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Fish Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Prince William Sound Aquaculture Corporation

$60 - $80/hr

The assistant is also the front‑line supervisor of the hatchery fish technician staff. Administrative responsibilities include assisting the manager in planning, budgeting, documenting, assessing ...

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Fish Technician information

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$37

How much do fish technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for fish technician in the United States is $20.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fish technician?

Fish Technicians are professionals who assist in the study, management, and conservation of fish populations and aquatic environments. They typically work under the supervision of biologists or fisheries managers, performing tasks such as collecting and recording data on fish species, monitoring water quality, tagging and tracking fish, and maintaining research equipment. Their work is essential for supporting fisheries research, habitat restoration projects, and environmental monitoring. Fish Technicians may work for government agencies, research institutions, or private organizations, often spending significant time outdoors or on boats.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a fish technician?

To thrive as a Fish Technician, you need knowledge of aquatic biology, fish husbandry, and data collection, often supported by a degree in fisheries science or a related field. Familiarity with water quality testing equipment, tagging systems, and laboratory analysis tools is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective teamwork are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate data collection, healthy fish populations, and efficient research or aquaculture operations.

What are common challenges fish technicians face in the field, and how can they be addressed?

Fish Technicians often encounter challenges such as working in remote locations, handling variable weather conditions, and managing the physical demands of fieldwork. To address these, it's important to prepare by maintaining physical fitness, dressing appropriately for fluctuating weather, and being adaptable to changing schedules. Effective communication with team members and thorough pre-trip planning can also help ensure safety and data accuracy during field studies.

What is the difference between Fish Technician vs Fish Biologist?

AspectFish TechnicianFish Biologist
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require technical certificationsBachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or related field; advanced roles may require a master's or PhD
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in freshwater and marine environments, laboratories, fish hatcheriesResearch labs, field sites, academic institutions, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageFish hatcheries, environmental agencies, research facilitiesUniversities, research institutions, government agencies, environmental consultancies

Fish Technicians typically perform hands-on tasks like sampling, maintaining fish populations, and assisting in research, often with technical certifications. Fish Biologists focus on studying fish behavior, ecology, and conducting detailed research, usually requiring higher education. Both roles work in similar environments but differ in scope and qualifications.

How do you become a fish technician?

To become a fish technician, typically one needs a high school diploma or equivalent, along with knowledge of aquatic biology and fish handling. Relevant skills include operating testing equipment and maintaining aquatic environments, and some positions may require certification or training in water quality testing or safety procedures.
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What states have the most Fish Technician jobs?

States with the most job openings for Fish Technician jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Fish Technician jobs?

For Fish Technician jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Fish Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fish Technician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,593 per year, or $20 per hour.

Fish Culturist II (RFT) Peshastin

Yakama Nation

Peshastin, WA • On-site

$15.74 - $17.72/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Announcement #

2026-162

Issue Date:

08-17-26

Closing Date:

09-04-26

Fish Culturist II

Fisheries Resource Management (FRM)

Department of Natural Resources

Hourly Wage: $15.74-$17.72/Regular/Full-Time

Location: Peshastin

Provide support to the Hatchery Manager and work unit in the operations and maintenance of the fish hatcheries. Perform a variety of duties involved in fish hatchery production, assisting in manual and technical work. Care for fish and facilities as scheduled.

Examples of Work Performed:

Remove eggs from fish, weigh and sort eggs, attend to egg and fry in the incubators and transfer fry from troughs to ponds; prepare food and feed fish; net and mark percentage of fry before trucking to acclimation sites for releases and down-stream migration.

Detect diseases in fish and administer prescribed treatment; dissects dead, spawned out salmon to check for diseased livers and retention of eggs; take samples for disease analysis.

Trap and select adult salmon for use as brood stock.

Operate an eyeing or egg taking station as sub-unit of a regular hatchery.

Maintain fish propagation records such as pond loss, weight and size gains, medications, diets and water temperature.

Clean ponds, troughs, trays, screens and rack; mend nets and traps; mow lawns; repair and paint buildings and equipment; operate various mechanical equipment such as pumps, grinders, power mowers, forklift and light automotive equipment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of various species of fish; common fish disease and usual treatment habits of fish care and propagation of fish.

Knowledge of equipment and supplies used in maintenance of building and grounds.

Ability to operate and maintain machinery and equipment used in hatchery operations.

Ability to maintain effective working relationship with employees.

Ability to communicate effectively both oral and in writing.

Minimum Requirements:

High school diploma or equivalent.

Required to pass pre-employment drug test.

Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License with the ability to obtain a Yakama Nation Tribal Driving Permit with Defensive Driving Course certificate (to be updated every 2 years).

Preferred Requirements:

Two years fish hatchery experience as a fish technician.

Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Apply