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Entry Level Merchant Marine Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Paws Up Montana

Outdoor Event Cook

Bonner, MT · On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

... entry level team members. What We Offer: * Career Development and Advancement Opportunities ... Employee Discounts on Merchandise(30% on select items in our retail store) * Employee lunch ...

HandyTube Corporation

Line Cooks

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$16 - $20.25/hr

... as a Line Cook! We have skilled and entry-level positions, along with a variety of schedules ... Merchandise discounts Salary Description Hourly +Tip Share + Benefits

ASM Global

Cook B

San Diego, CA

$28.50 - $31.70/hr

... merchandise, venue management, and content & booking of world-class live events and venues. The ... Knowledge of set-up and function of Buffet Carving/action stations. * Entry-level knowledge of meat ...

State of Louisiana

CHEF

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

Anchored by a first-rate marine laboratory, the DeFelice Marine Center, LUMCON is embedded in ... Five years of experience cooking in a service-oriented establishment. * Hold a ServSafe Food ...

State of Louisiana

CHEF

Baton Rouge, LA

$63K - $87K/yr

About this Job The Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON), a program of the Board of ... Five years of experience cooking in a service-oriented establishment. Hold a ServSafe Food Handler ...

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Entry Level Merchant Marine Cook information

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How much do entry level merchant marine cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level merchant marine cook in the United States is $17.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Merchant Marine Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Merchant Marine Cook, you need basic culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often with completion of a maritime food handler certification. Familiarity with galley equipment, inventory management systems, and adherence to U.S. Coast Guard or international maritime regulations is important. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, adaptability to long periods at sea, and effective communication set standout candidates apart. These abilities ensure safe, efficient meal preparation and contribute to the well-being and morale of the ship's crew during extended voyages.

What is the difference between Entry Level Merchant Marine Cook vs Entry Level Merchant Marine Steward?

AspectEntry Level Merchant Marine CookEntry Level Merchant Marine Steward
CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety, Food Handler's PermitSTCW Basic Safety, Customer Service Certification
Work EnvironmentKitchen, galley on shipsPassenger areas, dining rooms on ships
Job RolePrepare and cook meals for crew and passengersAssist with passenger services, housekeeping, and hospitality
Industry UsageMaritime shipping, cruise linesPassenger ships, cruise industry

The Entry Level Merchant Marine Cook primarily focuses on meal preparation and kitchen duties, requiring culinary skills and safety certifications. In contrast, the Entry Level Merchant Marine Steward handles passenger service and hospitality tasks, often requiring customer service experience. Both roles are essential onboard ships, but they differ in responsibilities and daily tasks.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level Merchant Marine Cooks when working at sea?

Entry level Merchant Marine Cooks often face challenges such as adapting to limited kitchen space, maintaining food safety standards during rough seas, and preparing meals for diverse crews with varying dietary needs. The role requires strong organizational skills to efficiently manage inventory and meal planning, especially on longer voyages. Additionally, cooks must collaborate closely with the rest of the galley team to ensure timely meal service and handle the physical demands of working in a moving environment.

What does an Entry Level Merchant Marine Cook do?

An Entry Level Merchant Marine Cook is responsible for preparing and serving meals to the crew and officers aboard a commercial vessel. They assist with food storage, kitchen cleanliness, and may help with menu planning under the supervision of senior cooks or stewards. This role requires maintaining high standards of hygiene and safety while working in the challenging environment of a ship. Entry level cooks often start by performing basic food preparation and gradually take on more responsibility as they gain experience.
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Merchant Marine Cook jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Merchant Marine Cook job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Merchant Marine Cook jobs? The most popular types of Merchant Marine Cook jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Merchant Marine Cook jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Merchant Marine Cook jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Merchant Marine Cook jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Merchant Marine Cook jobs are:
Entry Level Merchant Marine Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Merchant Marine Cook job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $36,873 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Able Seaman- Anchorage Harbor

Cook Inlet Tug and Barge LLC

Anchorage, AK • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

AB - Harbor Division
We are Alaska's tug and barge company - and are growing.
Cook Inlet Tug & Barge has provided marine services since 1924. We specialize in harbor services throughout Alaska. Visit www.cookinlettug.com to learn more about us.
Why Cook Inlet Tug & Barge?
Simply put, Cook Inlet Tug & Barge is a team of exceptional merchant mariners. If you are looking for steady year-round work and enjoy what you do, this is an opportunity of a lifetime! We are committed to employee safety and take pride in our professional operations.
We offer competitive pay and a full package of benefits to include medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and more to our full-time employees.
Get your application in today at: https://www.cookinlettug.com/careers!
Roles and Responsibilities
As an Able Seaman (AB) you will be responsible to keep our vessels in a state of readiness and keep things running smoothly.
Working at the direction of the Captain to perform various tasks such as:
  • Maintain the vessel in a constant and proper state of repair and operational readiness by completing required vessel inspections, cleaning tasks, and general maintenance of the boat.
  • Engine room duties as assigned.
  • Maintain a watch system.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Equipment used will include winches, capstan, pike pole, and pumps.
You are an integral part of the team, maintaining a safe work environment on the vessel by implementing company policies, procedures, and general maritime industry-standards.
Qualifications:
  • Able Bodied (AB) Seaman endorsement.
  • Valid USCG Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).
  • Valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC).
  • QMED rating preferred.
  • Valid driver's license.
  • High School Diploma or equivalent, equivalent experience will be considered.
  • Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Experience and Skills:
  • Two years previous experience as an AB
  • Two years of sea-going experience on towing vessels (preferred).

Working conditions:
  • Lodging and provisions on the vessel.
  • Must be physically fit to climb aboard tugs and barges, ascend and descend ladders and balance while aboard vessels in a seaway; kneel, stoop, use stairs, reach overhead, and stand for long periods.
  • Comfortable with heights or narrow walkways.
  • Must be able to work 12 hours a day every day.
  • Exposure to all weather conditions (rain, ice, snow, heat, wind, etc.).
  • Year-round work, typical shift is two weeks on/off.

Cook Inlet Tug & Barge is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce and taking affirmative action to employ and advance qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. We are a drug-free employer and a participant of the E-Verify Employment Verification Program.

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