shift
  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time
  • Ability to lift items weighing up to 50 lb.
  • Ability to stoop and bend
  • Ability to work in high-temperature conditions (up to 100 degrees) for extended periods of time
51,700.00 - 57,400.00 - 63,100.00 USD Annual

BENEFITS

Free Play & 1/2 price food! Health, dental, vision, 401(k) team member match, free mental well-being platform - and that's just for starters for those who qualify. View team member benefits here.


ADA
The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of the job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some incumbents assigned to the job to perform a different combination of duties.
EEO Statement
Topgolf is a global sports and entertainment community and is committed to equal opportunity and is firmly committed to preventing discrimination and harassment, including sexual misconduct, based on legally protected diversity characteristics (such as race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family status, citizenship, genetic information and veteran status) in its application and hiring processes and in its employment decisions. As an affirmative action employer, Topgolf also takes steps to prevent retaliation and to create a respectful, equitable and inclusive environment for our Guests, Associates, business partners, vendors, and the communities we serve.
Topgolf is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer and administers all personnel practices without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, veteran status, genetics or any other category protected under applicable law.
Topgolf Entertainment Group does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Please do not forward unsolicited agency resumes to our website, employees or Human Resources. Topgolf will not pay fees for unsolicited agency resumes and will not be responsible for any agency fees associated with unsolicited resumes. Unsolicited resumes received will be considered property of Topgolf Entertainment Group and will be processed accordingly without fee.
Topgolf participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.


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