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Barge Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AmNav Maritime

Senior Deckhand (NorCal)

Oakland, CA · On-site

Complete barge reports, engine room logs. * Paint inside and outside of tug on an on-going basis. Cook meals for crew members and prepare grocery orders and supply requisitions. Check engine room ...

Foss Maritime Company

AB Cook Oceans

Seattle, WA

$22/hr

... tug and barge transportation, and offshore energy solutions, including traditional energy and ... About the Role As a Cook , you'll be an essential part of our mission to provide safe and reliable ...

Foss Maritime

AB Cook Oceans

Seattle, WA · On-site

$22/hr

... tug and barge transportation, and offshore energy solutions, including traditional energy and ... About the Role As a Cook , you'll be an essential part of our mission to provide safe and reliable ...

Vitus Energy, LLC

Tankerman

Anchorage, AK

$24.75 - $28.50/hr

Tankerman duties include barge oversight, and supervision of on-loading, offloading, and storage of ... and environmental regulations Cook for crew when requested by the tug Master Other Job ...

Foss Maritime

AB Cook Oceans

Seattle, WA

$22/hr

... tug and barge transportation, and offshore energy solutions, including traditional energy and ... About the Role As a Cook , you'll be an essential part of our mission to provide safe and reliable ...

Vitus Energy LLC

Tankerman

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$64K/yr

Tankerman duties include barge oversight, and supervision of on-loading, offloading, and storage of ... Cook for crew when requested by the tug Master Other Job Responsibilities: • Other duties as ...

Vitus Energy LLC

Deckhand

Anchorage, AK · On-site

... cooking, cleaning galley, heads and shared living space, washing windows as directed * Perform ... Assists in fuel barge / cargo transfers as directed * Any other duties as required to ensure safe ...

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How much do barge cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 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 the highest paying job for a cook?

The highest paying jobs for cooks typically include executive chefs, head chefs, or specialized culinary roles in high-end restaurants, hotels, or private clubs. These positions often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and culinary certifications, and can offer salaries significantly above standard line cook roles.

How to become a cook on a ship?

To become a cook on a ship, you typically need relevant culinary training or experience, and often a maritime or STCW certification such as Basic Safety Training. Employers may require knowledge of food safety, sanitation standards, and the ability to work in confined, offshore environments. Prior experience in commercial kitchens and familiarity with shipboard life can improve job prospects.

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.

How do you get a job on a barge?

To get a job as a barge cook, candidates typically need relevant culinary experience, maritime safety training, and sometimes a merchant mariner credential or STCW certification. Applying through maritime staffing agencies, job boards, or directly to companies operating barges is common, and physical fitness and the ability to work in confined, remote environments are important. Experience with large-scale kitchens and knowledge of safety protocols are also valuable.

How much do cooks make on a barge?

Barge cooks typically earn between $2,000 and $4,000 per month, depending on experience, the size of the crew, and the employer. They often work long shifts in a confined environment and may receive additional benefits such as room and board.
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Barge Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Barge Cook job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,340 per year, or $16 per hour.
Senior Deckhand (NorCal)

Senior Deckhand (NorCal)

AmNav Maritime

Oakland, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Maintain the vessels in a state of readiness to perform work for customers as needed. Perform work as directed by captain of vessel. Job includes pulling heavy lines, climbing onto and walking on barges, boats and narrow barge walkways. Deck must be hosed down and free of lines (all gear must be put away when not in use). Make up all tows, and multiple barge tows as directed by captain. Deck personnel are trained to perform the following skills in addition to other skills required by the captain and/or the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Essential Functions: 

  • Use the VHF portable radio.
  • Splice lines. Perform lubrication services. Properly tie off barge tows, raft tows, etc.
  • Give proper direction and distance signals and information. Use equipment on the tug -- winches, capstan, peavey, pike pole, pumps. Make up multiple barge tows. Fuel tug. Complete barge reports, engine room logs.
  • Paint inside and outside of tug on an on-going basis. Cook meals for crew members and prepare grocery orders and supply requisitions. Check engine room hourly for leaks, broken fuel and oil lines, etc. Take readings on each watch and maintain engine room logs. Drain water out of air tanks every day. Check oil in auxiliary and main engines before starting.
  • Change oil and filter as needed. A general maintenance checklist is provided explaining what equipment needs to be greased started, etc. Engine should be wiped down of oil each night. Keep area clean and free of oil.
  • Tighten and grease/ replace shaft packing before leaving the boat. Take on fuel and water, and pump bilges.
  • Cleaning restrooms on tug. Prepare grocery/supplies list.
  • Performs special duties and other projects as assigned.
  • Adheres to all company policies.
  • Accomplishes all tasks as appropriately assigned or requested.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 
  • Must be able to comprehend and respond and carry out specific orders from the captain. Ability to communicate effectively with captain, co-workers, dispatchers and customers. Ability to learn safety awareness, injury prevention, firefighting. Must be able to read, speak and understand English over the telephone and/or radio.
  • Must be able to plan and prepare multiple meals for crews.
  • Must be physically fit enough to pull heavy lines/hoses, lift, tighten winches, carry heavy items, kneel while painting or changing oil/filters, climb onto barges and upstairs to wheelhouse, bending and twisting during boat/barge tie-up.
Working Conditions: 
  • Exposure to all weather conditions (rain, ice, snow, heat, wind, etc.).
  • Must have the ability and flexibility to work a variety of schedules and hours and must be able to report for duty with a one hour notice. Must be able to work overtime, Sundays, Saturdays, holidays, night work.
  • Assignments can last up to 15 days (river) or as much as 90 days (ocean). Must be willing to take callouts.
  • Must not be afraid of heights or narrow walkways.
  • Must join Union.
Minimum Requirements: 
  • Must possess and maintain US Coast Guard Merchant Mariners Document (MMD) or Merchant Mariners Credential (MMC).
  • Must possess Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • AB limited with a valid STCW endorsement is preferred.
  • Must possess and maintain valid state driver's license.
  • Must possess and maintain valid passport.
  • Able to work weekends, holidays, and at night.

AmNAv is an Equal Opportunity - Affirmative Action Employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We are committed to a diverse workforce and taking affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. AmNav is a drug-free employer and a participant of the E-Verify Employment Verification Program.

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