The life of a commercial fisherman is one of adventure, hard work, and a unique connection to the sea. It’s a career that calls to those with a spirit of independence and resilience. But beyond the romance of the open water lies a crucial question for anyone considering this path: What can you actually earn? The answer is complex, with salaries ranging from modest seasonal income to well over six figures for a few months of intense work.
This guide will break down the commercial fisherman salary, exploring the average earnings and the key factors that can dramatically influence your income potential.
What Does a Commercial Fisherman Do?
A commercial fisherman's primary role is to catch fish and other seafood to be sold for profit. This seemingly simple description belies a physically and mentally demanding job. Responsibilities are vast and vary by the vessel and fishery, but typically include:
- Preparing and maintaining fishing gear, such as nets, pots, traps, and longlines.
- Operating deck machinery like winches and cranes to deploy and retrieve gear.
- Locating fish using electronic equipment like sonar and GPS.
- Sorting, gutting, and storing the catch in iced or refrigerated holds to maintain quality.
- Ensuring the vessel is clean, safe, and compliant with maritime regulations.
- Enduring long hours and often harsh weather conditions for days or weeks at a time.
It’s a role that requires immense physical stamina, technical skill, and the ability to work effectively as part of a tight-knit crew.
Average Commercial Fisherman Salary
Unlike a typical 9-to-5 job with a fixed annual salary, a commercial fisherman's pay is highly variable. Most fishing operations use a "share system" or "lay system." After a fishing trip, the total value of the catch is calculated. From this, operating costs like fuel, food, and gear maintenance are deducted. The remaining profit is then divided among the crew, with the captain and vessel owner taking the largest shares, followed by experienced deckhands, and finally, entry-level workers ("greenhorns").
Because of this system, "average" salary figures can be misleading, but they provide a useful benchmark.
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for fishers and related fishing workers was $38,830 in May 2023. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $28,950, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $59,380.
- Salary aggregator Payscale.com reports a wider range, with an average base salary closer to $52,000 per year, with some experienced fishers reporting earnings well over $100,000.
- Glassdoor data suggests an average total pay of around $58,000 per year, reflecting the potential for higher earnings based on user-submitted data from more lucrative fisheries.
The key takeaway is that while the official median is modest, the potential for high earnings is significant, but it comes with a high degree of risk and uncertainty. A great season can be incredibly profitable, while a poor one can result in very low pay.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your earnings as a commercial fisherman are not determined by a single number but by a combination of powerful factors. Understanding these is crucial to maximizing your income.
###
Level of Education
Formal education is not the primary driver of salary in this field. Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent at most. However, specialized training and certifications can significantly enhance your career trajectory and earning potential. This includes:
- Safety Certifications: Completing courses like STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) and obtaining a First Aid/CPR certification can make you a more valuable crew member.
- Maritime Academies: Attending a two- or four-year maritime academy can provide advanced training in navigation, vessel operations, and marine engineering, putting you on a faster track to higher-paying roles like first mate or captain.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency with diesel engines, hydraulics, and refrigeration systems can also lead to a higher share of the profits.
###
Years of Experience
Experience is arguably the most critical factor in determining your share. A crew's hierarchy is directly tied to skill and tenure.
- Greenhorn (Entry-Level): A new fisherman with little to no experience will earn the smallest share. This initial period is an apprenticeship focused on learning the ropes, proving your work ethic, and becoming a reliable part of the team.
- Experienced Deckhand: After a few successful seasons, you become a trusted crew member. You can anticipate problems, work efficiently without constant supervision, and handle all aspects of the gear. This earns you a significantly larger share of the catch.
- Captain/Vessel Owner: At the top of the hierarchy, the captain and/or vessel owner takes on the most risk but also has the highest earning potential. They are responsible for the safety of the crew, navigating to profitable fishing grounds, and managing the business, entitling them to the largest portion of the profits.
###
Geographic Location
Where you fish matters immensely. Earnings are directly tied to the value of the regional fisheries. Some of the most lucrative locations in the United States include:
- Alaska: Famous for its high-value fisheries like Bristol Bay Sockeye Salmon and, most notably, the Bering Sea King Crab and Snow Crab fisheries. A successful season here can earn a deckhand $50,000 - $100,000+ in just a few months.
- Northeast (New England): This region is a major hub for high-value Atlantic Scallops, which can provide some of the highest and most consistent earnings in the country. Lobster fishing in Maine is also a key economic driver.
- Gulf Coast: The fisheries for shrimp, oysters, and menhaden support a large portion of the industry, offering steady work for thousands of fishermen.
- West Coast (Pacific): Fisheries for Dungeness crab, tuna, and groundfish offer significant earning opportunities from California to Washington.
###
Company Type
The type of vessel and operation you join directly impacts your paycheck. A "company" in this context usually means the vessel owner or fleet operator. Working for a top-performing captain and a modern, well-maintained vessel is crucial. A skilled captain knows where and when to find fish, and an efficient boat spends less time on repairs and more time fishing, leading to larger profits for everyone on board. A large, corporate-owned fleet might offer more stable pay structures, while a smaller, owner-operated boat might offer a higher potential share if the season is successful.
###
Area of Specialization
Just as important as location is the specific species you target. The market value of seafood varies dramatically.
- High-Risk, High-Reward Fisheries: Targeting species like Alaskan King Crab or Bluefin Tuna involves short, intense, and often dangerous seasons. However, a single successful haul can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, resulting in massive paydays for the crew.
- Stable, High-Volume Fisheries: Fisheries for species like salmon, pollock, or lobster may have lower prices per pound but make up for it in volume and longer, more predictable seasons. This can provide a more stable, albeit potentially lower, annual income.
- Boutique Fisheries: Targeting specialty products like sea urchins, geoducks, or sea cucumbers for international markets can also be extremely lucrative for those with the right skills and permits.
Job Outlook
The career outlook for commercial fishermen requires a realistic perspective. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for fishers and related fishing workers is projected to decline 8 percent from 2022 to 2032.
This decline is attributed to several factors, including stricter federal and state fishing regulations to manage fish stocks, global competition from aquaculture (fish farming), and technological advancements that allow vessels to operate with smaller crews.
However, despite the overall decline, there will continue to be job openings. The demanding nature of the work leads to high turnover, and many experienced fishermen are approaching retirement age. This creates opportunities for new, hardworking, and skilled individuals to enter the industry and build a successful career.
Conclusion
A commercial fisherman's salary is a direct reflection of the risk, skill, and hard work invested. It is not a career for those seeking the predictability of a bi-weekly paycheck. Your income is tied to the bounty of the sea and the performance of your crew.
For those considering this path, the key takeaways are:
1. Earnings are Variable: Your pay is based on a "share system," meaning it rises and falls with the success of each trip.
2. Experience is Paramount: Your share of the profits will grow directly with your skills and reliability.
3. Location and Fishery are Crucial: Your earning potential is highest in high-value fisheries like Alaskan crab or Northeast scallops.
4. It's a Demanding Lifestyle: The financial rewards come at the cost of long hours, physical labor, and time away from home.
For the right person—someone who is resilient, self-motivated, and passionate about the ocean—commercial fishing remains a viable and potentially lucrative career path, offering rewards that go far beyond a simple paycheck.