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Marine Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

COOK, A06/FLEX

San Diego, CA · On-site

$22.21/hr

Summary Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) is looking for the best and brightest to join our ... Prepares and cooks a variety of menu items including regular and special entrees and dessert items.

COOK, A06/FLEX

San Diego, CA · On-site

$22.21/hr

Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) is looking for the best and brightest to join our Team! MCCS ... Working knowledge of the planning process involved in cooking an entire meal including different ...

COOK, A04/FLEX

San Diego, CA · On-site

$20.44/hr

Summary Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) is looking for the best and brightest to join our ... Performs a full range of simple cooking tasks by preparing and cooking items requiring little or no ...

$22.21/hr

Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) is looking for the best and brightest to join our Team! MCCS ... Experience in the planning process involved in cooking an entire meal including different ...

$22.21/hr

Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) is looking for the best and brightest to join our Team! MCCS ... Experience in the planning process involved in cooking an entire meal including different ...

$22.21/hr

Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) is looking for the best and brightest to join our Team! MCCS ... Experience in the planning process involved in cooking an entire meal including different ...

$22.21/hr

Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) is looking for the best and brightest to join our Team! MCCS ... Experience in the planning process involved in cooking an entire meal including different ...

COOK, A04/FLEX

San Diego, CA · On-site

$20.44/hr

Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) is looking for the best and brightest to join our Team! MCCS ... Work is evaluated in terms of quality of food cooked and adherence to instructions and time ...

... cooking skills classes. Maintains liaison with various organizations to include but not limited to the Navy Medical Center, dining facilities, Marine Corps Exchanges (MCX), the Uniformed Services ...

Prep Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$20/hr

... Marine, which provides vessel outhaul and maintenance services at Bridgeport Boatworks in ... As a prep cook, you will prepare food for our events, including cutting, chopping, peeling, etc ...

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Marine Cook information

See California salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do marine cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for marine 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 a marine cook?

Marine Cooks are culinary professionals responsible for preparing and cooking meals on ships, including commercial vessels, ferries, and offshore platforms. They manage galley operations, plan menus, order supplies, and ensure that food is prepared safely and hygienically for the crew and passengers. Marine Cooks must also comply with maritime food safety regulations and often work in challenging conditions at sea. Their role is crucial in maintaining crew morale and health during long voyages.

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

To thrive as a Marine Cook, you need expertise in food preparation, safety, and nutrition, typically supported by culinary training and relevant maritime certifications like the Ship's Cook Certificate. Familiarity with galley equipment, inventory management systems, and food safety regulations is essential. Strong organizational skills, adaptability, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for managing meal service in confined and sometimes challenging conditions. These abilities ensure safe, efficient meal preparation and contribute to crew morale and well-being on board.

What are some common challenges faced by marine cooks when preparing meals at sea?

Marine Cooks often face unique challenges, such as limited storage space, unpredictable weather affecting kitchen stability, and the need to prepare nutritious meals for a diverse crew with varying dietary needs. Meal planning must account for long voyages, which means managing ingredient freshness and minimizing waste. Additionally, Marine Cooks work closely with other crew members and must coordinate meal times around shift schedules, requiring flexibility and strong organizational skills.

What is the difference between Marine Cook vs Marine Steward?

AspectMarine CookMarine Steward
CertificationsFood safety, STCW Basic Safety TrainingSTCW Basic Safety Training, Crowd Management
Work EnvironmentKitchen, galley on shipsPassenger areas, dining rooms, ship decks
Job FocusFood preparation and cookingPassenger service, safety, and hospitality
Industry UsageMaritime, cruise ships, cargo vesselsPassenger ships, cruise lines

Marine Cooks primarily focus on preparing meals in the ship's galley, requiring culinary skills and safety certifications. Marine Stewards, on the other hand, handle passenger service, safety, and hospitality duties. Both roles are essential in maritime hospitality but differ in responsibilities and work environment.

Can you be a marine cook in the Marines?

Yes, the Marine Corps employs Marine cooks as part of their culinary specialists, responsible for preparing meals for service members aboard ships and at bases. Candidates typically need to meet enlistment requirements, complete basic training, and receive specialized culinary training. Experience in cooking and food safety is beneficial for this role.

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

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

What job categories do people searching Marine Cook jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Marine Cook jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Marine Cook jobs?

Cities in California with the most Marine Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Marine Cook job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $32,903 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

SIO Research Vessel Deck Crew - Per Diem - 136617

University of California San Diego

San Diego, CA • On-site

$25 - $52.16/hr

Per diem

Re-posted 2 days ago


University Of California San Diego rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

168th of 623 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Payroll Title:
FIRST OFCR PD Department:
NIMITZ MARINE FACIL Hiring Pay Scale
$25.00 - $52.16 / Per Hour Worksite:
Various Appointment Type:
Per Diem Appointment Percent:
25-100% Union:
B6 Contract Total Openings:
50 Work Schedule:
Variable, Variable at Sea, Variable at Sea
#136617 SIO Research Vessel Deck Crew - Per Diem
Extended Deadline: Mon 9/7/2026
Apply Now
UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.
DESCRIPTION
Embark on an Adventure with Scripps Institution of Oceanography!
Do you have a passion for the sea and an adventurous spirit? Are you ready to support groundbreaking oceanographic research while traveling to locations across the globe? If so, we invite you to become part of our team at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, where you will be an essential part of our mission to advance knowledge of the world's oceans and the Earth.Position: Per Diem Ship Crew Member Pool Must be able to go to sea for extended periods; typical deployments average two to three (2 - 3) months.
About Us: At the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, we are at the forefront of ocean and earth science research, education, and public service. Our institution is dedicated to exploring the mysteries of the deep and making groundbreaking discoveries. Our research covers a vast array of disciplines, including physical, chemical, biological, geological, and geophysical studies of the oceans and Earth.
Our impressive fleet of oceanographic research vessels is among the largest academic fleets globally. The Scripps Fleet includes the following:
  • R/V Roger Revelle: Our flagship global-class research vessel.
  • R/V Sally Ride: A cutting-edge ocean-class ship.
  • R/V Robert Gordon Sproul: A versatile regional-class vessel conducting short missions off the U.S. West Coast.
Both R/V Roger Revelle and R/V Sally Ride meet tonnage requirements for maintaining and upgrading unlimited licenses.
Available Positions: We are continually accepting applications for a per diem pool of candidates to be used on an "as needed" basis throughout the year for the following ships' crew positions:
  • 1st Officer (Title Code: 4306) Range: $52.16 - $75.98
  • 2nd Officer (Title Code: 4307) Range: $47.05 - $68.55
  • 3rd Officer (Title Code: 4308) Range: $41.91 - $61.06
  • Seaman (Limited or Unlimited) (Title Code: 4304) Range: $32.36 - $47.13
  • Ordinary Seaman (Title Code: 4305) Range: $25.00 - $36.42
  • Marine Cook and Sr. Marine Cook (Ordinary Seaman/Wiper Endorsement) (Title Codes 4300 & 4299) Range: $26.58 - $38.72 and $33.58 - $48.92
Ongoing Opportunity:
This posting will remain open as a pool for candidates throughout the year on an "as-needed" basis. Candidates will be contacted directly if a hitch opens up.
Ready to Set Sail?
If you're seeking a flexible, short-term opportunity that makes a difference and fuels your adventurous spirit, apply today! Join the per diem pool at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and be a vital part of our mission to explore and understand the world's oceans.
Thank you for considering Scripps Institution of Oceanography as your next adventure. We look forward to welcoming you aboard!
QUALIFICATIONS
To be considered for these exciting opportunities, candidates must meet the following requirements:
  • A valid U.S. Passport
  • Valid U.S. Coast Guard documentation and endorsements for the specific position, including:
  • Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with the following endorsements:
    • VPDSD Endorsement (Vessel Personnel Designated with Security Duties)
    • STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) for watch standers
    • RFPNW/RFPEW (Ratings Forming Part of Navigational/Engine watch)
    • OICNW/OICEW (Officer in Charge of Navigational/Engineering Watch, for Officers ONLY)
  • Medical Certificate (with valid STCW and National Expiration Dates)
  • Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC)
  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen as a condition of employment.
  • Job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
Pay Transparency Act
Annual Full Pay Range: $111,082 - $161,820 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)
Hourly Equivalent: $53.20 - $77.50
Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).
Apply Now
If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community .
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
  • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

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