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Fish Processing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Fish Cutter

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18.50/hr

Process primal parts into cuts that are ready for retail use. * Remove parts such as skin or bones ... Weigh fish and tag containers for weight and contents. * Pack wholesale and local customer orders

Fish Biologist

Anderson, CA · On-site +1

$82K - $107K/yr

This probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the ... fish culture, or related courses in the field of fishery biology; AND (b) at least 12 semester ...

Production Mechanic

Vernon, CA · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

The Production Mechanic is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting production equipment in a fish processing and manufacturing facility. This includes performing preventative ...

$10 - $48/hr

Must be able to cut all species of fish, fresh and saltwater. Individual must have knowledge of raw ... Works the Salmon Fillet production line, responsible for yields in the decap process. OVERVIEW:

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Fish Processing information

See California salary details

$13

$25

$47

How much do fish processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for fish processing in California is $25.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $29.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical working conditions and hours for a fish processing job?

Fish Processing roles are commonly performed in cold, wet environments to maintain product freshness and safety, often requiring standing for extended periods and handling repetitive tasks. Shifts may vary, with early morning, late evening, or even overnight schedules depending on production demands and the seasonality of the fish industry. Teams are usually collaborative, as processing lines require coordination to keep up with workflow and meet strict deadlines. While the work can be physically demanding, it offers opportunities to gain industry experience that may lead to supervisory or specialized roles over time.

What is a fish processing job?

A Fish Processing job involves preparing and packaging fish for sale or distribution. Duties include cleaning, gutting, filleting, deboning, and freezing or smoking fish. Workers may operate machinery, inspect fish for quality, and ensure food safety standards are met. It is often physically demanding and takes place in cold or wet environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in fish processing?

To thrive in a Fish Processing role, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, and basic knowledge of food safety and hygiene practices, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with filleting tools, automated processing machinery, and adherence to HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) protocols or similar certifications are common requirements. Reliability, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under time constraints are valuable soft skills in this field. These capabilities are essential to maintain quality standards, ensure safety, and support fast-paced production environments in the seafood industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fish Processing jobs in California? The most popular types of Fish Processing jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Fish Processing jobs in California? For Fish Processing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fish Processing jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Fish Processing jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Fish Processing jobs? Cities in California with the most Fish Processing job openings:
Infographic showing various Fish Processing job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,292 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

$18.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Job Brief
Santa Monica Seafood has an immediate opening for experienced seafood cutters to cut whole fish into steaks, filets, and other saleable products.
Pay range:
$18.50
Santa Monica Seafood, as an 80-year-old privately owned company, is the largest specialty wholesale distribution and processor of fresh and frozen seafood in the Southwestern U.S. with over 200,000 SF of facilities in 12 locations In California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas. Santa Monica Seafood is also well known locally for its cafe in Santa Monica. Santa Monica Seafood was the first and still the only seafood company in the United States to achieve FSSC 22000 certification for food safety management systems, ISO 14001 certification for environmental management programs, and BAP certification of its main processing facility.
Summary;
Santa Monica Seafood has an immediate opening for experienced seafood cutters to cut whole fish into steaks, filets, and other saleable products.
Duties and Responsibilities;
  • Clean, trim, slice, and section carcasses for processing
  • Cut and trim fish to prepare for packing/stock
  • Process primal parts into cuts that are ready for retail use.
  • Remove parts such as skin or bones from the carcass.
  • Inspect products for defects, bruises, or blemishes, and remove them along with any excess fat.
  • Weigh fish and tag containers for weight and contents.
  • Pack wholesale and local customer orders
  • Clean and sanitize adjacent areas as needed.
  • Use knives or other equipment to perform fish cutting and trimming
  • Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds for short distances. Long-term standing required.
  • The production area maintains a cold temperature, and warm clothing is required.

Qualifications;
  • Minimum 1 year of relevant experience

Work Environment;
  • The production area maintains a cold temperature, and warm clothing is required.

Santa Monica Seafood is built on the four cornerstones of our Brand Promise of Quality- all products and services will meet the Santa Monica Seafood standards and customers' expectations, Integrity- Everything about the way we do business is done with transparency and honesty, Reliability- We honor our commitments and expect our business partners to do the same, and Service- We Ensure customer satisfaction through executing every transaction with a high degree of professionalism.
Santa Monica Seafood Co. offers great Compensation/Benefits, (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, 401K plan with match). Paid holidays and vacations. Employee discount, including at our company retail stores//cafes. Employee referral bonus program and much more!
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