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Fishing In Alaska Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Marine Biologist - Alaska

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$5.1K - $8.1K/mo

Marine Biologist deploy on commercial fishing vessels operating in the Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea, and Aleutian Islands or at processing plants. If you ever wanted to make a difference, this is how.

2nd Mate

Seattle, WA · On-site

$8.0K - $10K/mo

Fishing in Alaska/Outside of Alaska Annual Report for Operations Skill and Experience Required Coast Guard License Uninspected Fishing Industry Vessel license required: Near Coastal but Oceans is ...

2nd Mate

Seattle, WA

$8.0K - $10K/mo

Fishing in Alaska/Outside of Alaska Annual Report for Operations Skill and Experience Required Coast Guard License Uninspected Fishing Industry Vessel license required: Near Coastal but Oceans is ...

First point of contact that participants of the commercial halibut, sablefish and crab fisheries in Alaska have with the NMFS. It is imperative that the data technicians are familiar with the ...

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Fishing In Alaska information

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How much do fishing in alaska jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for fishing in alaska in the United States is $17.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do you get paid at fish processing jobs in Alaska?

Fish processing jobs in Alaska typically pay between $12 and $20 per hour, with seasonal workers often earning higher wages due to overtime and peak season demands. Pay rates can vary based on experience, specific roles, and the company, and workers may receive additional benefits such as housing or transportation allowances.

How hard is it to get a fishing job?

Getting a fishing job can be competitive and often requires physical stamina, relevant skills, and sometimes certifications such as first aid or safety training. Experience in handling fishing equipment and working in outdoor environments can improve chances, but availability varies based on season and location.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Commercial Fisher in Alaska, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Commercial Fisher in Alaska, you need physical endurance, knowledge of fishing techniques, and compliance with state licensing requirements. Familiarity with navigation equipment, fish-finding sonar, and safety gear is typically necessary. Strong teamwork, resilience, and problem-solving abilities help individuals adapt to challenging and unpredictable conditions at sea. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure personal safety, maximize catch efficiency, and operate effectively in demanding marine environments.

How do I get a job on a fishing boat in Alaska?

To get a job on a fishing boat in Alaska, applicants typically need prior experience or training in commercial fishing, such as safety certifications like STCW or Basic Safety Training. Many positions are filled through industry connections, crew agencies, or by applying directly to fishing companies during the seasonal hiring period. Physical fitness and the ability to work long hours in challenging conditions are also important.

How much do fishing jobs pay in Alaska?

Fishing jobs in Alaska typically pay between $3,000 and $8,000 per month during the peak season, with crew members earning around $1,500 to $3,000 weekly. Pay varies based on experience, position, and the type of fishing, such as salmon or crab fishing, often requiring physical stamina and safety training.

What are some common challenges faced by fishing professionals in Alaska and how can they be managed?

Fishing professionals in Alaska often encounter challenging weather conditions, long hours on the water, and the physical demands of handling heavy equipment. Additionally, strict regulations and seasonal fluctuations can affect catch limits and job stability. To succeed, it's important to maintain physical fitness, stay informed about regulatory updates, and develop strong teamwork skills to ensure safety and efficiency on the boat. Many crews foster a supportive environment, which helps newcomers adapt and learn from experienced fishers.

What is the difference between Fishing In Alaska vs Fish Processing Worker?

AspectFishing In AlaskaFish Processing Worker
Required CredentialsNone mandatory, some certifications beneficialFood safety certifications often required
Work EnvironmentOpen water, boats, variable weatherProcessing plants, indoor environment
Industry UsageFishing industry, commercial fishingFish processing industry, seafood production
Job FocusCatch fish in open waterPrepare and package fish products

Fishing In Alaska involves catching fish in open waters, often on boats, requiring physical endurance and knowledge of fishing techniques. Fish Processing Workers operate in indoor processing plants, focusing on cleaning, filleting, and packaging seafood. Both roles are vital in the seafood industry but differ significantly in environment and daily tasks.

What is fishing in Alaska?

Fishing in Alaska refers to both recreational and commercial fishing activities in the state, which is known for its abundant and diverse fish populations, including salmon, halibut, and crab. Alaska's vast waters and strict management practices make it a premier destination for anglers and a major contributor to the seafood industry. Fishing can take place in rivers, lakes, and the ocean, with opportunities ranging from guided sport fishing trips to working on commercial fishing vessels. The experience offers breathtaking scenery, unique wildlife encounters, and the chance to catch some of the world’s most prized fish. Whether for sport or livelihood, fishing in Alaska is a significant part of the state’s culture and economy.
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What cities are hiring for Fishing In Alaska jobs? Cities with the most Fishing In Alaska job openings:
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What states have the most Fishing In Alaska jobs? States with the most job openings for Fishing In Alaska jobs include:
Infographic showing various Fishing In Alaska job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Full Time, 84% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 18% Physical, and 82% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,516 per year, or $17.6 per hour.
Marine Biologist - Alaska

Marine Biologist - Alaska

AIS, Inc.

Anchorage, AK • On-site

$5.1K - $8.1K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Interested in Fishery Sustainability, Management, and Hands on Marine Biology Work? Become a Marine Biologist!!
A.I.S., Inc. (AIS) is a diversified, national provider of marine science services. We support maritime activities along the US coastline that require certification of compliance with environmental regulations, and collect biological data for use by Federal, State, Municipal, and other government agencies. AIS is recruiting biologists to work at sea aboard commercial fishing vessels as Marine Biologists, collect biological samples, and record data for the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC), Fisheries Monitoring and Analysis Division (FMA).
Primary Function:
The primary goals of the government's North Pacific Observer Program are to provide quantitative biological, vessel, and gear-selectivity information for the groundfish and halibut fisheries in Alaska. Marine Biologist deploy on commercial fishing vessels operating in the Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea, and Aleutian Islands or at processing plants. If you ever wanted to make a difference, this is how.
Commercial fishing dates back hundreds of years. Today, commercial fishing is possible due to cooperation between the fishing industry and fisheries scientists like you. Marine Biologists provide data that allow NMFS to conduct in-season management of fisheries, stock assessments, and ecosystem studies. This regional, scientific monitoring supports ten national standards of sustainability required by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, which helps preserve future generations of fish and fishing communities. Commit to the journey!
Click to Learn More about Becoming a Fisheries Observer
Duties/Responsibilities:
Biologists take trips typically lasting from two to ten days on vessels ranging from 40 feet to 125 feet long. Biologists log detailed information on the gear and fishing activities of the vessel. They set up a station on deck to collect catch and bycatch data as well as document interactions with marine mammals and seabirds. After attending a three-week (in person) paid training in Seattle, WA from (6/11 - 7/2) , biologists are deployed from ports throughout Alaska. Gear types include benthic and pelagic trawl, hook and line, and pot.
Training includes instructions on sampling protocols, gear types, fisheries, fish identification, marine mammal/seabird/crab identification, and safety.
Observing is an excellent career in marine biology, as Biologists are widely recognized as strong, capable field biologists. However, this is a challenging job. Candidates must be mentally prepared to be away from home for three months, and physically able to handle heavy lifting, working odd hours, and long days in rough seas. For those who thrive as an biologist, a broad range of advancement opportunities with AIS are available. The opportunities include, but are not limited to, project management, field supervision, and cross-training for field work in other programs.
Compensation: Biologists will be paid an hourly rate; total compensation will range from $5,100 to $8,100 a month, depending on employee's availability and fishing effort. The AIS benefits package includes health, vision, and dental insurance, vacation, sick, and holiday pay.
AIS offers additional compensation opportunities, which may include data quality/performance incentives, service awards, fitness center reimbursement, and a referral bonus.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the natural sciences and a minimum of 30 semester hours or equivalent in the biological sciences.
  • At least one course that required extensive use of dichotomous keys.
  • At least five semester hours in math, including one statistics course.
  • All relevant course work must have been performed at a level acceptable for credit at the candidate's academic institution.
  • Experience with data entry on computers.
  • Candidates must be U.S. citizens.
  • Candidates must be physically able, as determined by a licensed physician's certification to perform biologist duties

Preferred Qualifications:
  • At-Sea and/or another field experience
  • Experience working in remote locations.
  • Flexible schedule
  • Independent worker with good time-management skills

Travel:
Marine Biologists will travel from Seattle to a port in Alaska for 90 days a time and are likely to remain there for the duration of their deployment. At the end of their deployment, they will fly back to Seattle for debriefing before returning home for up to 45 days. After 45 days at home the biologists are deployed to Alaska for another 90 days. Biologists may travel within Alaska when fishing seasons change, if they are needed to cover vessels in a different port.
Homeports:
Applicants must be willing and able to travel to Seattle for training prior to deployment to Alaska. Must be willing to live in Alaska for up to 90 days a time before returning home.
Contact:
If you would like to apply for this exciting new opening, please click the following link http://aisobservers.com/careers/ to submit the required information:
  • Resume
  • Cover letter
  • At least 5 professional references (name, email address and phone number)
  • Unofficial copies of your college transcripts.

All documents must be submitted for your application to be considered. If you have any questions pertaining to this opening, please feel free to reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talentacquisitionteam@aisobservers.com or 508-990-9054.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of A.I.S. to recruit, hire, train, promote, transfer and compensate our employees and provide all other conditions of employment including Company sponsored events without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, lawful alien status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.
Must be able to work in the U.S. • VEVRAA Federal Contractor • Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals • Equal Opportunity Employer