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Culinary Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Culinary Specialist

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$40K - $54K/yr

Independent duty culinary service officer certification, advanced pastry and baking training, and advanced culinary skills training (ACF certified). * Both full-time and part-time Coast Guard-funded ...

Culinary Manager

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

Have a Culinary Arts degree and two years' experience in direct food preparation and presentation or five year's high-volume cooking and fine dining experience or equivalent experience. * Have two ...

Culinary Chef Instructor

Saint Helena, CA · On-site

$98K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Culinary Lead (Sur La Table)

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $24/hr

Position Overview As a Culinary Lead at Sur La Table, you play a key role in the success of the store by inspiring customers throughout every stage of their culinary experience by combining culinary ...

Culinary Lead (Sur La Table)

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$22.21 - $23.63/hr

Position Overview As a Culinary Lead at Sur La Table, you play a key role in the success of the store by inspiring customers throughout every stage of their culinary experience by combining culinary ...

Demonstrate culinary techniques that are adopted as professional in standard and, in accordance with CIA professional culinary demonstrations. * Partner with the FE Manager to plan consumer ...

Culinary & Housekeeping

Sonoma, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

The Culinary & Housekeeping Technician is a vital non-clinical support role responsible for ensuring a high standard of living for residents in a residential substance abuse and behavioral health ...

Culinary & Housekeeping

Sonoma, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

The Culinary & Housekeeping Technician is a vital non-clinical support role responsible for ensuring a high standard of living for residents in a residential substance abuse and behavioral health ...

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Culinary information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

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How much do culinary jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary in Santa Rosa, CA is $20.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $20.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a culinary professional?

A culinary professional is someone who works in the food service industry, typically preparing, cooking, and presenting food. This can include roles such as chefs, cooks, pastry chefs, and kitchen assistants. Culinary professionals work in various settings like restaurants, hotels, bakeries, and catering companies. They are skilled in food safety, recipe development, and often specialize in different cuisines or techniques. Training can include formal education at culinary schools or hands-on experience in kitchens.

Are jobs in the culinary industry in demand?

Anytime the economy is up, jobs in culinary industries are in higher demand. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts culinary jobs to grow by 10% by 2026, which is faster than the average career. There is a high rate of turnover in lower level culinary jobs like line and prep cooks, so those jobs almost always have a high demand, especially in areas where the restaurant and tourism industries are big. However, the same person usually holds head cook and chef jobs for quite some time, so they can be more difficult to attain.

What are the most common challenges faced by culinary professionals in a fast-paced kitchen environment?

Culinary professionals often encounter challenges such as managing time efficiently during busy service periods, maintaining high-quality standards under pressure, and coordinating effectively with team members. Adapting quickly to last-minute menu changes or special dietary requests is also common. Successful chefs and kitchen staff rely on strong communication skills and a collaborative attitude to overcome these hurdles and ensure smooth kitchen operations.

What are some culinary jobs?

Culinary jobs include roles such as chef, sous chef, pastry chef, line cook, kitchen manager, and food service supervisor. These positions typically require knowledge of food preparation, safety standards, and kitchen equipment, and may involve working in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, or institutional settings.

What jobs can I get with culinary?

With a culinary background, you can pursue roles such as chef, sous chef, pastry chef, line cook, kitchen manager, or food service supervisor. These positions typically require cooking skills, knowledge of food safety, and sometimes certifications like ServSafe, and they are often found in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, and institutional food services.

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

Thriving in a culinary career requires strong cooking techniques, knowledge of food safety, and often a culinary degree or certification such as ServSafe. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, recipe management systems, and inventory software is also valuable. Creativity, attention to detail, teamwork, and resilience under pressure set standout culinary professionals apart. These skills and qualities ensure consistent food quality, operational efficiency, and a positive dining experience for guests.

What culinary career pays the most?

Executive chefs and culinary directors typically earn the highest salaries in the culinary field, often exceeding six figures with experience and working in high-end restaurants or hotel chains. Specialized roles such as pastry chefs or food service managers can also have high earning potential, especially with advanced certifications and leadership responsibilities.

What is the difference between Culinary vs Chef?

AspectCulinaryChef
CredentialsOften no formal certification required; culinary training or courses commonFormal culinary education or apprenticeship typically required
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, catering, food service, culinary schoolsRestaurants, hotels, private kitchens, culinary competitions
Industry UsageBroad term for food preparation skills and knowledgeSpecific role as a professional responsible for kitchen operations
Search & Comparison IntentPeople exploring culinary skills or careers in food serviceIndividuals seeking chef roles or culinary leadership positions

While 'Culinary' refers broadly to the skills, knowledge, and industry related to food preparation, a 'Chef' is a specific professional role within that industry, often with formal training and leadership responsibilities. Understanding this difference helps job seekers and employers clarify roles and expectations in the food service industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

The most popular types of Culinary jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What job categories do people searching Culinary jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Culinary jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Culinary jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Culinary job openings:

Infographic showing various Culinary job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,099 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

$98K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 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.