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Barge Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tank Barge PIC

Sulphur, LA · On-site

$22.75 - $26.25/hr

Swimming, cooking, and washing clothes. Qualifications Tank Barge PIC: A Tank Barge PIC License is REQUIRED. Tank Barge PICTRAINEE: No License Required. License Requirements: * Must possess a valid ...

Tank Barge PIC

Sulphur, LA · On-site

$22.75 - $26.25/hr

Swimming, cooking, and washing clothes. Qualifications Tank Barge PIC: A Tank Barge PIC License is REQUIRED. Tank Barge PICTRAINEE: No License Required. License Requirements: * Must possess a valid ...

Vessel Cook

Elkhart, IN · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

American Commercial Barge Line Location: Traveling on waterways Job Type: Full-Time Are you a talented and passionate cook ready to embark on an exciting culinary adventure across the inland ...

Vessel Cook

Golden Meadow, LA · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

American Commercial Barge Line Location: Traveling on waterways Job Type: Full-Time Are you a talented and passionate cook ready to embark on an exciting culinary adventure across the inland ...

Vessel Cook

Kankakee, IL · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

American Commercial Barge Line Location: Traveling on waterways Job Type: Full-Time Are you a talented and passionate cook ready to embark on an exciting culinary adventure across the inland ...

Vessel Cook

Memphis, TN · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

American Commercial Barge Line Location: Traveling on waterways Job Type: Full-Time Are you a talented and passionate cook ready to embark on an exciting culinary adventure across the inland ...

Vessel Cook

Frankfort, KY · On-site

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

American Commercial Barge Line Location: Traveling on waterways Job Type: Full-Time Are you a talented and passionate cook ready to embark on an exciting culinary adventure across the inland ...

Vessel Cook

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

American Commercial Barge Line Location: Traveling on waterways Job Type: Full-Time Are you a talented and passionate cook ready to embark on an exciting culinary adventure across the inland ...

Vessel Cook

Saint Charles, MO · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

American Commercial Barge Line Location: Traveling on waterways Job Type: Full-Time Are you a talented and passionate cook ready to embark on an exciting culinary adventure across the inland ...

Vessel Cook

Jeffersonville, IN · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

American Commercial Barge Line Location: Traveling on waterways Job Type: Full-Time Are you a talented and passionate cook ready to embark on an exciting culinary adventure across the inland ...

Vessel Cook

Harahan, LA · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

American Commercial Barge Line Location: Traveling on waterways Job Type: Full-Time Are you a talented and passionate cook ready to embark on an exciting culinary adventure across the inland ...

Vessel Cook

Memphis, TN · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

American Commercial Barge Line Location: Traveling on waterways Job Type: Full-Time Are you a talented and passionate cook ready to embark on an exciting culinary adventure across the inland ...

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Barge Cook information

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$8

$16

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How much do barge cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for barge cook in the United States is $16.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Barge Cook job?

A Barge Cook is responsible for preparing meals for crew members on a barge, typically in remote locations. They plan menus, order supplies, maintain kitchen cleanliness, and ensure food safety standards are met. The cook must be skilled in preparing hearty meals that meet the dietary needs and preferences of the crew. Since barges operate in isolated areas, the cook must work efficiently with limited resources. This role requires strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently.

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

To thrive as a Barge Cook, you need solid culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and experience in preparing meals in bulk, often supported by a food handler’s certificate or similar credential. Familiarity with industrial kitchen equipment and inventory management systems is essential for efficient operation aboard a barge. Strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to work independently and harmoniously in close quarters are highly valued soft skills for this role. These capabilities are crucial to ensure crew members receive nutritious, timely meals while maintaining high safety and hygiene standards in a remote, self-contained environment.

What is a typical work schedule and environment like for a Barge Cook?

A Barge Cook typically works on a rotational schedule, such as two weeks on and two weeks off, living and working aboard the vessel during shifts. The kitchen environment is compact but well-equipped, and you'll often prepare three daily meals and snacks for a crew ranging from a handful to several dozen people. You'll generally work independently, but frequent communication with deckhands and supervisors is necessary to accommodate changing schedules or dietary needs. The job requires flexibility and resilience, as you may be away from home for extended periods and must manage supplies efficiently. However, this unique setting fosters strong camaraderie on board and can provide valuable experience for advancing in the maritime or hospitality industries.
What cities are hiring for Barge Cook jobs? Cities with the most Barge Cook job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Barge Cook jobs? The most popular types of Barge Cook jobs are:
What states have the most Barge Cook jobs? States with the most job openings for Barge Cook jobs include:
Infographic showing various Barge Cook job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Summer. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,340 per year, or $16 per hour.
Tank Barge PIC

$22.75 - $26.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Overview

The primary function of a Tank Barge PIC is to prepare the barges that are assigned and complete loading and discharging of oil, refined and petrochemical cargoes. The Tank Barge PIC must communicate with dock personnel and ensure that each person participating in the transfer of product understands what the product is, and how it should be transferred and protected. The Tank Barge PIC normally works a rotating 6 days on, and 3 days off schedule.

Responsibilities

Walk 2-3 miles per day. 

  • A Kirby Corporation vessel generally has a tow that is 500 ft. in length. A Tank Barge PIC may be required to walk the tow and back in order to check the condition of the barges and the rigging to perform tankering operations.

Step - 2ft vertical and 2ft horizontal

  • In the process of loading or discharging two barges breasted up through a crossover hose, occasions arise where slack in one or more lines causes the barges. In addition, if one barge is loading or discharging at a faster rate than the other, a vertical height differential may develop between the decks of the adjoining barges. Also, different docks, owned by individuals other than Kirby Corporation have various combinations of the barge drafts and river stages. This makes it necessary to step across, up, down, or over an obstacle in order to gain access to the dock from the barge to the boat or from the boat to the dock.

Reach:

  • Must be able to extend arms fully, throughout a normal range of motion both in a horizontal and vertical plane. A Tank Barge PIC may be required to throw and catch lines. Complete range of motion is also required to perform engine room maintenance responsibilities, which includes reaching over one's head.

Climb:

  • Must be able to climb a 90-degree vertical ladder 25-30 ft. Different docks have various means in which to gain access to the barges that are docked at their facilities. This is especially true when the river is at a low stage.

Lift 60-75 pounds and carry it approximately 500 ft. 

  • A barge ratchet weighs approximately 60 pounds. If the lead coupling on a tow was to break, a Tank Barge PIC may be required to carry a ratchet the length of the barges in order to repair the coupling. In addition, a Tank Barge PIC may need to help move a crossover hose that would require a lift of at least 60-75 pounds.

Vision:

  • Color vision and eyesight sufficient to pass an eye test as required to obtain a merchant mariners document. This requires an uncorrected vision of at least 20/20 in each eye correctable to 20/40 in each eye.

Hearing:

  • Hearing as required to obtain a merchant mariners document.

Speech:

  • Must be able to verbally communicate in the English language both in delivery and ability to be understood. May docks use handheld radios to communicate with the barges and/or boats; therefore, use of these devices is required.

Reading/Writing:

  • Must be able to communicate by reading and writing in the English language.

Smell:

  • A sense of smell sufficient to be able to detect the presence of potentially dangerous chemical vapors.

Pulmonary Function:

  • Must pass a pulmonary function test with a minimum score of 80% with physician's approval.

Physical Condition and Ability to Wear:

  • Gloves, goggles, rubber boots, slicker suit, steel-toes boots, hard hat, five-minute escape pack, negative pressure respirator or positive pressure respirator.

General:

  • Must be able to drive to and from hub cities. Must be able to endure harsh environment, which includes extreme temperature, rain, ice, sleet, wind wave action and long hours during transfers.  Ability to use firefighting/spill containment equipment communicates with dock personnel, maintain documentation, and assist in training new personnel. Maintenance functions - ability to assist with engine and generator room maintenance.  Ability to qualify for all federal and state standards and qualify for licenses and documents.  Ability to perform all duties while wearing protective equipment.

Mental/Emotional:

  • Living and working in close quarters.  Length of time away from family. Ability to communicate in English - teach, use radio, and coordinate with dock personnel. Ability to understand written and verbal orders. Comprehension of essential information - spill containment and cleanup, MSDS and emergency action information. Video training widely used - i.e. safety meeting, Benzene training.

Possible Non-Essential Functions:

  • Swimming, cooking, and washing clothes.
Qualifications

Tank Barge PIC:  A Tank Barge PIC License is REQUIRED.

Tank Barge PICTRAINEE: No License Required. 

License Requirements:

  • Must possess a valid and current merchant mariners document with a Tank Barge PIC endorsement under 46 CFR 12/20 et seq. and a current and valid driver's license.

Education Requirements:

  • Must pass a company-approved test. In addition, must have successfully completed Kirby Corporation's training school for Tank Barge PIC.

Benzene Regulations:

Must be able to pass certification requirements of 46 CFR Part 197 Subpart C - Benzene.

Drug Regulations:

Must be able to satisfy all United States Coast Guard Chemical Drug Testing Programs for Vessel Personnel as found in 46 CFR Part 16.

Physical Examination:

In the event Kirby Corporation extends a conditional offer of employment, the employee will be subject to a physical examination by a physician appointed by Kirby Corporation.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

Necessary to safely undertake the essential functions of this position.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME