ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Merchant Marine Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sause Bros

Deckhand/Cook

Coos Bay, OR · On-site

Comply with Company waste management policies and marine pollution regulations. 6. Ensure galley ... Other duties as assigned. Requirements Preferred Qualifications: 1. Valid Merchant Mariner ...

Sause Bros Inc

Deckhand/Cook

Coos Bay, OR

Comply with Company waste management policies and marine pollution regulations. 6. Ensure galley ... Other duties as assigned. Requirements Preferred Qualifications: 1. Valid Merchant Mariner ...

Bretz RV & Marine

Parts and Lot Attendant

Boise, ID · On-site

$34K - $37K/yr

This entry-level sales opportunity offers the chance to turn your passion for camping, boating, and ... Merchandising the parts sales floor * Run and help promote parts specials * Maintaining the ...

Bretz RV & Marine

Parts and Lot Attendant

Boise, ID · On-site

$34K - $37K/yr

This entry-level sales opportunity offers the chance to turn your passion for camping, boating, and ... Merchandising the parts sales floor * Run and help promote parts specials * Maintaining the ...

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

$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 ...

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsEntry Level Merchant Marine Cook Jobs

Entry Level Merchant Marine Cook information

See salary details

$10

$17

$23

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

As of Jun 28, 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 is the easiest job to start at with no experience in the maritime industry?

An entry level merchant marine cook is a common starting position in the maritime industry that requires minimal prior experience. It involves food preparation and basic kitchen duties onboard ships, often requiring a food handler’s permit or basic safety training. This role provides an entry point into maritime work with on-the-job training and opportunities for advancement.

How much do entry-level merchant marines make?

Entry-level merchant marine cooks typically earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on the employer, vessel type, and experience. Starting salaries can increase with additional certifications, such as STCW, and as they gain more onboard experience. Wages often include room and board, with opportunities for overtime and hazard pay on certain routes.

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.

Can a merchant seaman make over $100,000?

Entry level merchant marine cooks typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, but experienced merchant seamen with seniority, specialized skills, and certifications can earn over $100,000, especially on large vessels or with overtime. High-paying roles often require additional responsibilities, longer schedules, and advanced training.

How much does a cook make in the Marines?

A Marine Corps cook typically earns a base pay that starts around $2,000 to $2,500 per month for entry-level ranks, with pay increasing with rank and years of service. Additional allowances for housing, food, and duty location can significantly increase total compensation. Certifications in food safety and cooking skills are often required for this role.

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 21% Full Time, 77% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,873 per year, or $17.7 per hour.
Deckhand/Cook

Deckhand/Cook

Sause Bros

Coos Bay, OR • On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
General Description:
The Deckhand/Cook reports to the Master, and is responsible for preparing and providing meals for crewmembers, maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and good housekeeping in galley and food storage areas. Responsible for ordering, inventorying, rotating, and stowing of stores as necessary. The Deckhand/Cook assists in the safe and efficient operation of the vessel. Duties include vessel maintenance, and the daily deck operations, carried out in accordance with approved company policies and procedures.
Responsibilities/Performance Standards:
1. Provide meals daily at appropriate times, including meals for those standing night watches.
2. Manage food preparation and planning in an effective, economical manner providing high quality and minimizing waste.
3. Utilize company vehicles to get stores for vessels.
4. Clean up after every meal, including washing and stowing dishes and utensils.
5. Empty all garbage cans daily, sanitize as necessary. Comply with Company waste management policies and marine pollution regulations.
6. Ensure galley, galley equipment, food and storage stores areas are clean, sanitary, and in good order. Communicate maintenance or repair needs to the Master.
7. Sweep galley deck daily or as necessary; swab daily with soap and water.
8. Keep refrigerators, freezers, and walk-ins clean and orderly. Rotate perishable food stocks as fresh stores are stowed.
9. Provide meals and refreshments for barge loaders, including night meals as requested.
10. Assist in performing deck work and line handling in making/breaking tow, mooring/un-mooring vessels and vessel maintenance when directed by the Master.
11. Assist during emergency operations as directed by the Master.
12. Ensure at the completion of the voyage that the galley is left clean and sanitary, and that up to date order and inventory lists are provided for the next cook/steward.
13. Maintain inventory on all supplies in the first aid kit on board assigned vessel.
14. Wear personal protective equipment as appropriate to safely complete job tasks.
15. Obtain proper endorsements within allotted time frame that is to be determined at time of hiring. Will be classified as a Cook/Steward until proper endorsements are obtained.
16. Act as lookout or helmsman.
17. Other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Preferred Qualifications:
1. Valid Merchant Mariner Credential with F/H endorsement
2. Valid TWIC
3. AB endorsement
4. Valid Passport
5. STCW II/4, II/5, VI/6
6. Valid driver license
7. Food Handler certificate
8. One year documented cooking experience preferred
9. One year sea experience preferred

Apply