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Marine Cook Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Navy

Cook A04

Quantico, VA · On-site

$19.69/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 ...

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Cook A04

Quantico, VA · On-site

$19.69/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 ...

All JobsMarine Cook JobsMarine Cook Jobs in Virginia

Marine Cook information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do marine cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for marine cook in Virginia is $15.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $17.88 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. Candidates typically need to meet enlistment requirements, complete basic training, and receive specialized culinary training at Marine Corps schools.
What are popular job titles related to Marine Cook jobs in Virginia? For Marine Cook jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Marine Cook jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Marine Cook jobs in Virginia are:
Marine Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Marine Cook job openings in Virginia as of August 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 $33,054 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Cook A04

US Department of the Navy

Quantico, VA • On-site

$19.69/hr

Other

Posted 12 days ago

United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 379 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) is looking for the best and brightest to join our Team! MCCS is a comprehensive program that supports and enhances the quality of life for Marines, their families, and others in the Marine Corps Community. We offer a team oriented environment comprised of military personnel, civilian employees, contractors and volunteers who keep the organization functioning smoothly and effectively.Qualifications:

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:  Working knowledge of the methods and procedures relating to food preparation in small quantities, and the skill to apply such information to cook a limited variety of prepared foods.  Ability to read and understand written food service material such as food labels, standardized recipes, etc.  Ability to perform basic arithmetic computations in multiplying ingredients for a recipe and calculating how many servings.  Knowledge of the characteristics of various foods such as color, flavor, consistency, texture, and temperature and cooking time required.  Skill in planning, coordinating and timing sequence of steps required to have all menu items ready for serving at specified time.  Knowledge of sanitation principles.  Must be able to obtain ServSafe Food-Handler Certification within 30 days of hire.  
RESPONSIBLITY:  Receives assignments in form of written and oral instruction from immediate supervisor who "spot checks" work to ensure it is being performed properly and is available to answer technical questions.  Responsible for the proper use and cleaning of equipment, safety practices, personal hygiene, and conformance with sanitation requirements.  Detailed instructions are provided on new or more difficult work.  Work is evaluated in terms of quality of food cooked and adherence to instructions and time schedules.

PHYSICAL EFFORT:  Work requires continual standing and walking, and frequent stooping, reaching, pushing and pulling, and bending.  Lifts and carries objects up to 45 lbs independently and objects over 45 lbs with assistance.

WORKING CONDITIONS:  Kitchens are often warm and noisy.  Exposed to steam, fumes, odors, danger of falling, burns, and cuts.  Exposed to extremes in temperatures when entering walk-in refrigerators from the warm kitchen.
 

Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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