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Entry Level Alaskan Crab Fishing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Saltwater Inc

CR Observer

Seattle, WA · On-site

Alaska Shellfish Observer Jobs Now Hiring for the 2026-2027 Fishing Season Saltwater Inc is actively hiring candidates to train as an Alaska Crab Observer Alaska crab observers collect biological ...

Saltwater Inc

CR Observer

Anchorage, AK · On-site

Alaska Shellfish Observer Jobs Now Hiring for the 2026-2027 Fishing Season Saltwater Inc is actively hiring candidates to train as an Alaska Crab Observer Alaska crab observers collect biological ...

Coastal Villages Region Fund

Crab Deckhand

Seattle, WA · On-site

... Crab Catcher vessels. The primary job responsibilities of this position include, but are not ... fishing vessels in the waters of the Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea, and Aleutian ...

AIS Inc

Marine Biologist - Alaska

Anchorage, AK · Remote

$5.1K - $8.1K/mo

... types, fisheries, fish identification, marine mammal/seabird/crab identification, and safety ... Biologists may travel within Alaska when fishing seasons change, if they are needed to cover ...

AIS, Inc.

Marine Biologist - Alaska

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$20.76 - $25.33/hr

... types, fisheries, fish identification, marine mammal/seabird/crab identification, and safety ... Biologists may travel within Alaska when fishing seasons change, if they are needed to cover ...

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Entry Level Alaskan Crab Fishing information

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$25K

$47.8K

$68.5K

How much do entry level alaskan crab fishing jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level alaskan crab fishing in the United States is $47,831.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,500.00 and $52,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Alaskan Crab Fishing vs Entry Level Commercial Fishing?

AspectEntry Level Alaskan Crab FishingEntry Level Commercial Fishing
CredentialsBasic safety training, fishing licensesSafety training, fishing licenses
Work EnvironmentCold, remote, offshoreVaries; offshore or inland, often remote
Industry UsageSpecific to crab harvesting in AlaskaBroader; includes various fish species
Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level fishing roles in AlaskaMore general, less specific to crab fishing

Entry Level Alaskan Crab Fishing focuses specifically on harvesting crabs in Alaska's cold waters, requiring specialized gear and safety protocols. Entry Level Commercial Fishing covers a wider range of fishing activities, including different species and locations. While both roles involve offshore work and safety training, crab fishing is more specialized, making it a unique entry point into Alaska's fishing industry.

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Cities with the most Entry Level Alaskan Crab Fishing job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Alaskan Crab Fishing jobs?

The most popular types of Alaskan Crab Fishing jobs are:

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Entry Level Alaskan Crab Fishing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Alaskan Crab Fishing job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,831 per year, or $23 per hour.

CR Observer

Saltwater Inc

Seattle, WA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Alaska Shellfish Observer Jobs

Now Hiring for the 2026-2027 Fishing Season

Saltwater Inc is actively hiring candidates to train as an Alaska Crab Observer

Alaska crab observers collect biological data while living onboard commercial fishing vessels working in the Bering Sea and the Gulf of Alaska.

The shellfish fisheries in Alaska are managed by quotas, which are set by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G). They use observer data to monitor crab populations, set catch limits, and monitor interactions with protected seabirds, marine mammals, and corals. Crab Observers are likely to witness a wide array of specimens at sea, including starfish, halibut, Pacific cod, sponges, octopus, and more. Observer data is critical to ensuring that these fisheries remain sustainable and healthy. 

The majority of the vessels in the crab fleet are catcher vessels that range in size from 80-130 feet. Conditions can vary widely — but all deployments require observers to be flexible, resourceful, and have the ability to work long hours with heavy lifting (up to 50 pounds). The workday is determined by the vessel’s fishing schedule and can range from 5-15 hours a day, with most of the assignments based out of Dutch Harbor, Alaska. Typical trip lengths are 10-14 days, but can last longer with the possibility of multiple back-to-back deployments. 

 

Observer Duties

  • Collect crab shell measurements.
  • Carry out crab ID and sexing.
  • Sample and report by-catch.
  • Collect information on daily fishing effort & activity.
  • Radio reports to ADF&G.
  • Identify threatened birds, fish and corals.

Preferred Requirements

 

  • Bachelor of Science in a biological science or limnology; or 
  • Prior experience as a fisheries observer approved by ADF&G. 
  • 30 Credit hours in applied biology. 
  • One statistics course or one math course.
  • Experience using dichotomous (taxonomic) keys. 
  • Eligible to work in the U.S.

 

 

 

Interested Applicants who do not meet our preferred experience can potentially leverage their at-sea experience and will be strongly considered for these positions. Please see below:

 

 

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Basic Education + Sea Experience
  • High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED), AND
  • At least 180 sea days of successful offshore or research vessel service in Alaskan waters, North Pacific Ocean, or North Atlantic Ocean, consisting of multi-day deployments (multi-week voyages preferred, AND
  • Demonstrated ability to perform effectively under physically and mentally demanding sea conditions


OR:

 

  • Some College + Sea Experience
  • Successful completion of at least 30 semester credit hours (or equivalent) of college-level coursework from an accredited institution AND
  • At least 30 sea days of cumulative offshore or research vessel service in Alaskan waters, North Pacific Ocean, or North Atlantic Ocean, consisting of multi-day deployments (multi-week voyages preferred) AND
  • Demonstrated ability to perform effectively under physically and mentally demanding sea conditions

 

 

 

 

 

Training

ADF&G conducts training courses in Kodiak, Alaska and candidates must pass an intensive 3-week class with a score of 90% or better. Training Dates are: September 14 – October 2, 2026. 


 

 

Contracts

The Alaska Crab Fishing season opens on October 15, 2026 and runs through May 31, 2027. Upon training completion, successful candidates will fly to Dutch Harbor, Alaska in preparation for the October 15 season opener, and must commit to a minimum of 180 days at sea during the fishing season.