How to Get on a Fishing Boat in Alaska?

Last Updated on October 16, 2022

There are many ways to get on a fishing boat in Alaska. The most common way is to find a job through a commercial fishing company. Many of these companies have their own boats and hire crew members to work on them.

There are also charter companies that offer Fishing trips for hire. These charter companies usually have a few boats that they use to take groups of people out fishing. Another way to get on a fishing boat in Alaska is to join the Coast Guard or another government agency that uses boats for their work.

Assuming you would like steps on how to get a job on a fishing boat in Alaska: 1
Research the industry and find out what type of fishing boat you would like to work on
There are many different types of boats including commercial fishing vessels, charter boats, and private recreational boats
Find out what type of position you would like to have on the boat
Some positions include deckhand, engineer, cook, or captain
Each position has different responsibilities
Start networking with people in the industry
Attend maritime job fairs, join relevant organizations, or reach out to people you know who work in the industry
Submit your resume and cover letter to potential employers
Be sure to highlight your relevant skills and experience for the position you are applying for
Go through the interview process and be prepared to discuss your qualifications for the job during an interview

How To Get A Fishing Job In Alaska – Commercial Fishing Salmon

How Much Do You Make Working on a Fishing Boat in Alaska?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for fishing boat captains in Alaska is $63,040 per year. However, salaries can range from $35,930 to $102,350 per year depending on experience and the size of the vessel.

How Much Does a Deckhand Make on a Fishing Boat in Alaska?

A deckhand on a fishing boat in Alaska can expect to make between $2,000 and $6,000 per season. Deckhands typically work 12-hour shifts, 7 days a week during the fishing season. Alaska’s commercial fishing industry is made up of over 4,000 vessels and employs over 12,000 people.

The majority of these vessels are small family-operated businesses. Fishing is Alaska’s largest private sector employer. In addition to their wages, most deckhands will receive a percentage of the fish they catch (known as the “boat percentage”).

This can range from 10% to 50%, depending on the vessel and captain. For example, if a deckhand catches 1000 pounds of fish worth $1/pound, they would earn an additional $1000 for their efforts (on top of their wages). The average deckhand can expect to catch 1-2 tons of fish per day during the peak season.

In recent years, the price of salmon has been around $5/pound. So, a good day on the job could result in earnings of $10,000 or more!

How Hard is It to Get a Fishing Job in Alaska?

It is not difficult to get a fishing job in Alaska. The most important thing is to have the proper licenses and permits. Some people choose to fish commercially, while others prefer to fish recreationally.

There are also charter businesses that offer guided fishing trips. Whatever route you choose, there are plenty of opportunities for employment in the fishing industry in Alaska.

How Do You Get on a Commercial Fishing Boat?

Commercial fishing boats are used to catch fish for both recreational and commercial purposes. There are many different types of commercial fishing boats, ranging from small open boats to large factory trawlers. To get on a commercial fishing boat, you will need to contact the owner or captain of the vessel and inquire about job opportunities.

Some captains may require that you have experience working on a similar type of vessel, while others may be willing to train inexperienced workers. Once you have secured a position on a commercial fishing boat, you will need to follow the captain’s orders and adhere to all safety regulations while aboard the vessel.

How Much Money Does a Fisherman in Alaska Make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for fishermen in Alaska is $27,520. However, this number can vary greatly depending on factors such as experience, location, and type of fishing operation. For example, salmon fisherman in Southeast Alaska tend to make more than those in the Gulf of Alaska because salmon prices are higher in Southeast.

Additionally, deckhands or other entry-level positions may start out making less than $20,000 per year while captains of large commercial fishing vessels can earn upwards of $200,000.

Fishing Boat Jobs in Alaska No Experience

There are many fishing boat jobs in Alaska that don’t require any experience. This is because the Alaskan fishing industry is always looking for workers, and they are willing to train new employees. Some of the most popular fishing boat jobs in Alaska include deckhand, cook, and mate.

Deckhands are responsible for a variety of tasks, including hauling in nets, mending lines, and baiting hooks. Cooks prepare meals for the crew and passengers, and mates assist the captain with navigation and other duties.

How to Get a Fishing Job in Alaska

There are a few things to consider when trying to get a fishing job in Alaska. The first is the type of fishing you want to do. There are many different types of fisheries in Alaska, each with their own set of requirements and necessary licenses.

The most popular types of fisheries are salmon, crab, and pollock. The second thing to consider is what kind of experience you have. Many jobs in the Alaska fishing industry require at least some experience.

There are however, a few entry level positions available on some boats. These usually don’t pay as well as more experienced positions, but can be a good way to get your foot in the door. The last thing to think about is where you want to work.

There are many different ports in Alaska, each with their own unique atmosphere and job market. Do some research on the different areas before applying for jobs so that you can find the perfect fit for you!

Fishing Jobs in Alaska No Experience

If you’re looking for a fishing job in Alaska, but don’t have any experience, there are still plenty of opportunities available. Many of the fish processing plants in Alaska hire workers with no prior experience and provide on-the-job training. Jobs at these plants typically involve cleaning, cutting, and packing the fish that are caught by commercial fishermen.

There are also many charter boat companies in Alaska that cater to tourists who want to go fishing. These businesses often hire deckhands with no experience and provide them with training on how to safely operate the boat and assist customers. Finally, there are always opportunities for people who are willing to work as general laborers on commercial fishing boats.

These positions don’t require any specific skills or experience, but can be very demanding physically. If you’re interested in working in the fishing industry in Alaska, there’s a good chance you can find a job even if you don’t have any previous experience. The best way to learn about available opportunities is to contact some of the fish processing plants or charter boat companies directly and inquire about their hiring needs.

Conclusion

In order to get on a fishing boat in Alaska, there are a few things you need to do. First, you need to have a valid fishing license. Second, you need to be prepared for the weather and dress appropriately.

Finally, you need to be aware of the safety regulations and follow them.