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Culinary Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CocuSocial

Chef Instructor

Seattle, WA

Our mission is to make culinary education fun, affordable, and accessible, empowering individuals ... We're especially interested in instructors who specialize in Handmade Pasta, Sushi, Dumpling ...

CocuSocial

Chef Instructor

San Francisco, CA

Our mission is to make culinary education fun, affordable, and accessible, empowering individuals ... Position Overview We're looking for an enthusiastic and skilled Culinary Instructor to join the ...

CocuSocial

Chef Instructor

Seattle, WA · On-site

Our mission is to make culinary education fun, affordable, and accessible, empowering individuals ... We're especially interested in instructors who specialize in Handmade Pasta, Sushi, Dumpling ...

CocuSocial

Chef Instructor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Our mission is to make culinary education fun, affordable, and accessible, empowering individuals ... Position Overview We're looking for an enthusiastic and skilled Culinary Instructor to join the ...

CocuSocial

Chef Instructor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Our mission is to make culinary education fun, affordable, and accessible, empowering individuals ... Position Overview We're looking for an enthusiastic and skilled Culinary Instructor to join the ...

CocuSocial

Chef Instructor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

Our mission is to make culinary education fun, affordable, and accessible, empowering individuals ... Position Overview We're looking for an enthusiastic and skilled Culinary Instructor to join the ...

CocuSocial

Chef Instructor

San Diego, CA · On-site

Our mission is to make culinary education fun, affordable, and accessible, empowering individuals ... Position Overview We're looking for an enthusiastic and skilled Culinary Instructor to join the ...

CocuSocial

Chef Instructor

San Diego, CA · On-site

Our mission is to make culinary education fun, affordable, and accessible, empowering individuals ... Position Overview We're looking for an enthusiastic and skilled Culinary Instructor to join the ...

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Culinary Instructor information

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$58.8K

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How much do culinary instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 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.
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Culinary Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Culinary Instructor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 18% 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.
Adjunct Culinary Instructor

Adjunct Culinary Instructor

Oakland Community College

MI • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Salary: See Position Description
Location : College Wide
Job Type: Adjunct
Job Number: 202300056
Division: Culinary Arts
Opening Date: 01/01/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Summary of Purpose
Oakland Community College, a multi-campus institution in Oakland County, Michigan is a student-centered community dedicated to providing quality learning opportunities for individuals, the community and organizations on an accessible, affordable basis. We are one of the largest community colleges in the state of Michigan, with a multi-campus system, serving more than 12,000 students. OCC is seeking Adjunct Faculty Instructors who value diversity, shared responsibility, open communication, personal empowerment, integrity and ethical commitment. Adjunct Faculty must be committed to using modern technology in the classroom.
Applications for adjunct positions are accepted continuously and entered into a candidate pool. Adjunct Instructors are hired on an as-needed basis throughout the academic year, depending on enrollment needs. If a need arises, applications in the pool are reviewed and the Department reaches out directly to candidates.
Candidates who do not have legal residence in the State of Michigan will become Edustaff employees. Employment offers, salary, and benefits are provided by Edustaff, not OCC (Oakland Community College).
Please include resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcripts for all degrees (listed below in the Minimum Education and Experience section) within your application materials. Transcripts need to reflect the date the degree was awarded. And, if hired, official transcripts will be required within 30 days of hire.
Typical Duties
Primary responsibility will be to teach anticipated day and/or evening in Culinary Arts courses, which range from basic to advanced skill levels. Where applicable, adjuncts are required to maintain and/or provide licensure and certifications.
Knowledge and Skills Required
  • Experience with multi-cultural students and staff preferred.
  • Ability to work as a team player in a multi-cultural working environment.
  • Online teaching experience preferred.

Minimum Education and Experience
  • Master's degree in Culinary Arts OR
  • Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts and five (5) years of recent work experience in the area OR
  • Associate's degree in Culinary Arts and eight (8) years of recent work experience in the area

Please submit your current resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcripts for all relevant degrees earned in the subject matter related to the courses being taught. Transcripts must reflect date degree conferred. And, if hired, official transcripts will be required within one month of hire.
Salary
$1,000 per instructional credit hour
We are excited to have you consider Oakland Community College (OCC) as your employer of choice!
OCC strives to provide valuable and empowering services not only to our students, but also to our employees.
See below the benefits offered by the College under the benefit types: full-time and part-time
Full-Time Positions for the Following Employee Groups:
Classified, Exempt (Non-union), Faculty, Maintenance, Operating Engineers, Public Safety, Teamsters
Benefit Effective Date: First of the month after date of hire
Medical
  • Multiple PPO medical plans with prescription coverage to choose from; Plans provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM)
    • Free preventive services on every plan
    • Health Savings Account (HSA) available with the High Deductible medical plans
  • BCBSM through the Western Michigan Health Insurance Pool (WMHIP) medical is offered to all employment groups
  • There is a $2,000 prorated Medical Opt Out stipend with proof of other applicable medical coverage
Dental
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) plan provided by the College, no payroll deductions
Vision
  • NVA (National Vision Administrators) plan provided by the College, no payroll deductions
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Health Care, Limited Purpose, Dependent Care, and Adoption FSAs are available
Life Insurance
  • TheCollege provides $120,000 of coverage (portion is subject to taxation), no payroll deductions
Disability
  • 70% of wages provided for Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
Retirement
  • College employees are part of the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS) provided by the Michigan Office of Retirement Services (ORS)
  • The Exempt, Faculty, and Teamsters employee groups can elect the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) provided by TIAA; opting out of MPSERS
Voluntary Retirement Accounts
  • Employees can open and contribute via payroll deduction into 403(b) and/or 457(b) voluntary retirement accounts provided by TIAA
Voluntary Benefits
  • Employees can elect voluntary benefits of optional life insurance (for self, spouse, and/or children), cancer protection, pet insurance, legal & ID shield, long term and/or critical care during annual open enrollment in November
Tuition
  • OCC tuition waiver program for employees and their dependents
  • Employees may take Non-OCC classes using the tuition reimbursement program
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Employees have a free resource to assist with a wide-range of needs, including counseling sessions

Employee Group: Classified Part-Time
Benefit Effective Date: First of the month after date of hire
Part-time Classified employees are offered the opportunity to have medical, dental, vision at the full monthly premium; life insurance is also available at a nominal cost. Participation requires that benefit costs be taken via payroll deduction.
Medical
  • Multiple PPO medical plans with prescription coverage to choose from; Plans provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM)
    • Free preventive services on every plan
    • Health Savings Account (HSA) available with the High Deductible medical plans
  • BCBSM through the Western Michigan Health Insurance Pool (WMHIP) medical is offered to all employment groups
Dental
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) plan that has free in-network preventive services including two annual cleanings
Vision
  • NVA (National Vision Administrators) plan that includes annual examinations with participating providers
Life Insurance
  • Employees can choose to have a life insurance policy of $10,000 or $20,000
Retirement
  • College employees are part of the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS) provided by the Michigan Office of Retirement Services (ORS)
Voluntary Retirement Accounts
  • Employees can open and contribute, via payroll deduction, into 403(b) and/or 457(b) voluntary retirement accounts provided by TIAA
Tuition
  • OCC tuition waiver program for employees and their dependents
  • Employees may take Non-OCC classes using the tuition reimbursement program

Employee Group: Adjunct Faculty, Part-time Hourly (Non-union), and Casual Instructors*
Retirement
  • College employees are part of the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS) provided by the Michigan Office of Retirement Services (ORS)
Voluntary Retirement Accounts
  • Employees can open and contribute, via payroll deduction, into 403(b) and/or 457(b) voluntary retirement accounts provided by TIAA
Tuition
  • OCC tuition reimbursement program available for Adjunct Employees
*Edustaff employees are not eligible for OCC benefits.
Contact Information:
01
Do you have a minimum of an Associates Degree or higher?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Apply