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Navy Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MWR Cook

El Centro, CA · On-site

$19.74/hr

... Navy Region Southwest. The Primary purpose of this position is to perform a full range of menu ... cooking and serving equipment and areas in a clean and ordinary conditions.Qualifications:

Cook

Everett, WA · On-site

$24.92/hr

Commander, Navy Installations command (CNIC); Naval Station Everett - All American Restaurant ... Must be able to follow recipes and combine ingredients for plain or fancy salad and other cooked ...

MWR Cook

El Centro, CA · On-site +1

$19.74 - $21.39/hr

Performs a full range of simple cooking tasks by preparing and cooking items requiring little or no ... Commander, Navy Installations Command is a Drug-Free Federal Workplace. The use of illegal drugs ...

Cook Leader

Everett, WA · On-site

$32.16/hr

The Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) department of Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC ... Must have the ability and skill to lead a staff of cooks and food service workers. * Must possess ...

The Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) department of Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC ... Must be able to follow recipes and combine ingredients for plain or fancy salad and other cooked ...

$20.61 - $24.02/hr

Commander, Navy Installations command (CNIC); NBK Bangor - Warrior Eatery. Learn more about this ... Place cooked food in serving dishes in steam carts and food trucks. * Washes and cleans kitchen ...

MWR Cook

El Centro, CA · On-site

$19.74/hr

... Navy Region Southwest. The Primary purpose of this position is to perform a full range of menu ... cooking and serving equipment and areas in a clean and ordinary conditions.Qualifications:

Cook

Everett, WA · On-site

$24.92/hr

Commander, Navy Installations command (CNIC); Naval Station Everett - All American Restaurant ... Must be able to follow recipes and combine ingredients for plain or fancy salad and other cooked ...

MWR Cook

Lemoore, CA · On-site +1

$19.58 - $21.20/hr

Prepares and cooks concentrated or dehydrated soups, sauces, and gravies. * Makes cold sandwich ... Commander, Navy Installations Command is a Drug-Free Federal Workplace. The use of illegal drugs ...

COOK

$19.48 - $22.72/hr

Performs a full range of simple cooking tasks by preparing and cooking items requiring little or no ... The Department of the Navy is a drug-free workplace. The use of illegal drugs by CNIC NAF employees ...

The Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) department of Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC ... Must be able to follow recipes and combine ingredients for plain or fancy salad and other cooked ...

Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$25/hr

Croix Rooftop at the Cambria Hotel DC Navy Yard Riverfront Department: Food & Beverage Reports to: Restaurant Manager - Supervisor Compensation/Pay Range: $23.00 per hour - $25.00 per hour Our cooks ...

Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$25/hr

Croix Rooftop at the Cambria Hotel DC Navy Yard Riverfront Department: Food & Beverage Reports to: Restaurant Manager - Supervisor Compensation/Pay Range: $23.00 per hour - $25.00 per hour Our cooks ...

She Wolf Bakery is seeking a full time pastry cook for our Brooklyn Navy Yard location. Our pastry program is based on using local, stone-milled whole grains, seasonal local produce, and New York ...

Cook

Chicago, IL

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

A Few of Our Line Cook Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on ... The restaurant boasts two terraces and a dining room that overlooks the Chicago River and Navy Pier.

Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$25/hr

Croix Rooftop at the Cambria Hotel DC Navy Yard Riverfront Department: Food & Beverage Reports to: Restaurant Manager - Supervisor Compensation/Pay Range: $23.00 per hour - $25.00 per hour Our cooks ...

Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

A Few of Our Line Cook Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on ... The restaurant boasts two terraces and a dining room that overlooks the Chicago River and Navy Pier.

Cook

Chicago, IL

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

A Few of Our Line Cook Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on ... The restaurant boasts two terraces and a dining room that overlooks the Chicago River and Navy Pier.

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Navy Cook information

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$8

$16

$22

How much do navy cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for navy cook in the United States is $16.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Navy Cooks?

Navy Cooks, officially known as Culinary Specialists, are responsible for preparing and serving meals aboard Navy ships, submarines, and shore facilities. They plan menus, manage food supplies, and ensure that food is cooked safely and nutritiously for large crews. In addition to cooking, they maintain kitchen equipment, follow strict sanitation standards, and may also participate in special events or catering for high-ranking officials. Their work is essential for maintaining morale and the health of all personnel on board.

Do Navy cooks get deployed?

Navy cooks are often deployed with their units to various locations, including ships, bases, and overseas assignments, as part of their service duties. Deployment durations and locations depend on the mission and operational needs, and cooks must be prepared to serve in diverse environments. Being part of a deployed team requires adaptability and the ability to work under challenging conditions.

Can you join the navy as a cook?

Yes, individuals can join the navy as cooks, where they are responsible for preparing meals for service members. Applicants typically need to meet age, education, and physical fitness requirements, and may undergo training at a naval training center. Culinary skills and the ability to work in a team environment are important for this role.

Do military cooks get paid well?

Military cooks, such as Navy cooks, receive a salary based on rank and years of service, with pay scales set by the Department of Defense. They also often receive benefits like housing, healthcare, and allowances, which can contribute to overall compensation. While their pay is generally considered competitive within the military, it may be lower than civilian culinary or hospitality industry salaries at similar experience levels.

What is the difference between Navy Cook vs Navy Culinary Specialist?

AspectNavy CookNavy Culinary Specialist
CertificationsBasic food service training, food safetyAdvanced culinary training, food safety, sanitation
Work EnvironmentShip kitchens, naval basesShip kitchens, naval bases, field operations
Job DutiesPreparing meals, basic food prepMenu planning, food prep, kitchen management

The Navy Cook and Navy Culinary Specialist roles share similar environments and basic food safety certifications. However, Culinary Specialists typically have more advanced culinary training and take on additional responsibilities like menu planning and kitchen management. Both roles are essential for maintaining nutrition and morale aboard ships and bases, but Culinary Specialists often have broader skills and responsibilities.

What are some unique challenges Navy Cooks face while preparing meals at sea?

Navy Cooks often work in compact, moving environments where space and resources are limited, especially during deployments at sea. They must adapt to changing schedules, unpredictable weather conditions, and tight timeframes while maintaining high standards for food safety and nutrition. Teamwork is essential, as cooks coordinate closely with supply and logistics personnel to manage inventory and ensure that all sailors receive nutritious meals. Flexibility, resourcefulness, and strong communication skills are key to overcoming these challenges and supporting the morale and readiness of the crew.

What are cooks called in the navy?

In the navy, cooks are called Culinary Specialists or simply Navy Cooks. They are responsible for preparing meals for sailors and often work in shipboard kitchens, following military food safety standards and recipes. Certification in food handling and cooking skills is typically required for this role.

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

To thrive as a Navy Cook, you need basic culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and completion of Navy culinary training or equivalent qualification. Familiarity with large-scale kitchen equipment, inventory systems, and military food preparation procedures is crucial. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and attention to detail help you excel in high-pressure, communal environments. These skills ensure meals are prepared safely and efficiently to sustain crew morale and mission readiness at sea.
More about Navy Cook jobs
What cities are hiring for Navy Cook jobs? Cities with the most Navy Cook job openings:
What states have the most Navy Cook jobs? States with the most job openings for Navy Cook jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Navy Cook jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Navy Cook jobs are:
Infographic showing various Navy 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 $33,340 per year, or $16 per hour.
MWR Cook

$19.74/hr

Other

Re-posted 16 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 371 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

This position is in the Food and Beverage Division of the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Department in the Navy Region Southwest. The Primary purpose of this position is to perform a full range of menu items; maintains cooking and serving equipment and areas in a clean and ordinary conditions.Qualifications:
  • 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.
Education:This position is not in a positive education series.Employment Type: OTHER

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About US Navy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

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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