Ship chef

What does a Ship Cook do? – Tasks and Working Environment

Ship cooks are responsible for planning, preparing, and cooking meals onboard ships, where the working environment often involves confined spaces, varying work rhythms, and long periods at sea. They handle procurement and inventory of raw materials, ensure that food supplies last throughout the voyage, and follow strict hygiene and safety routines that are especially important in the maritime environment. In addition to cooking, tasks include dishwashing, cleaning, and sometimes basic administrative work. Often, the ship cook works independently, but on larger vessels, collaboration with additional kitchen staff may occur. Flexibility and the ability to handle unexpected situations are crucial qualities in this role, as access to new supplies can be limited during longer trips.

Salary Development Over Time

Over the past three years, salaries for ship cooks have steadily increased. In 2022, the average salary was 29,000 SEK per month, rising to 30 700 SEK in 2023 and further to 31 400 SEK in 2024. This development represents an overall increase of approximately 8.3% over three years, slightly above the average salary increase in restaurant and kitchen professions. The rise can be linked to increased demand for qualified kitchen staff in maritime sectors, as well as general cost increases and collective agreement adjustments. Simultaneously, the salary trend reflects a stable market where employers need to offer competitive wages to attract and retain skilled personnel, especially given the demanding working environment.

Ship Cook Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 31 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 27,100 SEK/month (female, pre-high school education)
• Highest salary: 44,700 SEK/month (male, public sector, post-secondary education)
• Hourly wage (average): 189 SEK/hour
• Women earn: 30 900 SEK/month (97% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 31 900 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Salary variations occur, especially between larger shipping companies and smaller vessels, as well as depending on the geographical location of the workplace.

Education and Qualifications

To work as a ship cook, a basic culinary education combined with specific maritime safety certificates is usually required. Practical experience from restaurant kitchens is often advantageous, and many employers prefer candidates who have completed safety training for seafarers. The educational pathway can vary, but it is essential to have both culinary skills and knowledge of maritime regulations.

• High school education: Restaurant and Food Service Program (3 years)
• Certificates: Basic safety training for seafarers (STCW)
• Practical experience: Voyage internships or experience working in ship kitchens
• Prerequisites: Good Swedish and English skills, basic knowledge of food hygiene
• Further training: Specialized courses in nutrition, allergies, and special diets onboard

Common Benefits and Allowances

Ship cooks are often offered free meals, onboard accommodation, and sometimes allowances for unsociable hours, especially during longer trips or international routes. Some employers may also provide paid return trips home, health insurance, and opportunities for further maritime training. The level of benefits can vary depending on the type of vessel, route, and employer size.

Competition and Challenges

The profession as a ship cook is characterized by a paradoxical recruitment situation; while many positions are available, staff turnover is high, and employers report difficulties in finding qualified applicants. The specific demands for flexibility, independence, and working under pressure contribute to the perception of the job as demanding. Long periods at sea and sometimes uncertain work schedules can make it difficult to balance family life or leisure interests. Despite this, the profession attracts with its unique working environment and travel opportunities, but it requires mental and physical resilience to thrive and develop in the role.

Tips for Aspiring Ship Cooks

To succeed as a ship cook, it’s beneficial to combine professional skills with a strong sense of service and team spirit. Good organizational skills help manage procurement and meal planning, especially when supplies are limited. Flexibility and problem-solving skills are essential when unexpected situations arise onboard. Being stress-resistant is important, as workload can vary greatly during the voyage. Good communication, both with crew and guests, contributes to a positive atmosphere on the vessel. Besides technical knowledge, a willingness to learn new dishes and adapt to different working environments is valuable. Finally, having a genuine interest in maritime life and travel can enhance long-term satisfaction in the profession.

Key Facts About Ship Cooks

• Average salary: 31 400 SEK/month
• Salary range: 27,100–44,700 SEK/month
• Gender difference: Women earn 97% of men's salaries
• Education requirements: High school culinary education + maritime safety certification
• Job opportunities: Large, 123 available jobs in Sweden

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After a few years as a ship cook, there are opportunities to advance to chief cook on larger vessels or to leadership roles within the shipping company's service organization. Some choose to further their education in nutrition and health or take on responsibilities related to procurement and logistics onboard. The Swedish Employment Agency forecasts that demand for cooks and cold kitchen staff, including ship cooks, will remain unchanged over the next five years, with continued high employment opportunities. The high staff turnover and recruitment difficulties mean that individuals with the right skills and experience have good prospects for employment and career development. However, the job market remains sensitive to changes in the maritime industry and the global economy, which could influence the number of positions in the longer term.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ship Cooks

• What does a Ship Cook earn?
  - A ship cook has an average salary of 31 400 SEK per month, with wages from 27,100 SEK up to 44,700 SEK depending on experience, sector, and education.
• What education is required to become a ship cook?
  - A high school culinary education and maritime safety certification, such as STCW, are required to work onboard ships.
• What is the working environment like for a ship cook?
  - The working environment involves long periods at sea, confined spaces, and varying workloads, often with independent responsibilities.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 97% of men's salaries within the profession.
• What are the future prospects for ship cooks?
  - The forecast indicates demand will remain unchanged with significant job opportunities, according to the Swedish Employment Agency.
• What benefits are common for ship cooks?
  - Common benefits include free meals, onboard accommodation, allowances for unsociable hours, and sometimes paid return trips home.
• How many job openings are there for ship cooks?
  - Currently, there are 123 available positions within the group of cooks and cold kitchen staff that include ship cooks.