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Fish Keeper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

KTA Super Stores

Fish Cutter, Puainako Hilo

Hilo, HI · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

You are a self-starter capable of keeping up with a fast-paced environment. * You are a good ... A Fish Cutter also increases customer loyalty by assisting all customers with courteous, pleasant ...

KTA Super Stores

Fish Cutter, Puainako Hilo

Hilo, HI

$19 - $21/hr

You are a self-starter capable of keeping up with a fast-paced environment. * You are a good ... A Fish Cutter also increases customer loyalty by assisting all customers with courteous, pleasant ...

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How much do fish keeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for fish keeper in the United States is $24.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Fish Keeper vs Aquarist?

AspectFish KeeperAquarist
CertificationsOften not required, but certifications like CFM or CFS can be beneficialOften holds certifications such as CFM or CFS
Work EnvironmentPublic aquariums, pet stores, private tanksPublic aquariums, research facilities, private collections
Job ResponsibilitiesFeeding, cleaning tanks, basic maintenanceTank setup, advanced maintenance, research, and display design
Industry UsageCommon in pet stores and small aquariumsCommon in large aquariums and research institutions

While both Fish Keepers and Aquarists work with aquatic life, Fish Keepers typically focus on basic care and maintenance in smaller settings, whereas Aquarists often have advanced responsibilities in larger institutions, including research and exhibit design. Certifications and work environments overlap, but the scope of work and industry settings differ.

What is a fish keeper?

A fish keeper is a person who maintains and cares for aquariums and aquatic life, ensuring proper water quality, temperature, and nutrition. This role often involves monitoring fish health, cleaning tanks, and sometimes breeding fish, requiring knowledge of aquatic biology and equipment operation.

How to become an aquarium keeper?

To become an aquarium keeper, gain knowledge of aquatic life and aquarium maintenance through courses or self-study, and develop skills in water chemistry, cleaning, and fish care. Many positions require experience with aquarium equipment and may benefit from certifications such as the Certified Aquarist. Entry-level roles often involve hands-on work in public or private aquariums, zoos, or pet stores.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

For a Fish Keeper or similar specialized roles, earning $300,000 annually is uncommon and typically requires advanced positions such as aquarium managers, marine biologists, or consultants with extensive experience and certifications. High salaries in this field are often associated with leadership roles, private aquarium ownership, or consulting for large institutions. Most entry- to mid-level fish-related jobs do not reach this salary level without significant expertise or additional responsibilities.

What are some common challenges Fish Keepers face in maintaining healthy aquariums?

Fish Keepers often encounter challenges such as maintaining water quality, controlling algae growth, and preventing the spread of diseases among fish. Monitoring water parameters like pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels requires regular testing and adjustment. Additionally, Fish Keepers must stay vigilant about overfeeding, which can lead to poor water conditions. Collaborating with other team members or hobbyists can help share tips and troubleshoot issues efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fish Keeper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fish Keeper, you need a solid understanding of aquatic biology, water chemistry, and fish husbandry, often supported by experience or relevant certifications in animal care. Familiarity with aquarium filtration systems, water testing kits, and automated feeding mechanisms is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and patience are vital soft skills for maintaining healthy aquatic environments and responding to challenges. These skills ensure the well-being of aquatic species and the effective management of aquarium systems.

What are fishing jobs called?

Fishing jobs are commonly called commercial fishing, fishery work, or fishing industry jobs. These roles include positions such as deckhands, fish processors, and boat captains, often requiring knowledge of safety protocols and fishing techniques. They typically involve working on fishing vessels in various environments and may require certifications like a maritime license.

What are fish keepers?

Fish keepers are individuals who care for and maintain aquatic animals, primarily fish, in aquariums or ponds. Their responsibilities include feeding the fish, cleaning tanks, monitoring water quality, and ensuring the overall health of the aquatic environment. Fish keepers may work in private homes, public aquariums, pet stores, or research facilities, and they often need knowledge of different fish species and aquatic systems. The role requires attention to detail and a commitment to the well-being of the animals.
More about Fish Keeper jobs
What states have the most Fish Keeper jobs? States with the most job openings for Fish Keeper jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Fish Keeper jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Fish Keeper jobs are:
Fish Keeper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fish Keeper job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,573 per year, or $24.3 per hour.
Fish Biologist

Fish Biologist

US Department of the Interior

Jamestown, KY

$50K/yr

Other

Posted 28 days ago

U.S. Department Of The Interior rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

308th of 673 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

This position is a Fish Biologist, GS- 0482-7/9 working in Jamestown, Kentucky at the Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery. This position will support hatchery operations, outreach functions, facility maintenance and the recovery of imperiled species on and off station, to achieve station and program goals.Qualifications:Only experience and education obtained by 07/13/2026 will be considered.
In order to qualify for this position, you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification.
Basic Requirement:
  1. A degree with a major in biological science that includes at least 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects such
    as limnology, ichthyology, fishery biology, aquatic botany, aquatic fauna, oceanography, fish culture, or related courses in
    the field of fishery biology; AND at least 12 semester hours in the animal sciences in such subjects as general zoology,
    vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, entomology, parasitology, ecology, cellular biology, genetics, or
    research in these fields. (Excess course work in aquatic subjects may be used to meet this requirement when
    appropriate).
  2. A combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least
    30 semester hours), of which a minimum of 6 semester hours were in aquatic subjects and 12 semester hours were in
    the animal sciences, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Minimum Qualification [GS-07]
  1. One year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience includes: (1) Monitoring water quality and performing maintenance on fish hatchery equipment; (2) performing fish health assessments and observing fish behavior to ensure there are no potential fish health issues; (3) gathering fish production data using software for data collection and record keeping; and (4) preparing fish/eggs for shipment or distribution and assisting with stocking activities. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient information in these areas to be found qualified. OR
  2. One full year of graduate level education in, or directly related to, fisheries and/or aquatics. I will submit my transcripts with my application that verifies this. OR
  3. A bachelor's degree in biology, as described in the Basic Requirement above, with Superior Academic (SAA) based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership. (1) I was in the upper third of my graduating class; OR (2) I achieved a grade point average (GPA) of (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on 4 years or education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of my curriculum, or (b) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of the required courses completed in my major field or the required courses in my major field completed during the final 2 years of my curriculum; OR (3) I am a member of a National Scholastic Honor Society certified by the Association of College Honor Societies, excluding freshman honor
    societies. (Note: You must include documentation that shows how you meet the SAA criteria.); OR
  4. A combination of education and experience as described above in 1 and 2 which together equals 100% of the requirement.
Minimum Qualifications [GS-09]:
  1. One year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience includes: (1) Monitoring water quality and performing maintenance on fish hatchery equipment; (2) Performing fish health assessments and observing fish behavior to ensure there are no potential fish health issues and participating in the development of project plans to conduct assessments of aquatic species populations; (3) Working with various stakeholders (Federal, State, Tribal, and civic entities and agencies), to coordinate fish production activities (release and transport of juvenile fish and eggs, transferring fish, etc.); (4) gathering fish production data using software for data collection and record keeping; (5) preparing fish/eggs for shipment or distribution and assist with stocking activities; and (6) Generating reports on hatchery operations. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient information in these areas to be found qualified.
  2. Two years of progressively higher-level graduate-level education leading to a master's degree OR a master's or equivalent graduate degree with a major study in or directly related to fisheries and/or aquatics.
  3. A combination of education and experience as described above in 1 and 2 which together equals 100% of the requirement.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Time In Grade Requirement: Applicants must meet both eligibility and qualification requirements for the position of interest by the closing date of the JOA. Specifically,
i. Area of Consideration.
ii. Time-in-grade (TIG) requirements as specified in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
iii. Time after competitive appointment as specified in 5 CFR 330.502.
iv. Qualification requirements outlined in OPM's Qualifications Standards for General Schedule PositionsEducation:PROOF OF EDUCATION: All applicants who are using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify must submit copies of official or unofficial transcripts which include grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, institution name, and student name. If any required coursework is not easily recognizable on transcripts, or if you believe a portion of a particular course can be credited toward meeting an educational requirement, you must also provide a memorandum on letterhead from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official stating the percentage of the course that should be considered to meet the requirement and the equivalent number of units. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; however, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to produce the original official transcripts.
PASS/FAIL COURSES: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.
GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov).Employment Type: OTHER

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