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Food Service Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Food Service Instructor information

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$32

$58

How much do food service instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service instructor in the United States is $32.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.48 and $34.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Service Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Service Instructor, you need a strong background in culinary arts, food safety, and instructional techniques, often supported by certifications such as ServSafe and a degree in culinary or hospitality management. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, menu planning software, and culinary curriculum development tools is typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and leadership skills help you effectively teach and motivate students from diverse backgrounds. These competencies are essential to ensure students gain practical skills, adhere to food safety standards, and develop confidence for success in the food service industry.

How does a Food Service Instructor typically collaborate with other staff and departments within an educational or institutional setting?

Food Service Instructors often work closely with culinary staff, administrative personnel, and sometimes nutritionists to design and deliver effective training programs. They may coordinate with kitchen managers to ensure that instructional content aligns with current operational needs and food safety standards. Additionally, Food Service Instructors frequently participate in team meetings to discuss curriculum updates, student progress, and any challenges faced in the training environment. This collaborative approach helps maintain a high standard of food service and fosters a supportive learning atmosphere.

What is a Food Service Instructor?

A Food Service Instructor is a professional who teaches individuals or groups about the principles and practices of preparing, cooking, and serving food safely and efficiently. They often work in vocational schools, community colleges, or training programs, providing both classroom instruction and hands-on demonstrations. Their role includes developing lesson plans, teaching culinary skills, and ensuring students understand food safety regulations. Food Service Instructors may also help students prepare for certification exams and entry into the food service industry.

What is the difference between Food Service Instructor vs Culinary Instructor?

AspectFood Service InstructorCulinary Instructor
CredentialsFood service certifications, food safety, and hospitality trainingCooking certifications, culinary arts degrees, food safety
Work EnvironmentSchools, training centers, community programsCooking schools, culinary institutes, vocational programs
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, hospitality industryCooking schools, culinary colleges, hospitality sector
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Food Service Instructors focus on teaching food safety, service skills, and hospitality principles, often in educational or community settings. Culinary Instructors emphasize cooking techniques, culinary arts, and advanced food preparation, typically in specialized culinary schools. While both roles involve food-related education, Food Service Instructors concentrate on service and safety, whereas Culinary Instructors focus on cooking skills and culinary arts.

More about Food Service Instructor jobs
What states have the most Food Service Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Food Service Instructor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Food Service Instructor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 35% Physical, and 65% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,678 per year, or $32.5 per hour.
Corrections Food Service Instructor - SCI Waymart

Corrections Food Service Instructor - SCI Waymart

Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania

Waymart, PA

$47.93K - $96.54K/yr

Other

Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Salary

$47,925.00 - $96,538.00 Annually

Location

Wayne County, PA

Job Type

Non-Civil Service Permanent Full-time

Job Number

N-2026-49761

Department

Department of Corrections

Division

CR WAM Food Svcs

Opening Date

05/18/2026

Closing Date

6/1/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

81510

Position Number

Multiple positions may be filled from this posting.

Union

PSCOA

Bargaining Unit

H1

Pay Group

CO35

Bureau / Division Code

00116870

Bureau / Division

State Correctional Institution at Waymart

Worksite Address

11 Farview Drive

City

Waymart, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

18472

Contact Name

Treina Brinkley

Contact Email

tbrinkley@pa.gov

THE POSITION

Are you passionate about the food service industry and motivated by the opportunity to create meaningful change? Join the Department of Corrections as a Corrections Food Service Instructor and help make a positive impact every day. This role at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Waymart offers the chance to guide and motivate individuals who are learning valuable job skills. You will be part of a team that supports growth, safety, and meaningful change. Apply today to take the next step in a career that combines leadership, purpose, and service while helping to shape brighter futures.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position supports food service operations by teaching and guiding inmate workers as they develop cooking and kitchen skills. The role ensures safe, efficient, and sanitary food service practices while contributing to daily meal preparation. As a Corrections Food Service Instructor, you will perform the following duties:

  • Food Instruction: Teach inmates cooking, baking, food preparation, and safe equipment use
  • Safety Oversight: Inspect food areas and tools to ensure compliance with sanitation and safety rules
  • Meal Production: Prepare meals according to recipes and oversee timely service
  • Resource Management: Receive and store food supplies and follow first-in, first-out procedures
  • Work Supervision: Assign tasks, review performance, and maintain records for inmate workers

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.


Work Schedule and Additional Information:

  • Full-time employment, 40 hours per week
  • Work hours are 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM or 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with rotating days off.
  • This position is eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55.
  • Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
  • Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $47,925.00 (before taxes).
  • You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

  • Two years of experience in food preparation, production, or service of a variety of complete meal menus in an institutional food service operation, food catering service, restaurant, or in a similar large-scale food production operation; or
  • An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Additional Requirements:

  • Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required.
  • You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

  • You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.

How t...


Commonwealth of Pennsylvania logo

About Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is not a traditional company but rather a state government entity headquartered in Middletown, Pennsylvania, United States. Through its official website pa.gov, the government provides a broad range of services to its residents, including but not limited to, health services, education, transportation, and regulatory functions. Founded in 1787, the Commonwealth holds a rich history dating back to the foundation of the United States itself. The government's core mission is to serve and improve the lives of Pennsylvanians, fostering a more prosperous, informed, and secure state.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Harrisburg, PA, US

Year founded

1787