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Hourly Merchant Marine Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Electrical Engineer

$70K - $117K/yr

Experience with navigation and marine electronics systems in a naval or merchant marine environment ... There are differentiating factors that can impact a final salary/hourly rate, including, but not ...

Electrical Engineer

$70K - $117K/yr

Experience with navigation and marine electronics systems in a naval or merchant marine environment ... There are differentiating factors that can impact a final salary/hourly rate, including, but not ...

Our solutions are found in over half of the world's merchant fleet. We believe MacGregor is a great ... Competitive hourly rate of $30.00 to $35.00 (depending on experience), plus the opportunity to ...

Our solutions are found in over half of the world's merchant fleet. We believe MacGregor is a great ... Competitive hourly rate of $30.00 to $35.00 (depending on experience), plus the opportunity to ...

Vessel Cook

Milwaukee, WI

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

... Sciences Marine Facilities dock in Milwaukee, Wisconsin when not conducting survey operations ... Preferred United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential with an Ordinary Seaman or higher ...

Vessel Cook

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$322.13/day

... Sciences Marine Facilities dock in Milwaukee, Wisconsin when not conducting survey operations ... Preferred United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential with an Ordinary Seaman or higher ...

Mess Person - Marine

Houston, TX · On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

Assisting the Steward and Cook in the preparation of meals by retrieving stores and performing ... Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) * Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC) * Currently ...

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Hourly Merchant Marine Cook information

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$10

$17

$23

How much do hourly merchant marine cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for hourly 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 some common challenges faced by an Hourly Merchant Marine Cook while working at sea?

An Hourly Merchant Marine Cook often faces challenges such as limited storage space for ingredients, adapting menus to available provisions, and working in a moving environment that can make food preparation more demanding. Additionally, cooks must be prepared to accommodate diverse dietary needs for crew members from various backgrounds. They also need to maintain strict food safety standards and manage time efficiently to ensure all meals are served punctually, despite unpredictable sea conditions.

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

To thrive as an Hourly Merchant Marine Cook, you need solid culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and, often, a valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with a Food Handler’s certification. Familiarity with galley equipment, inventory management systems, and compliance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations is essential. Strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to work well in confined, multicultural environments are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure nutritious, safe meals are provided efficiently to crew members, supporting morale and health on long voyages.

What is the difference between Hourly Merchant Marine Cook vs Hourly Merchant Marine Steward?

AspectHourly Merchant Marine CookHourly Merchant Marine Steward
CertificationsFood safety, STCW certificationsFood safety, STCW certifications
Work EnvironmentKitchen, galley on shipsPassenger areas, galley, passenger services
Job ResponsibilitiesPreparing meals, managing kitchen suppliesAssisting passengers, maintaining cleanliness, serving meals
Industry UsageMaritime shipping, cruise linesPassenger ships, cruise lines

The Hourly Merchant Marine Cook primarily focuses on meal preparation and kitchen management, while the Hourly Merchant Marine Steward handles passenger services and maintains passenger comfort. Both roles require similar certifications and work in the maritime industry, but their responsibilities differ based on their focus areas.

What are Hourly Merchant Marine Cooks?

Hourly Merchant Marine Cooks are culinary professionals who prepare and serve meals aboard merchant ships, such as cargo vessels, tankers, or passenger ships. They are responsible for planning menus, managing food inventory, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and ensuring meals meet health and safety standards. These cooks are typically paid by the hour and may work long shifts, often in challenging conditions at sea. Their role is crucial to maintaining crew morale and well-being during voyages.
More about Hourly Merchant Marine Cook jobs
What cities are hiring for Hourly Merchant Marine Cook jobs? Cities with the most Hourly 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 Hourly Merchant Marine Cook jobs? States with the most job openings for Hourly Merchant Marine Cook jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Hourly Merchant Marine Cook jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Hourly Merchant Marine Cook jobs are:
Infographic showing various Hourly Merchant Marine Cook job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,873 per year, or $17.7 per hour.
Relief Marine Steward - R/V Sikuliaq (Temporary)

Relief Marine Steward - R/V Sikuliaq (Temporary)

University of Alaska

Seward, AK • On-site

Temporary

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

We are currently accepting applications for temporary relief staff in the Steward's Department, including Cook/bakers and Mess Attendants. The temporary reliefs will fill in when the regular crew are on shore. Applications will be reviewed on an as-needed basis.
Applicants interested in the Cook/baker role should have the ability and experience to prepare nutritional meals for 46 personnel according to daily planned menus, with attention to special dietary restrictions. Applicants should also be able to perform cooking duties under adverse weather conditions. Strong organizational skills are required, as the position maintains inventories of food, equipment, and supplies. Strong attention to food safety and sanitation, as well as robust interpersonal skills are a must!
Applicants interested in the Mess Attendant role should have the ability and skill to operate on-board galley equipment, and the ability to ensure the clean, sanitary and safe condition of all galley spaces, food refrigerators, freezers, and food service-related equipment. Applicants should be able to maintain high standards of food safety and sanitation in compliance with CDC/FDA vessel sanitation requirements, and have computer skills capable of creating documents and inventory spreadsheets. The ability to deliver outstanding customer service on a consistent basis is a must!
Minimum Qualifications:
Cook/Baker
Degree from an accredited culinary school or, in the absence of a formal degree, equivalent combination of progressively responsible food and baking training and experience. Applicants must possess a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner's Credential endorsed as Food Handler. ServSafe food handling training is also required, in addition to Basic Safety Training (BST) and Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF). The following unexpired documents are also required: U.S. Passport, TWIC card, unexpired (STCW Expiration date) USCG medical certification, and a valid drivers license. Applicants must also be able to pass a pre-employment DOT drug test.
Mess Attendant
Applicants must possess a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner's Credential endorsed as Food Handler. ServSafe food handling training is also required, in addition to Basic Safety Training (BST) and Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF). The following unexpired documents are also required: U.S. Passport, TWIC card, unexpired (STCW Expiration date) USCG medical certification, and a valid drivers license. Applicants must also be able to pass a pre-employment DOT drug test.
Preferred experience:
Cook/Baker
Prefer two years of progressive work experience responsible aboard a marine vessel as a cook/baker, or equivalent training and experience. Computer proficiency in use of word-processing and inventory management. Must have good organizational skills, the ability to plan ahead, and understand the relationship of all galley functions to the overall morale of the vessel.
Mess Attendant
Prefer six months work experience aboard a marine vessel as a crew member, or equivalent training and experience. Computer proficiency in use of word-processing and inventory management. Must have good organizational skills, the ability to plan ahead, and understand the relationship of all galley functions to the overall morale of the vessel.
Position Details:
New hires will be placed on the UA Temporary Salary Schedule , Grade 76 (Mess Attendant) or Grade 77 (Cook/Baker) based on education and experience.
This is a pooled position and applications are reviewed as needed. Submission of an application does not guarantee review or a job offer.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Please include the following documents with your application:
  • Resume
  • Cover letter
  • The names and contact information (email address and phone number) for three (3) professional references
  • Copy of your MMC (all pages)
  • Copy of your TWIC card
  • Copy of your USCG Medical Certificate
  • Copy of your passport

  • If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Sarah Walters, Sikuliaq's HR Coordinator, at skwalters@alaska.edu.
    *To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.
    The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.
    The University of Alaska ( www.alaska.edu ) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution. The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination ( www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination ) against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.
    The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.
    Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.
    *Each university within the University of Alaska system publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.
    Access to the reports is available at:
    UAA: (Addresses Anchorage campus, Aviation Technology Complex, JBER - Elmendorf Extension, JBER - Richardson Extension, Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay campus, Kenai Peninsula College - Kenai River campus, Kodiak College, Kodiak High School Extension, Matanuska-Susitna College, Prince William Sound College, and Prince William Sound College - Cordova Extension) Online: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/safety . Request a paper copy in person: UAA Police Department Office at Room 114 of Eugene Short Hall on the Anchorage campus / UAA Dean of Students Office at Room 122 of Rasmuson Hall on the Anchorage campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-786-1120 or police@uaa.alaska.edu / 907-786-1214 or uaa_deanofstudents@alaska.edu.
    UAF: (Addresses Fairbanks Campus, Bristol Bay Campus, Chukchi Campus, Community and Technical College, Kasitsna Bay Campus, Seward Marine Center, Tok Campus, Kuskokwim Campus, and Northwest Campus) Online: https://www.uaf.edu/orca/files/ASFSR.pdf . Request a paper copy in person: UAF Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability on the 3rd Floor of Constitution Hall. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-474-7300 or uaf-orca@alaska.edu.
    UAS: (Addresses the Juneau Auke Bay Campus, Juneau Technical Education Center, Sitka Campus, & Ketchikan Campus) Online: https://uas.alaska.edu/equity-and-compliance/docs/clery/UAS_ASFSR.pdf . Request a paper copy in person: Hendrickson Building, Suite 202 on the Juneau campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-796-6371 or emailing uas.clery@alaska.edu.

    University of Alaska logo

    About University of Alaska

    Sourced by ZipRecruiter

    The University of Alaska is a prominent player in the education industry, located in Fairbanks, AK, US. Established in 1917, it is a well-known public research university providing a range of academic programs in various spheres like research, arts, technology, and natural sciences. As part of the broader University of Alaska System, the institution thrives in fulfilling its central mission - to inspire learning and to advance and disseminate knowledge through teaching, research, and public service, emphasizing the North and its diverse peoples.

    Industry

    Colleges, universities, and professional schools

    Company size

    1,001 - 5,000 Employees

    Headquarters location

    Fairbanks, AK, US

    Year founded

    1917

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