This role has a moderate level of AI exposure. AI can enhance efficiency for some tasks, but this job still relies on human skills and decision-making.
Explore all careersA Chief Cook prepares meals on a vessel, ensuring ingredient availability, hygiene, and special dietary needs while managing tasks efficiently.
Get qualified to work as a Chief Cook with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
In Australia, a full time Chief Cook generally earns $1,500 per week ($78,000 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
This industry has experienced strong employment growth over the last five years. There are currently 38,300 people working in this field in Australia and many of them specialise as a Chief Cook. Chief Cooks may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
A Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Marine Cookery) is an ideal qualification if you’re interested in a career as a Chief Cook. You’ll cover a range of topics including shipboard safety and survival at sea, skills in food preparation, food safety, maintaining perishables and stock control.
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If you're interested in pursuing a career in the culinary arts, specifically as a Chief Cook, Hobart has some excellent opportunities for you. The city offers a variety of Chief Cook courses in Hobart, catering to different skill levels and backgrounds. For those starting fresh, beginner courses such as the Certificate III in Commercial Cookery SIT30821 and the Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Marine Cookery) MAR30320 are particularly popular. These courses provide foundational skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in kitchen environments.
Your education will empower you to explore various culinary careers upon completion. In addition to becoming a Chief Cook, the skills you acquire could lead you to related job roles such as a General Purpose Hand, a Coxswain, or even a Sea Captain. Each of these positions offers unique challenges and rewards within the culinary field, making it crucial to choose a course that aligns with your career aspirations.
Training providers in Hobart, like EIC, are recognised for delivering quality education in Culinary Arts and related disciplines. Their experienced instructors will guide you through hands-on learning, ensuring you gain valuable real-world experiences while mastering essential cooking techniques. You can feel confident knowing that these institutions offer accredited courses that are respected across the industry.
Completing a Chief Cook course not only equips you with professional cooking skills but also opens the door to numerous other culinary-related roles. The industry is diverse, with potential career paths including a Chief Engineer, Marine Mechanic, and a Boat Builder. These roles complement your skillset as a cook and can lead to exciting marine culinary experiences.