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Alaska Crab Boat Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Alaska Crab Boat information

See salary details

$9

$18

$25

How much do alaska crab boat jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for alaska crab boat in the United States is $18.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Alaska Crab Boat vs Alaska Crab Fisherman?

AspectAlaska Crab BoatAlaska Crab Fisherman
Primary RoleOperates and navigates crab fishing vessels in Alaskan watersPerforms the actual crab catching and harvesting on the boat
Required CredentialsCaptain's license, safety certificationsSea survival, safety, and fishing certifications
Work EnvironmentOnboard large fishing vessels in cold, harsh conditionsOnboard crab fishing vessels, often in remote areas
Industry UsageRefers to the vessel itself and its operationRefers to the individual performing the fishing tasks

While an Alaska Crab Boat is the vessel used for crab fishing, an Alaska Crab Fisherman is the person working on the boat catching crabs. The boat operator manages navigation and safety, whereas the fisherman focuses on harvesting crabs. Both roles require safety certifications and experience in cold, demanding environments, but their responsibilities differ significantly.

How do I get a job on an Alaska crab boat?

To work as a crew member on an Alaska crab boat, applicants typically need prior experience in commercial fishing, physical fitness, and the ability to work long hours in harsh conditions. Many start as entry-level deckhands, often requiring a Coast Guard license or certification, and may need to complete safety training such as STCW or OSHA courses. Networking with industry contacts and applying through fishing companies or crew agencies can also improve chances of employment.

How hard is it to get a job on an Alaska Crab Boat?

Getting a job on an Alaska Crab Boat can be competitive and requires physical endurance, relevant experience, and often a Coast Guard license or certification. Entry-level positions may be available, but many roles prefer prior maritime or fishing experience, and workers often face long hours in challenging conditions. Persistence and proper training improve chances of employment in this demanding industry.

How much money can you make working on an Alaska Crab Boat?

Workers on Alaska Crab Boats can earn between $20,000 and $50,000 during a single fishing season, with experienced crew members potentially earning higher wages and bonuses based on catch size and vessel profits. The job often involves long hours in harsh conditions and may require certifications such as STCW or safety training, but it offers the potential for high seasonal income.
More about Alaska Crab Boat jobs

What cities are hiring for Alaska Crab Boat jobs?

Cities with the most Alaska Crab Boat job openings:

What states have the most Alaska Crab Boat jobs?

States with the most job openings for Alaska Crab Boat jobs include:

Infographic showing various Alaska Crab Boat job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 19% Full Time, 79% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 26% Physical, and 74% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,923 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Boat Officer 4 (Captain - PCN 111103)

State of Alaska

Juneau, AK

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


State Of Alaska rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 74 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Description Effective July 1, 2026 the wage for this position increased by 2.5%. The wage listed in this job posting reflects the increase. This position is open to Alaska Residents only

Please check our residency definition to determine if you qualify. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Commercial Fisheries is recruiting for a Boat Officer 4 located in Homer, Alaska. What you will be doing: This position is responsible for the safe operation, navigation/piloting, and maintenance of the R/V Equinox.

This 85 ft vessel is currently in refit status, nearing completion in Newport, Oregon. The Equinox will serve as a working base for at sea biological assessment projects by conducting fisheries surveys and on-site management of commercial fisheries. The incumbent in this position will be asked to locate and obtain biological samples using a wide variety of commercial gear types including; longlines, bottom and surface trawls, drift gillnets, dredges, pots and ROV transects while adhering to requirements and techniques of scientific procedure.

Duties also include supervising a vessel crew of 3 or more in addition to administrative tasks such as: Budget oversight and expense tracking. Preparing detailed "requests for quotations" for major maintenance and repair projects. Implementing and monitoring shipyard work while adhering to procurement procedures.

Our mission, values, and culture: The mission of ADF&G is to protect, maintain, and improve the fish, game, and aquatic plant resources of the state, and manage their use and development in the best interest of the economy and the well-being of the people of the state, consistent with the sustained yield principle. The core services of the Commercial Fisheries Division are to ensure the conservation of natural stocks of fish, shellfish and aquatic plants based on scientifically sound assessments. Through coordination with staff biologist, the Equinox captain will conduct vessel-based surveys to collect assessment data necessary to achieve these goals.

The work conducted from this vessel supports the sustainable management of some of the most important fisheries in the state including Bristol Bay salmon, Norton Sound king crab, Yukon River Chinook salmon and southeast Alaska rockfish fishery. The Benefits of joining our team: This position will provide opportunity to work in some of the most exciting marine environments in Alaska on a state vessel equipped with modern electronics and fishing equipment. The incumbent will work with a wide variety of highly competent staff while conducting important fisheries surveys across the state.

The wide variety of fishery gear types employed creates a challenging opportunity for a team- oriented mariner with a solid working knowledge of multiple gear types. The incumbent is provided with medical benefits, paid leave and sea duty pay. Sea duty is additional compensation for days at sea.

The working environment you can expect: The Equinox is home ported in Homer and conducts research/assessment work in in Cook Inlet, North Gulf Coast, Prince William Sound, Bristol Bay, Norton Sound and southeast Alaska. Captain and vessel crew will be living aboard the vessel for between 80 and 120 days a year while on surveys. Under normal conditions a 12 hour day is standard and 24-hour operation is often required during long range transits between surveys.

While in port between surveys, or in off season the incumbent divides "in town" tasks between administrative duties and vessel maintenance, repairs and upgrades. Who we are looking for: We are interested in candidates who possess some or all of the following position specific competencies: Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of staff with experience levels ranging from novice to highly experienced researchers with extensive maritime and fisheries experience. Effective, adaptive, and documentable supervision of crew while at sea.

Proven skills in resolving personnel issues in a fair, effective manner. Extensive "hands-on" operation and maneuvering of a deep draft vessel in heavy currents, wind and seas, often while restricted in ability to maneuver. Commercial fishing or fisheries experience with a wide variety of gear types including long-line, surface and bottom trawls, gillnets, purse seines, scallop dredges and crab/shrimp pots.

Strong mechanical and electrical skills as they pertain to the repair and maintenance of propulsion, hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical systems typically found on vessels of 58 feet or more in length. Ability to work independently and make effective decisions under pressure with minimal or no direct supervision. Safety oriented with training in marine safety procedures and conducting drills.

To view the general description and example of duties for a Boat Officer 4, please go to the following link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/Alaska/classspecs Special Note: A valid Driver's License is required. Must have a U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton Master`s License

Must have the physical capacity for arduous work and extended time at sea. A valid Alaska Driver`s license is required. Desirable licenses include a U.S

Coast Guard operator or Engineer license, 100-ton Master or Merchant Mariner`s Documents: Seafarer or able Seafarer. A Federal Communications Radiotelephone Operator License is required prior to attaining permanent status. Must have physical capacity for arduous work and extended time at sea.

A thorough knowledge of U.S. Coast Guard regulations and rules of the road, seamanship, ship handling, maritime safety procedures, fire training, navigation methods, and techniques. Ability to supervise crew and passengers, operate computers, understand and manage the budget, and perform other administrative functions related to purchasing and vessel repair

Must remain current with First aid and CPR training, advances in shipboard systems and scientific sampling equipment. Minimum Qualifications Two years of work experience, as 1) captain, second-in-command or relief captain to the vessel captain of vessel(s) of 70 feet in overall length or larger, performing the skilled level of operation and piloting of vessel(s) OR 2) responsible for performing complex repairs to, and maintenance of, marine engines, equipment and systems on vessels of 70 feet in overall length or larger which do not require a full-time engineering position OR 3) captain of vessel(s) of 46 feet or larger in overall length with full responsibility for its operation and piloting. Positions are responsible for the vessel's maintenance, repair and modification, budget proposals and fiscal control, schedule development and similar duties related to the operation of the vessel.

OR Four years of work experience serving as a relief captain of vessels 46 feet in overall length or larger in the absence of the captain, and in possession of a 100-ton license. Special Note: Must have a U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton Master's License

Must have the physical capacity for arduous work and extended time at sea. Desirable Qualifications: A U.S. Coast Guard Operator or Engineer license is highly desirable

TERMINOLOGY AND LICENSES: DOCUMENTABLE DAYS: Days at sea for which proof of service can be produced. As per U.S. Coast Guard definition, a day is defined as 8 hours of work

Because much maritime service is based on a 12-hour day, a 12-hour day may be counted as 1-1/2 days. FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's Permit: A permit to operate marine radios, SSB or VHF. LICENSES: U.S

Coast Guard Engineer's License: A Merchant Marine Engineering Officer license. U.S. Coast Guard Master's License: A Merchant Marine Deck Officer license issued with restrictions on gross tonnage of the vessel (e.g

50 tons, 100 tons, 1600 tons), as well as route restrictions (e.g. inland, near coastal, upon ocean). It is recognition by the U.S

Coast Guard of experience and qualification for carrying passengers or freight. U.S. Coast Guard Operator's License: A license formally called "Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels", more commonly referred to as a 'six pack" license, because limitation is to 100 gross tons/6 passengers

Merchant Mariner's Documents Ordinary Seaman: this is an entry level Merchant Mariner document, requiring no experience and no examination. It does require a drug test and proof of citizenship Able Seaman grade: An able seaman is a rating issued based upon experience and an examination, but is not an officer. SECOND-IN-COMMAND: The person recognized by the master as second-in-command.

Authority on the vessel devolves to the second-in-command through, and at the discretion of, the master. RELIEF CAPTAIN: The person recognized by the master as second-in-command. Authority on the vessel devolves to the second-in-command through, and at the discretion of, the master.

VESSEL: In the Boat Officer series specifications, the term "vessel" refers to a vessel larger than 28 feet in overall length. Vessels are categorized as follows: Small Vessel 28 feet to 45 feet Medium Vessel 46 feet to 69 feet Large Vessel 70 feet and larger Additional Required Information REQUIRED DOCUMENTS Please provide at time of application submission: Cover letter Copies of applicable merchant mariner's documents and licenses. If selected, please provide the following at the time of the interview: Transcripts, if using to meet minimum qualifications (unofficial copies are acceptable) A list of three (3) professional references with current daytime phone numbers, one must be an employee/crew member the applicant has directly supervised.

Resume/CV. COVER LETTER A cover letter is required for this position. The cover letter should highlight your knowledge, skills, abilities, and demonstrated experience as they pertain to this position.

Please attach the cover letter to your application before submitting it online or, if unable to attach to your application, email it to the contact provided in the job posting. Your cover letter will be used to help determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment and selection process. FIREARMS This position requires the use or possession of a firearm or ammunition.

In accordance with the federal Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997 (PL 104-208), if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, you may not hold this position. A "misdemeanor crime of domestic violence" is an offense that is (1) a misdemeanor under Federal or state law; and (2) has, as an element, the use or attempted use of physical force, or the threatened use of a deadly weapon, committed by a current or former spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabiting with or has cohabited with the victim as a spouse, parent, or guardian, or by a person similarly situated to a spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim. If you have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, do NOT apply for this position.

EDUCATION To verify education is being used to meet and/or support the required minimum qualifications/competences, you must fill in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials used to meet or support the minimum qualifications/competencies for a position and are required.

(Unofficial is okay; please ensure the institution/URL name is listed on the transcripts). SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements, if applicable. If utilizing this education you must show that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S

education programs; or an accredited U.S. state university reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the state university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence

WORK EXPERIENCE If using work experience not already documented in your application, also provide the employer's name, your job title, dates of employment, and whether full-or part-time. Applications will be reviewed to determine if the responses are supported and minimum qualifications are clearly met. If they are not, the applicant may not advance to the interview and selection phase of the recruitment.

NOTE: Attaching a resume or curriculum vitae is not an alternative to filling out the application in its entirety. Noting "see resume or CV" or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting. MULTIPLE VACANCIES This recruitment may be used for more than one (1) vacancy.

The applicant pool acquired during this recruitment may be used for future vacancies for up to ninety (90) days after this recruitment closes. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply to each recruitment notice to ensure consideration for all vacancies. EEO STATEMENT The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aids or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-800-587-0430 or (907) 465-4095 in Juneau or TTY: Alaska Relay 711 or 1-800-770-8973 or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at: P.O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811-0201. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer

NOTICE If you choose to be contacted by email, please ensure your email address is correct on your application and that the spam filter will permit email from the 'govermentjobs.com' domains. For information on allowing emails from the 'governmentjobs.com' domains, visit the Lost Password Help page located athttps://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword. WORKPLACE ALASKA APPLICATION QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE Questions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1-800-587-0430 (toll free) or (907) 465-4095 if you are located in the Juneau area

Requests for information may also be emailed torecruitment.services@alaska.gov. For applicant password assistance please visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword Contact Information For specific information in reference to the position...


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About State of Alaska

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Alaska is not a traditional company, but rather a governmental body responsible for running the state, the largest in the U.S. by area. This body's responsibilities include public utilities, healthcare, transportation, environmental protection, and public safety services among others. Designed to serve the interests of the Alaskan people, it was established in 1959 when Alaska was officially accepted as the 49th U.S. State. The official website, alaska.gov, is a comprehensive resource offering access to a multitude of departments, services, and information pertaining to the state.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Anchorage, AK, US

Year founded

1959

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