1

At Sea Fish Processor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Many get their start as Fish Processors and move their way up to Combi's, Deckhands, Foreman, Cooks, and more! Compensation * Crew-share compensation ($15K-$30K for 75 days at sea on average)

Many get their start as Fish Processors and move their way up to Combi's, Deckhands, Foreman, Cooks, and more! Compensation * Crew-share compensation ($15K-$30K for 75 days at sea on average)

Many get their start as Fish Processors and move their way up to Combi's, Deckhands, Foreman, Cooks, and more! Compensation * Crew-share compensation ($15K-$30K for 75 days at sea on average)

Previous work on Bering Sea heading and gutting/Amendment 80 fishing vessels highly preferred. * At least 4 years' experience processing fish with a leadership role. * Earned High School Diploma or ...

Previous work on Bering Sea heading and gutting/Amendment 80 fishing vessels highly preferred. * At least 4 years' experience processing fish with a leadership role. * Earned High School Diploma or ...

Previous work on Bering Sea heading and gutting/Amendment 80 fishing vessels highly preferred. * At least 4 years' experience processing fish with a leadership role. * Earned High School Diploma or ...

Processor

Seattle, WA · On-site

$4K - $7K/mo

... at-sea processing vessels in the waters of the Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea, and the Aleutian Islands to convert raw fish products into a processed, high-quality product ready for sale.

Processor

Seattle, WA · On-site

$4K - $7K/mo

... at-sea processing vessels in the waters of the Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea, and the Aleutian Islands to convert raw fish products into a processed, high-quality product ready for sale.

Performs various duties in an at-sea processing factory environment, relating to the production of fish products including fillet, frozen block, surimi and fishmeal. Reports to: Factory Management ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

At Sea Fish Processor information

See salary details

$8

$16

$25

How much do at sea fish processor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for at sea fish processor in the United States is $16.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an At Sea Fish Processor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an At Sea Fish Processor, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, and basic understanding of seafood processing, with most roles requiring a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with processing equipment, safety protocols, and possibly HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) certification is typically expected. Teamwork, adaptability, and strong work ethic are vital soft skills given the challenging and communal living conditions aboard processing vessels. These skills and qualifications ensure efficient production, safety compliance, and the ability to work effectively in demanding environments.

What are At Sea Fish Processors?

At Sea Fish Processors are crew members who work aboard commercial fishing vessels, where they are responsible for processing, packaging, and storing seafood while at sea. Their duties include cleaning, filleting, freezing, and sorting fish and other seafood products, often working long hours in challenging weather conditions. These processors ensure that the catch is handled efficiently and meets quality standards before it is brought to shore for distribution or sale. The role requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and the ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between At Sea Fish Processor vs Shore Fish Processor?

AspectAt Sea Fish ProcessorShore Fish Processor
Work EnvironmentOnboard fishing vessels, often in challenging conditionsProcessing facilities on land, in a controlled environment
Required SkillsBasic fish processing, safety protocols, ability to work in confined spacesFish processing techniques, safety standards, equipment operation
CertificationsBasic safety and health certifications, sometimes maritime safetyFood safety certifications, HACCP knowledge
Job FocusInitial processing, gutting, filleting at seaFurther processing, packaging, quality control on land

At Sea Fish Processors work directly on fishing vessels, handling fish immediately after catch, often in tough conditions. Shore Fish Processors work in land-based facilities, focusing on detailed processing and packaging. Both roles require safety certifications and fish handling skills, but differ mainly in environment and scope of work.

What are some common challenges faced by At Sea Fish Processors, and how can they be managed?

At Sea Fish Processors often work long hours in physically demanding conditions, including cold, wet environments and repetitive tasks. Adapting to life on a vessel can also be challenging due to limited personal space and extended periods away from home. Effective time management, maintaining good communication with team members, and following safety protocols can help manage these challenges. Building resilience and staying organized are key for success and well-being in this role.
What cities are hiring for At Sea Fish Processor jobs? Cities with the most At Sea Fish Processor job openings:
What states have the most At Sea Fish Processor jobs? States with the most job openings for At Sea Fish Processor jobs include:
Infographic showing various At Sea Fish Processor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 15% Locum Tenens, 27% As Needed, 45% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 8% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,822 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Seafood Processor - Experienced

Bristol Wave Seafoods

Unalaska, AK • On-site

$16.50 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Processors are responsible for sorting, heading, bleeding, cutting, and packaging all fish products. Processed fish is sorted by size, frozen in pans, removed from the pans and packaged in frozen blocks using either fiber bags or boxes. Frozen cases are labeled and stacked in the freezer hold. Processors are also responsible for backloading bait and other supplies at the beginning of the trip and offloading frozen fish products at trip end. Working conditions aboard the vessel can be wet and cold.
Essential Duties:
• Sort fish by size and species.
• Clean and bleed fish.
• Remove heads and collarbones.
• Freeze sorted fish in pans.
• Load and unload product and other supplies.
Working in the Bering Sea:
Working at sea is physically and mentally challenging and requires long hours in remote locations, often several days' travel from the nearest port. Our deck and processing crews work 16-hour shifts, 7 days a week. Most trips average 4-5 weeks in duration, but depending on the fishing season, catch rates, weather, vessel size and other factors, trips can be as short as 10-12 days or as long as 60+ days. Crew members generally work multiple trips (2 months or longer) in a single rotation.
The Hiring Process:
• If you are selected for an interview, a member of the BWS HR team will reach out to set up an initial screening. This will be a brief phone or video call and may also include an automated survey about your past work experience.
• If you are selected for a second interview, a member of the HR team will arrange a phone interview with the hiring manager. Applicants approved by the hiring manager will receive a conditional offer of employment.
• All offers are conditional based on the results of a pre-employment drug screening (including screening for THC), pre-employment background check, and verification that you are authorized to work in the US (eVerify).
• Once you are through the screening process, we will add your name to the "ready list," and the HR Team will reach out when a position becomes available.
Compensation:
Processors are paid by crew share percentage. New hires generally receive a "half share" and can earn up to a "full share" depending on experience. Crew shares are assigned by the captain based on skill level, attitude, and performance. At the end of each trip, 40% of the sales value of the product is divided among the crew based on each crew member's share. Payroll is processed on a trip-by-trip basis. Within 21 days of offload, you will receive a check or direct deposit for 100% of your trip earnings.
Compensation varies based on the sales price of the product and operating expenses. When sales prices are high, crew compensation goes up. When catch rates are fast, operating expenses like fuel and bait go down, and crew compensation goes up. Catch rates are generally highest during the first 4-5 months of the year.
Travel & Expenses:
BWS will arrange all travel from your hometown to Dutch Harbor, AK, and back to your hometown at the end of your rotation. On your first rotation with BWS, the company pays 100% of travel costs. If you return for future rotations, travel expenses will be deducted from your settlement at the end of the trip. There is no up-front cost for travel, but you will need to pay bag fees to check luggage. If hotels are required during travel, BWS pays 100% of the cost, including meal vouchers.
Requirements
• Experience sorting and processing seafood products quickly with good attention to detail, preferably at sea.
• Experience packaging and storing products quickly and efficiently, preferably at sea.
• Experience cleaning and bleeding fish, preferably at sea.
• Good physical fitness; ability to work hard for extended periods.
• Willingness to learn, follow directions from vessel officers, and be a team player.
• Must pass pre-employment drug screening (commercial fishing falls under federal authority; we cannot hire anyone who tests positive for THC).
• Pre-employment background check required (past convictions will not necessarily prevent employment).
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. BWS participates in eVerify.