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Fishing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

North Star Fishing Company is dedicated to producing the highest quality frozen-at-sea groundfish products in the world. We accomplish our mission with a day-in-and-day-out commitment to quality ...

Fishing Pier Attendant

Fort Myers, FL

$13 - $16/hr

The Bayview Fishing Pier Attendant is responsible for delivering a safe, engaging, educational, and family-focused fishing and recreation experience for resort guests and owners. This role serves as ...

North Star Fishing Company is dedicated to producing the highest quality frozen-at-sea groundfish products in the world. We accomplish our mission with a day-in-and-day-out commitment to quality ...

Coast Guard License Uninspected Fishing Industry Vessel license required: 1600 GT on the Northern Glacier and 4555 GT on the Alaska Ocean. Must have a minimum of 3 years of experience fishing onboard ...

$40 - $45/hr

Fishing gear used during marine resource surveys are standardized to ensure the quality and comparability of collected fishery-independent survey data through time. This will be a part-time position ...

Coast Guard License Uninspected Fishing Industry Vessel license required: 1600 GT on the Northern Glacier and 4555 GT on the Alaska Ocean. Must have a minimum of 3 years of experience fishing onboard ...

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Fishing information

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$12

$18

$26

How much do fishing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for fishing in the United States is $18.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying fishing job?

The highest paying fishing jobs are often found in commercial fishing, such as deep-sea or offshore fishing, where experienced captains and crew can earn significant income through vessel ownership, catch share agreements, or high-value catches. These roles typically require specialized skills, certifications, and long hours at sea, with earnings varying based on location, vessel size, and catch type.

What do fishing jobs involve?

Fishing jobs typically involve catching fish and other seafood for commercial, recreational, or subsistence purposes. Workers may go out on boats, set and retrieve nets or traps, sort and clean the catch, and ensure that equipment is properly maintained. Some positions, such as deckhands, focus on the hands-on aspects of fishing, while others, like fishery managers, oversee operations and ensure compliance with regulations. Fishing work can be physically demanding and often requires long hours in varying weather conditions.

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

To thrive as a commercial fisherman, you need knowledge of fishing techniques, boat operations, navigation, and relevant safety regulations, often supported by a high school diploma and industry-specific training. Familiarity with marine electronics, GPS systems, winches, and fishing gear is typically required, along with any necessary maritime certifications. Physical endurance, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability to harsh conditions are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These skills and qualities are important to ensure safety, maximize catch efficiency, and maintain productivity in a challenging and unpredictable work environment.

How can I make money from fishing?

Fishing as a job can generate income through commercial fishing, where individuals catch fish or seafood for sale, or by working as a fishing guide or charter captain. Success often requires knowledge of local regulations, skills in handling equipment, and sometimes certifications or licenses. Income varies based on location, experience, and the type of fishing activity.

Can you make a career out of fishing?

A career in fishing can include roles such as commercial fisher, fishing guide, or aquaculture worker, often requiring physical stamina, knowledge of fishing techniques, and sometimes certifications. These jobs may involve irregular hours and seasonal work, with income varying based on experience, location, and the type of fishing involved.

What are some common challenges faced by professional fishers, and how can they be addressed?

Professional fishers often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, fluctuating fish populations, and strict regulatory requirements. To navigate these, it's important to stay updated on weather forecasts, invest in reliable navigation and safety equipment, and maintain good communication with regulatory bodies. Additionally, working closely with a team ensures safety and efficiency on the water, and participating in ongoing training can help you adapt to new fishing technologies and sustainability practices.

What jobs can you do for fishing?

Jobs related to fishing include commercial fishing, which involves catching fish for sale, and recreational fishing guides who assist clients in fishing trips. Other roles include fish processing, aquaculture farming, and fisheries management, often requiring specific skills, certifications, and knowledge of fishing equipment and safety protocols.

Are Fishing Jobs in Demand?

Jobs in the fishing industry are growing faster than the national average. In fact, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects fishing and hunting jobs to grow by 11% in the next decade. While the jobs in this industry are heavily reliant on the availability and reproduction of marine animals and fish, the demand for seafood in the US is expected to grow as people search for healthier forms of food. Seafood is considered a healthier protein option with high demand, but workers deal with difficult and hazardous conditions to get fish processed. That means that the industry is always in need of new workers.

What is the difference between Fishing vs Marine Biologist?

AspectFishingMarine Biologist
Required CredentialsNone or basic fishing licensesDegree in Marine Biology or related field
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, lakes, rivers, oceansResearch labs, fieldwork at sea, marine reserves
Industry UsageCommercial and recreational fishing industryResearch, conservation, academia

Fishing involves catching fish for commercial, recreational, or subsistence purposes, often with minimal formal education. Marine Biologists study marine life scientifically, often requiring advanced degrees, and focus on research and conservation. While fishing is practical and industry-focused, marine biology is scientific and educational. Both roles involve working in aquatic environments but serve different objectives and require different skill sets.

What cities are hiring for Fishing jobs? Cities with the most Fishing job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Fishing jobs? The most popular types of Fishing jobs are:
What states have the most Fishing jobs? States with the most job openings for Fishing jobs include:
Infographic showing various Fishing job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,781 per year, or $18.6 per hour.
Licensed Mate - Fishing Vessel

Licensed Mate - Fishing Vessel

Glacier Fish

Seattle, WA • On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

North Star Fishing Company is dedicated to producing the highest quality frozen-at-sea groundfish products in the world. We accomplish our mission with a day-in-and-day-out commitment to quality, safety, consistent attention to detail and an on-going concern for the stability and health of the North Pacific fishery resource.
We are one of the largest producers of frozen at sea flatfish, cod, pollock and other groundfish, and distributes seafood throughout the world. We manage three trawl catcher-processor vessels that operate in the Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, and the Gulf of Alaska. Come join us with one of the many exciting job opportunities available!
Mates work aboard at-sea processing vessels in the Bering Sea, Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Alaska and Aleutian Islands. The Mate commands and is responsible for the overall safe operation of the vessel and the conduct of its crew, under the direction of the Master. Mate may command the vessel in the Master's absence for a specified period.
Coast Guard License Uninspected Fishing Industry Vessel license required: 1600 GT on the Unimak and Arica and 4200 GT on the North Star. Must have a minimum of 3 years of experience fishing onboard H&G vessels in Alaskan waters.
Duties & Responsibilities
  • Responsible for the safe operation of the factory trawler and the entire vessel crew, under direction of the master.
  • Safely navigates and maneuvers the vessel using navigational charts, standard navigational aids and electronic bridge equipment including plotters, radar, radios, depth finders and sonar. Ensures compliance with COLREGS and Coast Guard Commercial Fishing Vessel requirements.
  • Directs fishing operations at night using knowledge of fishing grounds and workload capacities of vessel and crew. Records daily activities in ship's log.
  • Overall responsibility for implementation and support of all company safety and environmental policies and procedures in accordance with the Safety Management System. Provides direct supervision of all medical and safety activities on board in person or by delegation to other ships officers.
  • Conducts Safety Drills, Safety Orientation, ensures compliance with all safety regulations and maintains related record keeping. Acts as Safety Officer onboard, prepares and maintains station bill details.
  • Completes and documents Safety/Equipment checks monthly, orders navigational publications, charts & updates local notice to mariners.
  • Acts as Fire Team Leader and coordinates Fire drills

Physical Ability and Skills
  • Work 12 hours per day, 7 days a week in all kinds of weather conditions.
  • Understand instructions and safety rules in English.
  • Board and exit vessel without assistance by climbing up and down a gangway or Jacob's ladder.
  • Capable of climbing and descending steep stairs and vertical ladders.
  • Able to be away from land-based medical attention for up to 3 months.
  • Share spaces with others including crew quarters, dining areas and bathrooms.

Hours/Days/Schedule
  • Ability to work up to 12 hours per day, 7 days per week. One trip averages 7-18 days in length dependent on vessel.

Compensation & Benefits
  • The pay while fishing is crew share based/percentage of catch so no hourly or guaranteed wage. Varies based on fishery, time of year, length of trip and quotas.
  • Free Room and Board.
  • Eligible for 401K.
  • Health/Dental benefits once eligibility requirements are met.

$120,000 - $145,000 a year
Crew are paid a crew share which can range each trip worked. Trip lengths can vary between 13 - 20 days on average depending on fishing conditions. There are a scheduled number of trips the vessel will fish each season based on quota. Shipyard work is available while the vessel is in port between the fishing seasons.
North Star Fishing Company are Equal Opportunity Employers - Minority / Women / Disability / Veteran / Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation / Age.
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We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.