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Offshore Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Curtin Maritime

Vessel Chef

Long Beach, CA · On-site

The Chef has responsibility for proper planning, preparation, and cooking for all meals at the ... Use your experience and creativity to plan menus for Shoreside and offshore meals * Prepare and ...

Curtin Maritime, Corp

Vessel Chef

Long Beach, CA

$300 - $425/day

The Chef has responsibility for proper planning, preparation, and cooking for all meals at the ... Use your experience and creativity to plan menus for Shoreside and offshore meals * Prepare and ...

Curtin Maritime

Vessel Chef

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$300 - $425/day

The Chef has responsibility for proper planning, preparation, and cooking for all meals at the ... Use your experience and creativity to plan menus for Shoreside and offshore meals * Prepare and ...

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Offshore Cook information

See California salary details

$10

$18

$25

How much do offshore cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for offshore cook in California is $18.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $20.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do offshore chefs get paid?

Offshore chefs typically earn between $3,000 and $8,000 per month, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Salaries often include benefits such as housing and meals, and the work schedule can be demanding with extended periods offshore.

Are offshore jobs hard to get?

Offshore cook positions can be competitive due to the specialized skills and experience required, such as food safety certifications and the ability to work in remote environments. Applicants often need relevant culinary training, physical stamina, and the willingness to work long shifts on ships or offshore platforms.

What is a typical work schedule and environment for an Offshore Cook?

Offshore Cooks usually work on a rotational schedule, such as two weeks on followed by two weeks off, providing meals for crew members on oil rigs, ships, or remote platforms. The work environment is fast-paced, with shifts that may start early and require preparing multiple meals per day, accommodating various dietary needs. You'll often work with a small culinary team in a compact, well-equipped galley, collaborating closely with other catering staff and rig personnel. Flexibility and strong organizational skills are important, as supply deliveries are limited and the crew relies heavily on your ability to plan and execute nutritious, satisfying menus. This unique setup can be demanding but also offers extended time off between rotations, providing a good work-life balance for many professionals.

What is the highest paying job for a cook?

The highest paying jobs for cooks are often executive or head chef positions in high-end restaurants, hotels, or private clubs, with salaries reaching six figures in some cases. Specialized roles such as culinary directors or chefs with extensive experience and certifications tend to earn the most. Experience, location, and the type of establishment significantly influence earning potential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Offshore Cook position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Offshore Cook, you need strong culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and experience in preparing large-scale meals, often supported by certifications like ServSafe or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and health and safety regulations is essential. Excellent time management, adaptability, and teamwork are valuable soft skills due to the fast-paced and remote environment. These competencies ensure high-quality, safe meal service and contribute to the overall well-being and morale of offshore crews.

What is an Offshore Cook job?

An Offshore Cook is responsible for preparing meals for crew members on oil rigs, ships, or other offshore facilities. They plan menus, manage food supplies, and ensure meals meet nutritional and safety standards. Offshore Cooks often work long shifts in challenging environments, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to cook for large groups. Their role is essential for maintaining crew morale and well-being during extended offshore assignments.

What offshore jobs pay the most?

Offshore jobs that typically pay the highest wages include positions such as offshore drilling rig workers, subsea engineers, and specialized technicians, often requiring technical skills and certifications. These roles usually offer higher pay due to the demanding environment, extended schedules, and the need for specialized expertise.
What are the most commonly searched types of Offshore Cook jobs in California? The most popular types of Offshore Cook jobs in California are:
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Offshore Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Offshore Cook job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,455 per year, or $19 per hour.

Vessel Chef

Curtin Maritime

Long Beach, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Salary: $300 - $425/Day ($21.43 - $30.35 per hour)

Location: Varies

Department:Marine Transportation

Reports to: Mark Kuehn, Food Services Director

Schedule: Full-time; minimum 40 hours per week and as needed for projects. Long hours, short notice travel, weekend duties. May involve travel to several locations and extended stays outside of home port.


Efficiency. Innovation. Integrity. These are our 3 Pillars. At Curtin Maritime, these core values are the framework for safe performance and operational excellence; proof of these pillars is evident in our people and our fleet. For 25 years, Curtin Maritime has been an industry leader in quality maritime solutions. We are a dynamic Marine Construction and Marine Transportation company experiencing rapid growth. Our team provides customers with a complete suite of maritime solutions, allowing us the incredible opportunity to work on unique projects in some of the most amazing places on earth.

THIS ROLE:

The Chef has responsibility for proper planning, preparation, and cooking for all meals at the facility and off-shore during jobs as needed. He/she will be responsible for menu planning, ordering, and purchasing food and drink items to provide 3 meals per day for the crew while ensuring the highest standard of quality. In addition, the Chef will be responsible to maintain the inventory of snack items, plates, cups, and utensils and ensure an acceptable level of cleanliness and organization in the Galley on the vessel and off-shore. The Chef will provide oversight and guidance to all vessel cooks and boat crews by assisting with menu planning, shopping and safe sanitary practices.

WHAT YOULL DO:

  • Purchase all items required for meal preparation and serving
  • Use your experience and creativity to plan menus for Shoreside and offshore meals
  • Prepare and serve meals in a timely manner and according to the meal schedule
  • Ensure cleanliness of the meal preparation workspace and serving area
  • Manage the inventory of food, snacks and drinks to ensure adequate supply and minimize waste
  • Train vessel cooks and boat crew members in safe food handling, meal preparation and sanitary practices
  • Track and report expenditures to accounting using Excel
  • Washing dishes, cooking and serving utensils, and linens
  • Maintain conference room reservations on Outlook
  • Menu planning and meal preparation for crew and off-shore staff as needed

WHO YOU ARE:

  • Possession of, or ability to acquire an MMC (Merchant Mariner Credential)
  • Possession of, or ability to acquire an TWIC
  • Possession of, or ability to acquire an AB (Able-bodied seaman) endorsement, limited or unlimited.
  • Possession of, or ability to acquire an STCW endorsement.
  • 5 years of experience as a cook in a commercial setting
  • 3 years of experience as a prep cook
  • Maritime or cruise industry experience preferred
  • High school diploma or equivalent required
  • Culinary program certification preferred
  • SERV Safe food handler certification required
  • Valid Drivers License with clean driving record required
  • Ability to travel and live on board a vessel for extended periods of time

Mental Aptitudes Required:

  • Self-motivated team player with a strong work ethic
  • Must be able to get along with office staff and vessel crew members
  • Must be able to effectively communicate both written and verbally
  • Confidence to initiate correspondence with crewmembers and staff
  • Must always follow all Company and United States Coast guard rules and regulations
  • Must comply with all work rules, including those that pertain to safety and health

Physical Aptitudes Required:

  • Must meet fit for duty requirements upon job offer (pre-employment physical and drug test)
  • The employee must meet physical requirements including but not limited to, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing up/down ladders and stairs, negotiating uneven and moving surfaces.
  • Ability to maneuver through/in/around small and/or confined areas within the
  • Ability to stand and walk on nearly a constant basis; ability to work long hours each
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
  • Ability to work when exposed to odors, dust, dirt, mechanical hazards, high noise levels, and potentially hazardous equipment.

WHAT WE OFFER:

  • Competitive Compensation
  • Generous benefits package including Medical (Dental, Vision, STD & AD&D/Life Insurance at no cost for employees coverage) with additional option to elect incremental Life Insurance for employee and dependents and choice to elect Health and/or Dependent Flexible Spending Account

Curtin Maritime is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.