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Culinary Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Taste Buds Kitchen

Culinary Instructor

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Free T- Shirt We are hiring culinary instructors to teach cooking classes to kids, families, and adults! Looking for high-energy individuals who are passionate about food and inspiring those around ...

Cocusocial - New York

Culinary Instructor

New York, NY

$40 - $80/hr

CocuSocial ( one of the largest culinary experience providers in the US, is seeking experienced Chef Instructors to teach fun and interactive in-person cooking classes in more than 30 metropolitan ...

CocuSocial - Dallas

Culinary Instructor

Dallas, TX

$200 - $350/day

You won't be alone in this culinary journey. Our supportive team will be by your side every step of ... Our team of Chef Instructors spans 16 different U.S. cities, and our wide range of cooking classes ...

Saint Thomas Aquinas High School

Be Seen First

Culinary Instructor

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

$50K - $90K/yr

Beyond cooking, the instructor fosters essential life skills like teamwork, time management, and workplace professionalism in a supportive learning environment The High School Culinary Teacher ...

Urgent

Cocusocial - New York

Culinary Instructor

New York, NY

$40 - $80/hr

CocuSocial ( one of the largest culinary experience providers in the US, is seeking experienced Chef Instructors to teach fun and interactive in-person cooking classes in Miami. The classes will be ...

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Culinary Instructor information

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$21.5K

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How much do culinary instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary instructor in the United States is $58,777.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $63,000.00 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.
More about Culinary Instructor jobs
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What states have the most Culinary Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Culinary Instructor jobs include:
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Culinary Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Culinary Instructor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $58,777 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Culinary Instructor

arc After School and Experiential Education

San Diego, CA • On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Part-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Specialized Instructor (Temporary, Part-Time) - San Diego, CA
Make a Difference Today!
Do you love working with teens? Are you passionate about sharing your skills and helping students explore future career paths? If so - we want to meet YOU!
At Arc Experience, we bring learning to life through engaging enrichment programs that support youth across Southern California, including San Diego. We value our instructors deeply and invest in their success by providing structure, support, and meaningful opportunities to make a lasting impact.
Our instructors are the heart of Arc. They work directly with students to spark confidence, creativity, and curiosity - all while helping young people envision what's possible after high school.
About the Role
Arc Experience is seeking a Specialized Instructor to lead a 10-lesson enrichment course for high school students in the San Diego area.
This course will introduce students to foundational skills in culinary arts while also exposing them to potential career pathways in the field.
Instruction may be delivered in one of two formats:
  • Twice per week for 5 weeks, or
  • Once per week for 10 weeks

The start date is April, with the potential for additional opportunities beyond the initial course.
What You'll Teach
Students will be introduced to hands-on, foundational skills in your area of expertise, which may include:
  • Core techniques and practical applications in culinary arts
  • Industry basics and best practices
  • Career exploration and pathways related to the field
  • Professional skills such as teamwork, communication, and creativity

You'll lead your own class and create an engaging, supportive learning environment that encourages skill-building, confidence, and exploration.
Schedule & Compensation
  • Schedule: Flexible; generally between 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Monday-Friday
  • Hours: Based on course structure (10 total instructional sessions)
  • Pay Rate: $35/hour for instructional time $22/hour for meetings or non-teaching time
  • Position Type: Temporary, part-time
  • Travel: Comfortable traveling between school sites within San Diego County and Arc offices as needed
What You'll Do
  • Plan and deliver engaging lessons in your area of expertise
  • Create a positive, inclusive, and supportive classroom environment
  • Teach practical, hands-on skills aligned with industry foundations
  • Introduce students to career pathways related to your field
  • Attend occasional meetings or training sessions as needed
What We're Looking For
  • Experience or certification in dance.
  • Passion for working with and mentoring youth
  • Confidence leading a classroom independently
  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • Reliable transportation for local travel within San Diego County
  • Teaching, coaching, or youth program experience preferred but not required
Why Join Arc?
  • Flexible, part-time schedule
  • Competitive pay for skilled instructors
  • Opportunity to inspire students through real-world skills
  • Potential for ongoing or expanded work beyond the initial course

Be part of a mission-driven organization making a real impact in San Diego.
#SD1
Minimum Requirements
  • Demonstrated experience in culinary arts
  • Ability to teach and demonstrate foundational skills to high school-aged students
  • Availability between 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Monday-Friday (flexible within this window)
  • Reliable transportation and ability to travel locally within San Diego County
Preferred Qualifications
  • Prior experience teaching, mentoring, or training youth or young adults
  • Experience working in an educational, after-school, or enrichment program setting
  • Strong classroom management and communication skills
  • Passion for youth development and career-based education
Additional Requirements
  • Ability to work independently and lead a classroom with confidence
  • Professional, positive, and student-centered approach
  • College transcripts showing 48+ units OR passing an academic proficiency exam
  • Negative TB test and Live Scan background clearance
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) candidates are encouraged to apply
  • Ability to meet school site requirements (including vaccination policies if applicable)
Position Details
This position is part-time, non-exempt and reports to the Enrichment Coordinator.
Ability to commute/relocate:
Must reliably commute to assigned San Diego school sites prior to start date (required)
Arc is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply