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Boat Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Line Cook

San Luis Obispo, CA

$17 - $21.25/hr

We have curated the finest ingredients: off-the-boat seafood from our local harbor, farm-fresh ... A Line Cook for Porto Leon must be punctual, a good communicator, highly trained in food safety and ...

Cook meals for crew members and prepare grocery orders and supply requisitions. Check engine room ... Tighten and grease/ replace shaft packing before leaving the boat. Take on fuel and water, and pump ...

Cook meals for crew members and prepare grocery orders and supply requisitions. Check engine room ... Tighten and grease/ replace shaft packing before leaving the boat. Take on fuel and water, and pump ...

Cook meals for crew members and prepare grocery orders and supply requisitions. Check engine room ... Tighten and grease/ replace shaft packing before leaving the boat. Take on fuel and water, and pump ...

Cook meals for crew members and prepare grocery orders and supply requisitions. Check engine room ... Tighten and grease/ replace shaft packing before leaving the boat. Take on fuel and water, and pump ...

Cook meals for crew members and prepare grocery orders and supply requisitions. Check engine room ... Tighten and grease/ replace shaft packing before leaving the boat. Take on fuel and water, and pump ...

This restaurant emphasizes wine and wine-friendly cooking, featuring a vibrant, seasonal California approach to traditional French cuisine. With a focus on lightness and non-scripted daily specials ...

Cook meals for crew members and prepare grocery orders and supply requisitions. Check engine room ... Tighten and grease/ replace shaft packing before leaving the boat. Take on fuel and water, and pump ...

Cook meals for crew members and prepare grocery orders and supply requisitions. Check engine room ... Tighten and grease/ replace shaft packing before leaving the boat. Take on fuel and water, and pump ...

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Boat Cook information

See California salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do boat cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for boat cook in California is $15.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Boat Cook vs Marine Steward?

AspectBoat CookMarine Steward
CertificationsFood safety, CPR, first aidFood safety, CPR, first aid
Work EnvironmentOnboard boats, yachts, cruise shipsOnboard ships, cruise vessels, yachts
Job ResponsibilitiesPreparing meals, menu planning, kitchen managementGuest services, hospitality, assisting with dining
Industry UsageMaritime hospitality, private yachts, cruise linesMaritime hospitality, cruise ships, luxury yachts

While both Boat Cooks and Marine Stewards work onboard ships and require food safety certifications, Boat Cooks focus primarily on meal preparation and kitchen management. Marine Stewards handle guest services and hospitality duties, often assisting with dining and entertainment. The roles complement each other in maritime hospitality settings, but the Boat Cook specializes in culinary tasks.

What is a boat cook?

Boat cooks are culinary professionals responsible for preparing meals on boats, ships, or yachts. They plan menus, order supplies, and cook meals in often limited galley spaces, ensuring the crew and passengers are well-fed and dietary needs are met. Boat cooks must be adaptable to unique kitchen setups, storage limitations, and sometimes rough seas. In addition to cooking, they often handle cleaning, inventory, and food safety tasks. Their role is crucial for maintaining morale and health on board.

What are some unique challenges a boat cook faces compared to a land-based chef?

Boat Cooks often deal with limited kitchen space, fluctuating supplies, and the motion of the vessel, which can make food preparation more difficult. They must be highly organized, creative with ingredients, and able to adapt menus based on what is available and what can be stored safely onboard. Collaboration with the crew is essential, as mealtimes need to fit around shifts and operational requirements, and dietary preferences or restrictions must be managed efficiently. Additionally, maintaining high food safety standards in a constantly moving environment is a key responsibility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a boat cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Boat Cook, you need culinary expertise, experience in food safety, and often a relevant certification such as a food handler's permit or STCW training for maritime roles. Familiarity with galley equipment, inventory management systems, and knowledge of dietary restrictions is typically required. Resourcefulness, strong organizational skills, and adaptability help you excel in small kitchens and changing environments. These skills ensure high-quality meals, maintain health standards, and support crew morale on long voyages or remote locations.

What are popular job titles related to Boat Cook jobs in California?

For Boat Cook jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Boat Cook job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,903 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

$17 - $21.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

We are looking for Monday-Sunday AM and Monday & Tuesday Part-time PM Line Cooks to work a minimum of 30 up to 40 hours per week.
Https://branzino.fish
You will be working with Chef Carlos Lool - a world class chef trained by the acclaimed Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa at his Michelin star restaurant, and has earned his apprenticeship and skills from some of the other greats in the world like Chef Michael Mina and Chef Daniel Elmaleh, and worked at internationally recognized restaurants like Soho House, Kastuya Hollywood, Catch Restaurants, and Fig & Olive.
Branzino is the gateway between the old world and the new, where Spanish and Californian inspired cuisines unite in a celebration of the senses. We have curated the finest ingredients: off-the-boat seafood from our local harbor, farm-fresh vegetables, vibrant fruits, exotic meats, hand-selected wines, and cheeses and spices imported directly from Spain

With a modern design and a classic feel, our intimate 88-seat dining room sets the stage for a rich culinary experience that is as delicious as it is invigorating.
We are located on Chorro St. between Higuera St. and Marsh St

- San Luis Obispo's most trafficked corridor - where the street closes every Thursday evening as the entrance to the world famous Farmer's Market, drawing more than 10,000 market-goers every week. Within 2 blocks of the property there are five new developments, totaling 1.6mm square feet of new construction in progress, including 240 new hotel rooms.
Position Summary
The line cook is responsible for the mise en place and execution of a designated station with regards to the standards and recipes of the restaurants. A Line Cook for Porto Leon must be punctual, a good communicator, highly trained in food safety and sanitation

They will report to the kitchen managers, and executive Chef and must be able to take direction with the ability to still be creative. All Line-Cooks will be cross trained on all stations and will be asked to work multiple stations depending on the need of the kitchen at the Executive Chef's discretion. Line cooks must be clean, organized fully prepared before starting each shift.

This includes personal hygiene, proper tools for the job, punctuality, professionalism, respect for all co-workers and above all respect for the food they are executing. At Porto Leon we highly encourage the creativity of all employee's and will lean on the strengths the Line Cooks can offer and will build up their weaknesses through training and mentoring.
Responsibilities
Have a strong understanding of Food-Safety and Sanitation procedures.
Work efficiently, clean, and in a manner that overall builds the team up.
Line cooks are responsible for but not limited to keeping the their station's mise en place ready, be in a fit position to execute the dishes assigned to them
Be able to read and execute recipes to the standard of the Executive Chef
Be respectful to all staff including front of house and customers.
Be cross trained on multiple stations and willing to fill in when needed.
Be disciplined when it comes to respect for the food they are creating.
Have good communication with their managers.
Requirements
Follow all Food-Safety and Sanitation practices that are compliant with Porto Leon standards
CA Food Handler Card
Ability to learn execute technical recipes that in a high-pressure environment
Continuous bending, reaching, twisting and use of hands and arms.
Maintaining a good hygienic practice.
Must be able to work effectively within a team.
Must be able to walk and stand during entire shift.
Must be able to carry trays or supplies 25-50 lbs).
Competitive applicants will have:
A desire to help out where needed and work as part of a team.
The ability to thrive under pressure.
The ability to see the greater good for the kitchen and not be selfish.
High School Diploma or equivalent.
Strong problem solving and communication skills.
Exceptional time management skills.
Willingness to comply with all food safety procedures.
Benefits
Training & career growth opportunities
50% discount on-shift meals
30% discount off-shift meals
Company
Our management team has been in the service industry since the 90's

We are passionate about our work and have worked our way through the ranks of various roles up to ownership, opening our first 15,500 Sq. Ft., 600 capacity full service restaurant, bar, and entertainment facility 6 years ago. We are a growing company with multiple new locations and concepts currently in development around the nation