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Culinary Instructor Jobs in Olympia, WA (NOW HIRING)

Little Creek Casino Resort

Sous Chef

Shelton, WA · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity to develop and hone your culinary and leadership skills in a supportive kitchen environment. As Sous Chef, you will be responsible for assisting the Executive Chef in ...

Squaxin Island Gaming Enterprise

Sous Chef

Shelton, WA · On-site

$57K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity to develop and hone your culinary and leadership skills in a supportive kitchen environment. As Sous Chef, you will be responsible for assisting the Executive Chef in ...

Squaxin Island Gaming Enterprise

Sous Chef

Shelton, WA · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity to develop and hone your culinary and leadership skills in a supportive kitchen environment. As Sous Chef, you will be responsible for assisting the Executive Chef in ...

Little Creek Casino Resort

Sous Chef

Shelton, WA · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity to develop and hone your culinary and leadership skills in a supportive kitchen environment. As Sous Chef, you will be responsible for assisting the Executive Chef in ...

Elior North America

Head Chef

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$27/hr

Planning, organizing, and supervising culinary operations of retail and catering services. * Planning menus based on various factors, such as market trends, customer preferences, and nutritional ...

Elior North America

Head Chef

Tacoma, WA

$27/hr

Planning, organizing, and supervising culinary operations of retail and catering services. * Planning menus based on various factors, such as market trends, customer preferences, and nutritional ...

HK CURRY LLC

Catering Sous Chef

Olympia, WA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Responsibilities Food preparation process and any other relative activities. * Assist in the construct and menus with new or existing culinary creations ensuring the variety and quality of the ...

HK CURRY LLC

Catering Sous Chef

Olympia, WA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Responsibilities Food preparation process and any other relative activities. * Assist in the construct and menus with new or existing culinary creations ensuring the variety and quality of the ...

Squaxin Island Gaming Enterprise

Executive Chef

Shelton, WA · On-site

$73K - $101K/yr

Analyze culinary venue budgets to identify areas in which to improve in property wide financial development and implementation. * Determine distribution and allocation of operating budget. * Direct ...

Little Creek Casino Resort

Executive Chef

Shelton, WA

$73K - $101K/yr

Analyze culinary venue budgets to identify areas in which to improve in property wide financial development and implementation. * Determine distribution and allocation of operating budget. * Direct ...

Little Creek Casino Resort

Executive Chef

Shelton, WA · On-site

$73K - $101K/yr

Analyze culinary venue budgets to identify areas in which to improve in property wide financial development and implementation. * Determine distribution and allocation of operating budget. * Direct ...

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Culinary Instructor information

See Olympia, WA salary details

$23.1K

$63K

$108.3K

How much do culinary instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary instructor in Olympia, WA is $63,027.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,200.00 and $67,600.00 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.
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Culinary Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Culinary Instructor job openings in Olympia, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $63,027 per year, or $30.3 per hour.

Culinary Arts Instructor

YMCA of Greater Kansas City

Tacoma, WA • On-site

$17.13 - $19.80/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is seeking a Culinary Arts Instructor to join our team.
The YMCAfocuses on empowering people in all forms, by improving health and well-being and inspiring action in and across our neighborhoods.
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading non-profit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
The Culinary Arts Instructor provides direct leadership, instruction and motivation for program participants in culinary arts classes, creating a quality experience for students and parents focused on YMCA core values: honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring.
As the program is in its beginning stages of growth and development, the Culinary Arts Instructor will need to be creative and willing to help with ideas for new and innovative culinary classes, curriculum building, lesson plan preparation, member communication, and marketing.
Key Responsibilities
  • Share your passion for culinary arts with others.
  • Provide direct leadership, Instruction and motivation for program participants.
  • Work with the Program Director to develop lesson plans with a natural progression that relate to the abilities and age ranges of the classes being taught including the 5-2-1-0 plan.
  • Fine tune your skills as an instructor by teaching and demonstrating sound culinary principles and techniques.

Are you a good fit?
  • You are committed to valuing and promoting diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
  • You have 5 years of technical culinary arts training.
  • You have 1-2 years of experience in culinary arts as a teacher and/or teaching assistant.
  • You are able to instruct beginning and intermediate level classes.
  • You are excited to teach culinary arts classes for ages preschool through adult.
  • You have a current food handler permit or will have by the first day.
  • Able and willing to complete Child Abuse Prevention training and other online or in-person training as required.
  • Must be able to pass Background and Reference checks (in accordance with the WA State Fair Chance Act).

Wages:$17.13 - $19.80/hour (Compensation is determined based on relevant experience, skills, and qualifications, with most new hires starting between the minimum and midpoint of the posted wage range)
Hours: Part-Time, Up to 25 hours per week
Location: Pearl Street Family YMCA, Tacoma, WA
Benefits:
All YMCA Employees receive the below benefits:
  • A Personal YMCA membership and YMCA360 virtual streaming membership
  • Flexible scheduling around school and extracurricular activities Paid Sick Leave accrued at 1.23 hours for every 40 hours worked per year
  • Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), Digital mental health counseling platform, Wellness program, and LifeMart employee discount center
  • Professional training, education, and certification opportunities
  • 20% discount on YMCA programs, childcare services and merchandise

Part-Time employees who work more than 20 hrs./week are eligible for the below voluntary benefit options:
  • HealthiestYou: by Teladoc (24/7 virtual general medical care access for non-emergency conditions)
  • Willamette Dental Plan
  • VSP Vision Plan

Ignite your Passion, Live the Y Cause, and Join our Team. To apply visit our website at www.ymcapkc.org
The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is committed to diversity and inclusion throughout our organization and is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Women/Minority/Veteran/Disabled

Apply