Cooking Instructor

Start-up cost: $1,000–$5,000

Potential earnings: $10,000–$20,000

Typical fees: $20–$45 per student per class

Advertising: Newspaper ads, brochures, flyers, Web site with your latest class offerings and the ability to register for them online

Qualifications: Cooking experience, teaching ability, some marketing skills; knowledge of state/federal regulations related to cooking in a home (if that’s where you’ll be teaching); possibly permits

Equipment needed: Cooking equipment and supplies, a place to teach (if not teaching at home)

Staff required: No

Hidden costs: Possible need to rent a facility to teach the classes; must have adequate stove(s), generous counter space

What You Do

Gourmet cooking and dining have always been popular. There are many television shows featuring chefs and cooks whose creativity pleases the palate, and gourmet restaurants and cooking supply stores abound. If you have (or can learn) the basics of cooking and have an interest in teaching others to do the same, this might be the business for you. You might check out the possibility of teaching in a home economics room at your local high school. This business can also be conducted easily from your home.

What You Need

Start-up costs can be minimal if you already have the cookware and utensils needed. In addition, factor in the purchase of a professional stove, if you don’t have one, and the cost to rent a facility for the classes, if you don’t want to teach at home. Teaching at home is only recommended if you have a large kitchen. The costs of your raw materials will need to be factored into your class fees.

Keys to Success

A cooking class business can be very rewarding. Everyone loves to eat, and learning to produce delightful meals will please your students. Marketing is probably the big hurdle for this type of business. You will need to advertise. You might be able to find related businesses to sponsor you or to spread the word about your classes. For instance, you could build a relationship with the owner of an upscale kitchen products company or offer your classes as “continuing education” through a local college.