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Riverboat Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Line Cook

Morehead City, NC · On-site

$14.50 - $18/hr

... contemporary riverboats to paddlewheel queens for a steamboat experience. Our Line Cooks are ... involved with all aspects of food production including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will work ...

Line Cook

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

... contemporary riverboats to paddlewheel queens for a steamboat experience. Our Line Cooks are ... involved with all aspects of food production including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will work ...

Line Cook

New London, CT · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

... contemporary riverboats to paddlewheel queens for a steamboat experience. Our Line Cooks are ... involved with all aspects of food production including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will work ...

Line Cook

Hannibal, MO · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

... contemporary riverboats to paddlewheel queens for a steamboat experience. Our Line Cooks are ... involved with all aspects of food production including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will work ...

Line Cook

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

... contemporary riverboats to paddlewheel queens for a steamboat experience. Our Line Cooks are ... involved with all aspects of food production including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will work ...

Line Cook

Sandy, UT · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

... contemporary riverboats to paddlewheel queens for a steamboat experience. Our Line Cooks are ... involved with all aspects of food production including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will work ...

Line Cook

Saint Helens, OR

$17.50 - $22/hr

... contemporary riverboats to paddlewheel queens for a steamboat experience. Our Line Cooks are ... involved with all aspects of food production including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will work ...

Line Cook

Juneau, AK · On-site

$16.75 - $21/hr

... contemporary riverboats to paddlewheel queens for a steamboat experience. Our Line Cooks are ... involved with all aspects of food production including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will work ...

Line Cook

Morehead City, NC

$14.50 - $18/hr

... contemporary riverboats to paddlewheel queens for a steamboat experience. Our Line Cooks are ... involved with all aspects of food production including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will work ...

Line Cook

Hannibal, MO

$15 - $18.75/hr

... contemporary riverboats to paddlewheel queens for a steamboat experience. Our Line Cooks are ... involved with all aspects of food production including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will work ...

Line Cook

Grand Rivers, KY · On-site

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

... contemporary riverboats to paddlewheel queens for a steamboat experience. Our Line Cooks are ... involved with all aspects of food production including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will work ...

Line Cook

Wheeling, WV · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

... contemporary riverboats to paddlewheel queens for a steamboat experience. Our Line Cooks are ... involved with all aspects of food production including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will work ...

Line Cook

Lewiston, ID · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

... contemporary riverboats to paddlewheel queens for a steamboat experience. Our Line Cooks are ... involved with all aspects of food production including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will work ...

Line Cook

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

... contemporary riverboats to paddlewheel queens for a steamboat experience. Our Line Cooks are ... involved with all aspects of food production including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will work ...

Line Cook

Farmington, UT

$15 - $18.75/hr

... contemporary riverboats to paddlewheel queens for a steamboat experience. Our Line Cooks are ... involved with all aspects of food production including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will work ...

Line Cook

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

... contemporary riverboats to paddlewheel queens for a steamboat experience. Our Line Cooks are ... involved with all aspects of food production including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will work ...

Line Cook

Old Saybrook, CT · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

... contemporary riverboats to paddlewheel queens for a steamboat experience. Our Line Cooks are ... involved with all aspects of food production including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will work ...

Line Cook

Fernandina Beach, FL

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

... contemporary riverboats to paddlewheel queens for a steamboat experience. Our Line Cooks are ... involved with all aspects of food production including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will work ...

Line Cook

Vicksburg, MS · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

... contemporary riverboats to paddlewheel queens for a steamboat experience. Our Line Cooks are ... involved with all aspects of food production including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will work ...

Line Cook

Norfolk, VA

$15.25 - $19/hr

... contemporary riverboats to paddlewheel queens for a steamboat experience. Our Line Cooks are ... involved with all aspects of food production including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will work ...

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Riverboat Cook information

See salary details

$8

$16

$22

How much do riverboat cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for riverboat 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 Riverboat Cook job?

A Riverboat Cook is responsible for preparing meals for crew members and passengers on a riverboat. Their duties include planning menus, cooking meals, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Depending on the size of the boat, they may work alone or as part of a team. Riverboat Cooks must be able to work in a confined space and adapt to the challenges of cooking while the boat is in motion.

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

To thrive as a Riverboat Cook, you need solid culinary skills, strong food safety knowledge, and experience working in compact or mobile kitchens, often supported by a food handler certification. Familiarity with galley-style kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and basic first aid is also beneficial. Flexibility, resourcefulness, and excellent teamwork are key soft skills, as you will work closely with crew members and adapt to the unique challenges of a riverboat environment. These abilities ensure safe, efficient meal preparation and positive morale for both guests and crew in a variable work setting.

What are some unique challenges faced by Riverboat Cooks, and how can I prepare for them?

Riverboat Cooks often work in limited-space kitchens that can experience movement due to the boat’s travel, making organization and safety especially important. You may face challenges such as limited storage, restricted access to fresh ingredients, and having to prepare meals for guests and crew on tight schedules. To prepare, it’s helpful to practice efficient prep work, develop skills in meal planning with non-perishable items, and cultivate adaptability in adjusting recipes. Collaboration with other staff, maintaining cleanliness, and clear communication are crucial for smooth operations on board. This unique environment offers rewarding opportunities to showcase your culinary creativity and contribute to a memorable riverboat experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Riverboat Cook jobs? The most popular types of Riverboat Cook jobs are:
What states have the most Riverboat Cook jobs? States with the most job openings for Riverboat Cook jobs include:
Infographic showing various Riverboat Cook job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,340 per year, or $16 per hour.
Line Cook

$14.50 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 11 hours ago


Job description

Line Cook
American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team supports a combined fleet of ships sailing through various itineraries across the nation from contemporary riverboats to paddlewheel queens for a steamboat experience.
Our Line Cooks are involved with all aspects of food production including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will work closely with other members of the culinary team every day to ensure that the kitchen operations run smoothly and that all service provided to our guests is flawless. We make it a top priority to offer a first-class dining experience at every meal. Exceptional cuisine is prepared by cooks who have extensive culinary credentials and training from some of the most prestigious culinary institutes. Using only the freshest ingredients, menus are inspired by regional and local specialties. Your goal will be to utilize the ingredients provided to create a unique array of delicious dishes.
While living onboard, our Chefs enjoy comfortable living quarters and a challenging culinary working environment. Our galleys are well equipped with a spectacular view.
At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values-Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America's Story on the Finest American Ships.
Responsibilities:
  • Work directly with the Executive Chef/Sous Chef to produce diversified meals for our guests based off of the fresh ingredients.
  • Organize your workload in the kitchen so that kitchen processes run efficiently.
  • Produce high-quality dishes that follow up the established menu choices.
  • Adhere to all the guests' dietary requests.
  • Maintain order and discipline in the kitchen during work hours.
  • Ensure that hygiene and food safety standards are placed as a top priority throughout all stages of food preparation.
  • Ensure that all meals are prepared as quickly and deliciously as possible.
  • Enforce food and safety standards.
  • Communication with coworkers is imperative to all meal services.

Qualifications:
  • Minimum 2 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, country club or full-service restaurant.
  • Must have experience cooking breakfast, lunch, dinner.
  • Familiar with food safety standards.
  • Possess problem solving skills, organizational skills, and self-motivation.
  • An effective leader who can effectively control time management.
  • Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test.
  • Ability to complete a criminal background check.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Work Schedule:
  • 7 days per week while onboard the ship.
  • 6 weeks working with 2 weeks of unpaid vacation.
  • This is a full-time, exempt position.

Essential Functions:
  • Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
  • Ability to multi-task, take direction, and be a team player.
  • Ability to work with composure under pressure.
  • Ability to speak, read, and understand basic cooking recipes and adhere to directions.
  • Ability to work around 12 hours per day.
  • Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20" diameter hatch.
  • Ability to stand for your entire shift.
  • Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
  • Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to use stairs frequently.

Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive daily rate.
  • Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match.
  • Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training.

Applicant Acknowledgment
By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. ‎American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual ‎qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. ‎This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, ‎hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access ‎to benefits.‎
*Job sites across the nation.
This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.