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Entry Level Fish Processing Onboard Vessel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Cook 2026

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$17 - $20.50/hr

Employees work onboard a vessel in the ocean which by nature produces varying degrees of motion in the factory. Requirements Education, Experience: * Previous at-sea fish processor experience ...

Apply Early

Assistant Cook 2026

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$17 - $20.50/hr

Employees work onboard a vessel in the ocean which by nature produces varying degrees of motion in the factory. Requirements Education, Experience: * Previous at-sea fish processor experience ...

Fish processors also clean and organize the factory and other areas of the vessel, and perform ... Employees work onboard a vessel in the ocean which by nature produces varying degrees of motion in ...

Cook 2026

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$550 - $650/day

Breaks are determined by the business needs of the fish processing plant. Unplanned, unscheduled ... Employees work onboard a vessel in the ocean which by nature produces varying degrees of motion in ...

Apply Early

Cook 2026

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$550 - $650/day

Breaks are determined by the business needs of the fish processing plant. Unplanned, unscheduled ... Employees work onboard a vessel in the ocean which by nature produces varying degrees of motion in ...

Cook 2026

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$550 - $650/day

Breaks are determined by the business needs of the fish processing plant. Unplanned, unscheduled ... Employees work onboard a vessel in the ocean which by nature produces varying degrees of motion in ...

Licensed Mate - Fishing Vessel

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$120K - $185K/yr

Glacier Fish Company is dedicated to producing the highest quality frozen-at-sea groundfish ... Mates work aboard at-sea processing vessels in the Bering Sea, Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Alaska ...

First Mate

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

Breaks are determined by the business needs of the fish processing plant. Unplanned, unscheduled ... Employees work onboard a vessel in the ocean which by nature produces varying degrees of motion in ...

First Mate

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

Breaks are determined by the business needs of the fish processing plant. Unplanned, unscheduled ... Employees work onboard a vessel in the ocean which by nature produces varying degrees of motion in ...

Apply Early

Breaks are determined by the business needs of the fish processing plant. Unplanned, unscheduled ... Employees work onboard a vessel in the ocean which by nature produces varying degrees of motion in ...

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Entry Level Fish Processing Onboard Vessel information

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$14

$25

$48

How much do entry level fish processing onboard vessel jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level fish processing onboard vessel in the United States is $25.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $29.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Fish Processing Onboard Vessel worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Fish Processing Onboard Vessel worker, you need physical stamina, basic food safety knowledge, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with processing equipment, safety gear, and adherence to HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) standards are typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient production, product quality, and safety in the demanding environment of onboard seafood processing.

What is an Entry Level Fish Processing Onboard Vessel job?

An Entry Level Fish Processing Onboard Vessel job involves working on fishing boats or factory trawlers at sea, where employees help sort, clean, process, and package fish and seafood products. Workers typically perform tasks such as gutting, filleting, freezing, and packing fish while following strict hygiene and safety standards. These jobs are physically demanding, often requiring long hours and the ability to work in cold, wet, and sometimes rough conditions. Entry-level positions usually do not require previous experience, as training is provided on the job. This role is ideal for those seeking adventure, steady income, and the opportunity to travel while working.

How much do seafood processors get paid?

Entry-level fish processing onboard vessels typically earn between $3,000 and $6,000 per month, depending on the location, vessel size, and experience. Wages often include overtime pay, and workers may receive additional compensation for working in remote or challenging environments. Certifications in safety and handling can also influence pay rates.

How much do you get paid at fish processing jobs?

Entry-level fish processing onboard vessel jobs typically pay between $3,000 and $8,000 per month, depending on the season, experience, and specific role. Workers often earn higher wages during peak fishing seasons and may receive additional compensation for overtime and hazardous conditions.

What are the main challenges faced by entry-level fish processors working onboard vessels, and how can I prepare for them?

Entry-level fish processors onboard vessels often face challenges such as long working hours, physically demanding tasks, and adapting to living and working at sea for extended periods. The work environment can be fast-paced and requires attention to detail to maintain quality and safety standards. Preparing by building physical endurance, familiarizing yourself with basic seafood processing practices, and developing good teamwork skills will help you succeed in this unique environment. Being adaptable and open to feedback is also important, as the team relies on everyone working efficiently together.

Can I work on a cargo ship with no experience?

Entry level fish processing onboard vessel jobs typically require some basic physical fitness and willingness to learn safety procedures, but prior experience is not always necessary. Employers often provide on-the-job training, and certifications such as STCW may be required for safety compliance. Having relevant skills like teamwork and adaptability can improve your chances of employment.

How to get a job on a deadliest catch boat?

To work as an entry-level fish processing onboard vessel for a show like Deadliest Catch, candidates typically need prior experience in fishing or maritime work, physical fitness, and the ability to handle demanding conditions. Applying through fishing companies or crew agencies that supply workers for commercial fishing vessels is common, and obtaining relevant certifications such as STCW or safety training can improve chances. Networking within the fishing industry and demonstrating a strong work ethic are also important for securing a position.
More about Entry Level Fish Processing Onboard Vessel jobs
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What are the most commonly searched types of Fish Processing Onboard Vessel jobs? The most popular types of Fish Processing Onboard Vessel jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Fish Processing Onboard Vessel jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Fish Processing Onboard Vessel jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Fish Processing Onboard Vessel jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Fish Processing Onboard Vessel jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Fish Processing Onboard Vessel job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, and 60% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,986 per year, or $25.5 per hour.
Assistant Cook 2026

Assistant Cook 2026

O'Hara Corporation

Seattle, WA โ€ข On-site

$17 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago

Be an early applicant


Job description

Previous at-sea fish processor experience and current Alaska Food Worker card required.

Excellence. Innovation. Integrity. Passion.

General Description:
Assistant cooks work half of their shift as a fish processor and the other half assisting the cook with galley responsibilities. Galley responsibilities are assigned by the cook and may include meal and/or snack preparation, prep cook, cleaning, housekeeping and laundry duties for up to 38 crewmembers. Personal hygiene, food handling safety, and sanitation regulations in food preparation, service and storage must be followed. While working in the factory, assistant cooks may move raw fish through the various factory stations using machinery and conveyors, sort, cut fish, remove guts, pack fish into pans, place pans in and remove pans from freezers, remove blocks of frozen fish from pans, bag the blocks, and stack bagged fish in the vesselโ€™s freezer hold.โ€ฏ Assistant cooks may also participate in the offload by stacking bags of frozen fish onto cargo nets for removal from the vessel, and backload supplies needed for the next fishing trip; this process may last longer than the regular 16.5 hours per day work schedule. Assistant cooks may also assist in cleaning and organizing the factory and other areas of the vessel, and perform other duties as directed. Assistant cooks may work in many areas of the vessel including the galley, factory, freezer hold, deck, or on adjoining docks or vessels during offload or backload.โ€ฏ

Essential Duties:
Assistant Cooks must be able to:

  • As directed by the Cook, prepare and assist in preparation of foodstuffs in sufficient quantities according to number of persons to be served.
  • Assist Cook to ensure meals and snacks are served on time according to crew schedules.
  • Maintain a clean working environment in accordance with food safety regulations.
  • Regularly clean and sanitize all food preparation, storage and serving areas.
  • Enforce personal hygiene in accordance with food handling regulations.
  • Ensure housekeeping duties are performed as directed, including laundry and cleaning of bathrooms.

Work Schedule:

  • Typical work hours are 16.5 hours per day, 7 days per week.
  • Work hours may be extended during offload or backload which may result in uneven shifts and sleep patterns.
  • Breaks are determined by the business needs of the fish processing plant. Unplanned, unscheduled breaks are prohibited except in health or safety related incidents.

Work Environment:

  • While performing the duties of this job, employees and the vessel will be operating in extremely remote and austere locations; often days away from land or dock facilities.
  • While performing the duties of this job, employees areโ€ฏexpected to wear protective clothing and equipment such as rain gear (pants and sleeves), gloves, rubber boots, noise suppression devices, and use as required: hardhat, safety goggles, fire extinguisher, respirator, life preserver and survival suit.
  • Employees will beโ€ฏexposed to various species of fish; wet, humid and freezing conditions;โ€ฏfish processing equipment such as headers, movable and stationary conveyor systems, knives, hoists, pressure washers, cleaning chemicals, shovels, buckets, baskets and aluminum pans.โ€ฏ
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Employees work onboard a vessel in the ocean which by nature produces varying degrees of motion in the factory.

Requirements

Education, Experience:

  • Previous at-sea fish processor experience required
  • Current Alaska Food Worker card is required.
  • ServeSafe certification is desired.
  • Earned High School Diploma or GED. Education verification will be required prior to hire.
  • 24 months or more of relevant verifiable work experience in the last 4 years. Work history must be provided during the application process. No exceptions.

Physical Demands:

All employeesโ€ฏmustโ€ฏbeโ€ฏableโ€ฏto:

  • Boardโ€ฏandโ€ฏexitโ€ฏtheโ€ฏvesselโ€ฏbyโ€ฏgangplankโ€ฏorโ€ฏJacobโ€™sโ€ฏladderโ€ฏwithoutโ€ฏassistance.
  • Boardโ€ฏor exit aโ€ฏskiffโ€ฏwithout assistance inโ€ฏallโ€ฏweatherโ€ฏconditions.
  • Ascendโ€ฏandโ€ฏdescendโ€ฏsteepโ€ฏstairwaysโ€ฏandโ€ฏladdersโ€ฏin allโ€ฏtemperatures.
  • Workโ€ฏat leastโ€ฏ16 ยฝโ€ฏhoursโ€ฏper day,โ€ฏ7โ€ฏdays perโ€ฏweekโ€ฏforโ€ฏtheโ€ฏdurationโ€ฏof theโ€ฏcontract.
  • Performโ€ฏrepetitiveโ€ฏtasksโ€ฏforโ€ฏextendedโ€ฏperiodsโ€ฏofโ€ฏtime.
  • Stand and walk; lift weights up to andโ€ฏover 50 pounds for full range from floor to above their head repeatedly.
  • Use fingers, hands and arms toโ€ฏpush, pull and reach.
  • Bend and twist.
  • Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
  • Workโ€ฏlong hoursโ€ฏinโ€ฏallโ€ฏkindsโ€ฏofโ€ฏweather.
  • Workโ€ฏinโ€ฏaโ€ฏcold andโ€ฏwetโ€ฏenvironment.
  • Donโ€ฏlifeโ€ฏjacket,โ€ฏlifeโ€ฏvestโ€ฏand/orโ€ฏsurvivalโ€ฏsuitโ€ฏwithoutโ€ฏassistance.
  • Mustโ€ฏbeโ€ฏableโ€ฏtoโ€ฏpassโ€ฏpre-employmentโ€ฏandโ€ฏrandomโ€ฏdrugโ€ฏtestsโ€ฏperโ€ฏUSCGโ€ฏregulations.
  • This job is designated by Oโ€™Hara Corporation to be Safety Sensitive, and a pre-employment drug screen is part of the hiring process.

Mental Activities:

All employees must be able to:

  • Ability to understand and have the ability to communicate in English for emergency, safety, and training purposes is required.
  • Use interpersonal and teamwork skills.
  • Liveโ€ฏandโ€ฏworkโ€ฏwithโ€ฏothersโ€ฏinโ€ฏcloseโ€ฏquarters.
  • Beโ€ฏaway fromโ€ฏmedicalโ€ฏcareโ€ฏandโ€ฏsupervisionโ€ฏforโ€ฏ3+โ€ฏmonths at aโ€ฏtime.
  • Share crew quarters, bathroom facilities, and common dining areas with other crew members.
  • Discern between various shades of color for identifying and sorting various fish species as well as for safety signs, alarms,โ€ฏand warnings.

Benefits

Compensation

  • Crew-share compensation
  • Average of $285 - $385 per day

Benefits

  • Medical insurance is offered to employees and qualified dependents, if elected.
  • 401(k) with employer match after one year of employment, if elected.
  • Meals, snacks, and beverages provided including diverse cuisine options while at sea. (Additional at-sea store available for specialty items to purchase and have deducted from paycheck)
  • Oโ€™Hara will book and pre-pay flight and lodging from Point of Hire- Seattle, WA to Dutch Harbor, AK.

Oโ€™Hara Corporation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and
prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national
origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any
other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws.


This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion,
termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.