Backcountry Cook Jobs

14 listings are live on WildWork as of September 13, 2026. 7 state their pay and 8 include housing.

The median posted rate is $16.34/hr across 5 current listings that state pay in that unit, with posted rates from $14.50/hr to $20/hr. These are advertised rates; tips, overtime and room and board are extra where the listing says so.

57% of current listings say the employer provides housing, free or at a charge, and 43% include meals. Each listing shows whether housing is included and what it costs when the employer says.

Employers want someone who has cooked for a group of 10 or more, can plan and pack a menu for a week without a store, and can run a wood or propane stove. Restaurant line experience helps. Comfort riding a horse into camp or being on a boat matters for some positions.

Hunting camp and river trip cooks are commonly paid $150 to $250 per day with lodging and meals, and tips from hunters or guests often add $1,000 to $2,000 per season. Fishing lodge cooks are paid monthly, typically $3,000 to $5,000 with housing.

Many lodges and outfitters require a food handler card, which takes an hour online, and Alaska requires it for lodge kitchen staff. Hunting camps rarely require it but appreciate it.