1

Contract Fishing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This role is anticipated to last 6 months, with the possibility of extension pending contract options. Duties/Responsibilities * Lead development and implementation of fisheries and aquatic habitat ...

Fisheries Biologist

Anchorage, AK ยท On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Participate in WCR teams as necessary to complete the tasks in this contract. * Follow ... fisheries management, wildlife management or related field of study with one year of experience ...

Cook-Fisher (Charter)

AK ยท On-site

$500/day

We are particularly interested in candidates with previous NOAA charter experience and/or experience serving as a cook aboard research or commercial fishing vessels. Position Details โ€ข Contract ...

This role is anticipated to last 6 months, with the possibility of extension pending contract options. Duties/Responsibilities * Develop and implement plans for fisheries and water resource ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Contract Fishing information

See salary details

$41K

$106K

$139K

How much do contract fishing jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract fishing in the United States is $106,034.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,000.00 and $119,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Contract Fishing job?

A Contract Fishing job involves working as an independent or hired fisher under a contract with a company, government agency, or private entity. Fishers are responsible for catching specific types of fish or seafood based on the agreement's terms. Payment is typically based on a set rate, percentage of the catch, or a fixed contract amount. Responsibilities may include maintaining equipment, following fishing regulations, and ensuring sustainable practices. This type of job can be seasonal or long-term, depending on the contract.

What are typical challenges faced by contract fishers and how can they prepare for them?

Contract fishers often encounter unpredictable weather conditions, variable fish stocks, and demanding physical labor, all of which require adaptability and resilience. Preparing for these challenges involves staying up-to-date with weather forecasts, practicing good maintenance on equipment, and maintaining physical fitness. Additionally, cultivating strong communication and teamwork skills helps address on-the-job challenges safely and efficiently. Being proactive in safety training and regulatory compliance is also essential for long-term success in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Contract Fishing position, and why are they important?

To thrive in contract fishing, you need strong knowledge of fishing techniques, vessel operation, and compliance with local and federal regulations, often supported by relevant fishing licenses or permits. Familiarity with navigation equipment, commercial fishing gear, and safety protocols is essential. Reliability, teamwork, and effective communication are important soft skills for working in dynamic and often challenging environments. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable fishing operations for contractual clients or organizations.

More about Contract Fishing jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Fishing jobs? Cities with the most Contract Fishing job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Fishing jobs? The most popular types of Fishing jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Fishing jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Fishing jobs include:
Infographic showing various Contract Fishing job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $106,034 per year, or $51 per hour.
At-Sea Processor on F/T Unimak - A SEASON HIRING - JANUARY 2026

At-Sea Processor on F/T Unimak - A SEASON HIRING - JANUARY 2026

North Star Fishing Company

Wanchese, NC โ€ข On-site

$5K - $8K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

North Star Fishing Company is dedicated to producing the highest quality frozen-at-sea groundfish products in the world. We accomplish our mission with a day-in-and-day-out commitment to quality, safety, consistent attention to detail and an on-going concern for the stability and health of the North Pacific fishery resource.

We are one of the largest producers of frozen at sea flatfish, cod, pollock and other groundfish, and distributes seafood throughout the world. We manage three trawl catcher-processor vessels that operate in the Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, and the Gulf of Alaska. Come join us with one of the many exciting job opportunities available!

North Star Fishing Company LLC. Is hiring Processors that are mentally and physically resilient to work in a challenging production factory on board the UNIMAK in Alaskaโ€™s Bering Sea.

We are seeking individuals for permanent, full-time positions who are open to working a rotating schedule year-round. Individuals with recent experience working in physically demanding positions such as manufacturing, production, construction, logging, oil fields, agriculture or the commercial seafood industry are preferred.

Job Requirements:

  • Repetitive, fast paced accuracy and movements
  • Physical lifting up to 50lbs
  • Standing 16hrs/day for 7 days/week
  • Work in wet, cold, and confined small spaces
  • Self-motivated team-player
  • Must be able to provide two positive recent references from previous employers
  • All candidates subject to a post offer pre-employment drug test, medical and background screen.

Compensation:

  • Crew paid a percentage or share of the catch each trip.
  • Free room and board on board the vessel.
  • Flights to/from Dutch Harbor from point of hire (Seattle) paid upon completion of contract terms.
  • Eligible to enroll in 401K the first of the month after hire; eligible match after eligibility requirements are met.
  • Health/Dental benefits once eligibility requirements are met.

Job Duties:

  • Sort fish by species, size and condition
  • Tend and operate machinery
  • Inspect product to ensure it meets company quality standards
  • Package, weigh and label product to be placed into freezer
  • Deep clean factory equipment
  • Participate in offload of frozen product at end of trip
  • Load and unload other supplies onto vessel

Skills & Abilities Required:

  • Must have at least 6 months - 1 year of recent experience working in a physically demanding position preferred.
  • Ability to work 16 hours per day, 7 days a week in all kinds of weather conditions.
  • Understand instructions and safety rules in English
  • Board and exit vessel without assistance by climbing up and down a gangway or Jacob's ladder.
  • Perform repetitive tasks for long periods of time.
  • Be away from medical attention for up to 3 months.
  • Repeatedly lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
  • Share spaces with others including crew quarters, dining areas and bathrooms.

Benefits:

  • Crew paid a share of the catch each trip. Average crew share per trip is $1900 - $2200 depending on the value of the catch. Trip length averages 8-12 days.
  • Company travel policy agreement: Successful completion of # consecutive fishing (trips/days) grants eligibility for airfare/hotel expenses, between the vessel and Seattle, to be paid by the company. Each fishing trip averages # โ€“ # days, and can be more or less dependent on fishing conditions.
  • 401(k) and 401(k) matching
  • Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
  • Employee assistance program

Life on Board:

  • Limited privacy
  • 4-6 bunks per room
  • Dorm style bathrooms and showers
  • All meals and laundry on board are provided at no cost
  • Expect Limited communication. Cell phones donโ€™t work.
  • Satellite Wi-Fi provided, newly integrated Starlink is a high-speed, low-latency broadband internet able to adapt to remote and rural locations.

North Star Fishing Company are Equal Opportunity Employers - Minority / Women / Disability / Veteran / Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation / Age.

Company Description

North Star Fishing Co. U.S. provides seafood products that feed the world. We are an American company actively involved in international business. We catch, process and freeze fish in the waters off of the coast of Alaska. Our primary seafood products are produced on-board our fleet of catcher-processor vessels, and then further processed in plants in the United States, China, Japan, Korea and Europe; to meet the dietary and cultural needs of people throughout the world.
Crew work aboard one of our four H&G factory trawlers in the Bering Sea, Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Alaska and Aleutian Islands. Working onboard an at sea processing vessel is physically and mentally challenging. The environment is wet and cold and the shifts are long. The job requires physical endurance, repetitive lifting, agility, prolonged periods of standing, teamwork and self-discipline. Crew members make a contractual commitment to being at sea for extended periods of time, leaving family and friends at home and earn a percentage of each trip's catch.