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River Barge Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Commercial Barge Line

Vessel Cook

Memphis, TN · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

American Commercial Barge Line Location: Traveling on waterways Job Type: Full-Time Are you a ... Whether you are interested in working on the river or in an office, we are always searching for the ...

American Commercial Barge Line LLC

Vessel Cook

Paducah, KY

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

American Commercial Barge Line Location: Traveling on waterways Job Type: Full-Time Are you a ... Whether you are interested in working on the river or in an office, we are always searching for the ...

American Commercial Barge Line LLC

Vessel Cook

Harahan, LA

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

American Commercial Barge Line Location: Traveling on waterways Job Type: Full-Time Are you a ... Whether you are interested in working on the river or in an office, we are always searching for the ...

American Commercial Barge Line LLC

Vessel Cook

Memphis, TN

$15.25 - $19/hr

American Commercial Barge Line Location: Traveling on waterways Job Type: Full-Time Are you a ... Whether you are interested in working on the river or in an office, we are always searching for the ...

American Commercial Barge Line LLC

Vessel Cook

Convent, LA

$15 - $18.75/hr

American Commercial Barge Line Location: Traveling on waterways Job Type: Full-Time Are you a ... Whether you are interested in working on the river or in an office, we are always searching for the ...

American Commercial Barge Line LLC

Vessel Cook

Vacherie, LA

$15 - $18.75/hr

American Commercial Barge Line Location: Traveling on waterways Job Type: Full-Time Are you a ... Whether you are interested in working on the river or in an office, we are always searching for the ...

American Commercial Barge Line LLC

Vessel Cook

Cairo, IL

$14 - $17.50/hr

American Commercial Barge Line Location: Traveling on waterways Job Type: Full-Time Are you a ... Whether you are interested in working on the river or in an office, we are always searching for the ...

Kirby Corporation

Tank Barge PIC

Channelview, TX · On-site

$21.50 - $25/hr

This is especially true when the river is at a low stage. Lift 60-75 pounds and carry it ... Swimming, cooking, and washing clothes. Qualifications Tank Barge PIC: A Tank Barge PIC License is ...

Kirby Corporation

Tank Barge PIC

Channelview, TX · On-site

$21.50 - $25/hr

This is especially true when the river is at a low stage. Lift 60-75 pounds and carry it ... Swimming, cooking, and washing clothes. Qualifications Tank Barge PIC: A Tank Barge PIC License is ...

Kirby Corporation

Tank Barge PIC

Channelview, TX · On-site

$21.50 - $25/hr

This is especially true when the river is at a low stage. Lift 60-75 pounds and carry it ... Swimming, cooking, and washing clothes. Qualifications Tank Barge PIC: A Tank Barge PIC License is ...

Kirby Corporation

Tank Barge PIC

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$21.75 - $25.25/hr

This is especially true when the river is at a low stage. Lift 60-75 pounds and carry it ... Swimming, cooking, and washing clothes. Qualifications Tank Barge PIC: A Tank Barge PIC License is ...

Kirby Corporation

Tank Barge PIC

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$21.75 - $25.25/hr

This is especially true when the river is at a low stage. Lift 60-75 pounds and carry it ... Swimming, cooking, and washing clothes. Qualifications Tank Barge PIC: A Tank Barge PIC License is ...

Kirby Corporation

Tank Barge PIC

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$21.75 - $25.25/hr

This is especially true when the river is at a low stage. Lift 60-75 pounds and carry it ... Swimming, cooking, and washing clothes. Qualifications Tank Barge PIC: A Tank Barge PIC License is ...

Kirby Corporation

Tank Barge PIC

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$21.75 - $25.25/hr

This is especially true when the river is at a low stage. Lift 60-75 pounds and carry it ... Swimming, cooking, and washing clothes. Tank Barge PIC: A Tank Barge PIC License is REQUIRED. Tank ...

Kirby Corporation

Tank Barge PIC

Channelview, TX · On-site

$21.50 - $25/hr

This is especially true when the river is at a low stage. Lift 60-75 pounds and carry it ... Swimming, cooking, and washing clothes. Tank Barge PIC: A Tank Barge PIC License is REQUIRED. Tank ...

Kirby Corporation

Tank Barge PIC

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$21.75 - $25.25/hr

This is especially true when the river is at a low stage. Lift 60-75 pounds and carry it ... Swimming, cooking, and washing clothes. Qualifications Tank Barge PIC: A Tank Barge PIC License is ...

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River Barge Cook information

See salary details

$8

$16

$22

How much do river barge cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for river barge 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 is a river barge cook?

River Barge Cooks are culinary professionals responsible for preparing meals for the crew and sometimes passengers aboard river barges. They plan menus, order supplies, maintain food safety standards, and cook a variety of meals in often limited kitchen spaces. Their work is essential to the well-being and morale of everyone on board, especially during long trips. River Barge Cooks must be adaptable, as they often work with limited resources and face unique challenges related to storage and equipment. Their role requires good organizational skills, creativity, and the ability to work independently.

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

To thrive as a River Barge Cook, you need experience in meal planning, food preparation, and safe food handling, often supported by a food safety certification. Familiarity with galley kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and basic maritime safety procedures is typically required. Adaptability, strong time management, and the ability to work independently in confined spaces are vital soft skills for this role. These skills are important to ensure nutritious, timely meals for crew members in challenging, resource-limited environments.

What are some unique challenges river barge cooks face compared to land-based culinary roles?

River Barge Cooks often work in compact kitchens with limited storage, requiring strong organizational skills and adaptability. They must plan meals carefully to accommodate long stretches between resupply stops and adapt to variable crew sizes or dietary needs. Additionally, barge cooks collaborate closely with the vessel's crew to coordinate meal times around shifting work schedules and ensure food safety standards are consistently met, even while underway.

What is the difference between River Barge Cook vs Deckhand?

AspectRiver Barge CookDeckhand
CertificationsFood safety, maritime safetyBasic safety training, maritime safety
Work EnvironmentKitchen on river barges, confined spaceDeck, outdoor, variable weather
Job ResponsibilitiesPreparing meals, kitchen managementDeck maintenance, cargo handling

While both roles operate on river vessels, a River Barge Cook focuses on meal preparation and kitchen duties, requiring culinary skills and safety certifications. A Deckhand handles deck operations, maintenance, and cargo tasks, with safety training being essential. The roles differ in daily tasks but share maritime safety requirements and work environments on river vessels.

What are popular job titles related to River Barge Cook jobs?

For River Barge Cook jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various River Barge Cook job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,340 per year, or $16 per hour.

Vessel Cook

Memphis, TN • On-site

American Commercial Barge Line
Transportation and Warehousing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about American Commercial Barge Lineexternal

$15.25 - $19/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago

American Commercial Barge Line rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Title: Vessel Cook
Company: American Commercial Barge Line
Location: Traveling on waterways
Job Type: Full-Time
Are you a talented and passionate cook ready to embark on an exciting culinary adventure across the inland waterways? American Commercial Barge Line is seeking a skilled Vessel Cook to join our maritime team and delight our crew with delicious and nourishing meals.
When you join ACBL...American Commercial Barge Line (ACBL) is one of the largest and most diversified marine transportation companies in the U.S. Our legacy of providing the nation with the most economical, safest, and greenest mode of transportation dates all the way back to 1915, when we began moving coal on the Kentucky River. We offer a wide range of career paths in both operations and support services. Whether you are interested in working on the river or in an office, we are always searching for the best of the best to join our ACBL team.
What you will be doing... YourIMPACT
  • Create diverse and nutritionally balanced menus that cater to various dietary preferences and restrictions.
  • Prepare and cook meals, snacks, and baked goods for the vessel crew, ensuring quality, taste, and presentation.
  • Follow strict food safety and hygiene protocols to ensure the well-being of the crew.
  • Keep the galley clean and organized, maintaining kitchen equipment in good working order.
  • Foster a positive dining experience and accommodate special requests when possible.
  • Work closely with vessel master to ensure vessel budgets are maintained.
  • Travel to the designated port location assigned to a crew location.

What we are looking for...
You will need to have:
  • ServeSafe Certification.
  • Proven experience as a cook or chef of 3+ years.
  • Must be able to remain on vessel for 28-day rotating assignments.
  • Must be able to obtain required Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card by time of interview.
    Need a TWIC card? Apply here.
  • Must have a valid driver's license.
  • Knowledge of maritime catering and provisioning.
  • Strong culinary skills with the ability to adapt to various cuisines.
  • Understanding of food safety standards and practices.
  • Effective communication and teamwork skills.
  • Flexibility to work in a confined and dynamic environment.
  • Commitment to safety and crew well-being.

Even better if you have:
  • Previous Cooking experience in the maritime industry.
  • Culinary degree or relevant certification.

Reasons you will love working at ACBL ...
  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • Supportive and inclusive crew atmosphere.
  • Opportunity to showcase your culinary skills in a unique environment
  • Access to fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Commitment to safety and quality cuisine.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

What American Commercial Barge Line employees say

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