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Culinary Student Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Instructs students, as requested, in culinary theory, lab exercises, and hands on training in the kitchen. * Assist the culinary instructor with teaching for culinary students and instruct as ...

$89.24/hr

Commitment to serving the needs of the student, department, college, and community. Collaboration ... Culinary Arts/Wine Studies OR - Any bachelor's degree and two (2) years of full-time equivalent ...

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Culinary Student information

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$10

$17

$23

How much do culinary student jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary student in California is $17.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a culinary student?

A Culinary Student job typically refers to an internship, apprenticeship, or entry-level position where aspiring chefs gain hands-on experience in a professional kitchen. These roles help students apply classroom knowledge, develop technical skills, and understand kitchen operations. Responsibilities may include food prep, assisting chefs, maintaining cleanliness, and learning various cooking techniques. This experience is valuable for building a career in the culinary industry.

What are typical daily responsibilities for a culinary student during their training?

Culinary Students often spend their days preparing ingredients, assisting chefs, participating in cooking demonstrations, and practicing various techniques learned in class. Responsibilities can also include maintaining a clean workstation, following recipes, and working as part of a kitchen team during practical sessions or internships. Many programs emphasize hands-on learning, so students frequently rotate through different kitchen stations to gain exposure to a variety of cuisines and cooking methods. This structure helps them develop proficiency and confidence in a real-world kitchen environment, preparing them for successful careers after graduation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the culinary student position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Culinary Student, a passion for cooking, foundational knowledge of food safety, and basic culinary techniques are essential, often backed by enrollment in an accredited culinary program. Hands-on experience with kitchen equipment, food preparation tools, and adherence to safety and sanitation standards are typically required throughout studies. Strong time management, creativity, and the ability to work well in team settings are valuable soft skills for this role. These skills help Culinary Students excel in demanding kitchen environments, support learning, and build a solid base for future culinary careers.

What do culinary students do?

Culinary students learn cooking techniques, food safety, and kitchen management through hands-on practice and classroom instruction. They often work in kitchens, prepare dishes, and develop skills in various culinary styles to prepare for professional roles in the food industry.

What are popular job titles related to Culinary Student jobs in California?

For Culinary Student jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Culinary Student jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Culinary Student jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Culinary Student job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,390 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

$98K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

The anticipated hiring salary for this position is $98,325. This salary range is for Lecturing Instructors.  Individuals with higher academic qualifications which would merit a higher academic rank may be eligible for a higher salary.  Hiring offers will be determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience.  The recruiter can share more information about what the anticipated hiring salary would be based upon your specific qualifications during the selection process. 

The CIA offers a substantial benefits package that includes medical coverage available at no cost to qualifying employees, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, short and long term disability insurance, retirement savings plan with high employer contributions, a generous paid time off program, and more!

As the benefits package at the CIA results in a significant value above the base hiring salary for this position, we encourage you to apply so that our recruiters can share more information with you about the benefits of working for the CIA.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) Chef Instructor is responsible for teaching students, in the classroom and kitchen lab environments, developing curriculum, conducting research and contributing to the intellectual property of the college, all while maintaining a high standard of professionalism.

The responsibilities of the position include: preparing lesson plans, teaching and evaluating students, preparing and revising course guides and other educational materials, and assessing degree program learning outcomes.

All faculty members are responsible to advise students on academics, to provide professional advice for students pursuing careers in the foodservice industry, maintain office hours (outside of class time), and to assist students who have difficulty with studies.

Faculty is expected to contribute to the overall operation of the college, honor college policies and procedures, and to support the mission of the Institute, by acting as Ambassadors of the Culinary Institute of America.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Prepare daily instructional lesson plans based upon agreed upon curriculum and instruct in a manner consistent with the philosophy, policies, and guidelines of the college.
  • Assess the learning outcomes listed in the course guide or syllabus of the class(s).
  • Instruct lectures and hands-on classes on campus or off campus to a standard consistent with the professional standards of the Culinary Institute of America.
  • Work individually as an advisor for students who may need extra help, who have questions about course information, who want career guidance, or who need assistance in their studies.
  • Provide regular and constructive feedback to students in an objective, consistent, and timely manner; evaluate and document student performance using established methods, rubrics, and criteria; file course grades consistently and without prejudice.
  • Collaborate with colleagues, to prepare, review, and revise course guides, syllabi, and appropriate curriculum materials for courses offered at the Institute, and any other educational materials required.
  • Conduct travel and/or off campus business related activities instruction, food preparation, and table service in an exemplary manner consistent with the professional standards of the Institute, and within budgetary limits.
  • Teach assigned courses following the schedule and curriculum provided for each course.
  • In culinary, baking, or pastry arts classes (degree programs or continuing education), supervise students in preparing quality food within Institute guidelines.
  • Enforce sanitation principles (appropriate to particular teaching assignment), attendance policies, Institute’s Professionalism, Uniform, and Hygiene Policy, and other academic policies.
  • Assume responsibility for equipment and facilities of the kitchen, bakeshop, pastry shop, dining room, or classrooms.
  • Stay abreast of new developments in the foodservice and hospitality industries; plan on an annual basis professional development; and strive to accomplish the goals set out in the formal annual plan.
  • Support the mission and policies of the Institute as well as the overall strategic direction of the Department of Continuing Education.
  • Contribute to the growth of the college by serving on committees or task forces, assisting with visitors, recommending students and potential employees, and displaying hospitality.
  • Develop menus, planning documents and organizational plans for conferences, retreats and any other event as required.
  • Any and all other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

  • Associate’s Degree or equivalent required in the field of Culinary Arts, Foodservice Management, Hospitality, or a record of significant professional accomplishments in one of these disciplines.

Experience:

  • Minimum seven (7) years industry experience.
  • At least three (3) years of supervisory experience with both management and line level employees.
  • Proven track record showing a steady progression of skill level, increased levels of responsibility, and personal career oriented professional development chef and/or instructor in culinary education.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Relevant work experience in one or more of the following areas volume food service, fine dining, multi- unit restaurant operations, and menu research and development (R&D).
  • Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in the field of Culinary Arts, Foodservice Management, Hospitality, Education or a related field.

REQUIRED SKILLS

  • High level of proficiency in hands-on culinary techniques.
  • Must have an excellent and welcoming presence in front of guests and employees.
  • Moderate to strong presentation skills are required.
  • Strong interpersonal skills; excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to effectively work with multiple teams across the organization to respond to business needs.
  • Ability to work independently or in a team environment and maintain collaborative relationships with all members of faculty and administration.
  • Ability to use sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive student issues with confidentiality and discretion.
  • Excellent written, verbal communication, and presentation skills required.
  • Strong computer experience, which must include abilities to work effectively with MS Office suite products, i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
  • Strong customer service skills.
  • Moderate to strong organizational skills, detail oriented and thorough.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Must have the ability to lift fifty (50) pounds on a frequent basis.
  • Must be able to stand for extended periods of time in a typical kitchen environment.
  • Must be able to perform hands-on demonstrations of culinary techniques and correct use of equipment.
  • Must have the ability to be exposed to common cleaning agents and chemicals associated with food safety and kitchen sanitation.
  • Must have the ability to be exposed to lower-than-average temperatures of approximately 48 degree Fahrenheit to 54 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods of time.

The CIA does not have a traditional faculty tenure system per se; however, following a successful 3-year probationary period, appointments are considered ongoing, and faculty are eligible to apply for promotions in academic rank, subject to standard employment terms and conditions and the collective bargaining agreement (if any).

 

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.