Finding a fishing job or boat work requires constant effort or just luck. Prospective crew members must walk the fishing docks to follow up and to speak with the skippers personally. The waiting for such a fishing job opportunity can be costly, both physically and monetarily. Crew members rarely leave good jobs, so only a small percentage of job hopefuls find employment.

Fishing wages are often based on a share or percentage of harvest / catch earnings. Newcomer deckhand earnings range from 1.5% to 10% of the adjusted gross catch, depending on location and type of fishery and the skills of the worker. Some vessels offer a daily rate instead of a percentage of the catch. Recent job market conditions have caused some share rates to decline.

In addition to fishing work, crew members are expected to complete duties on the fishing vessel and its associated gear without additional pay for these activities. The daily rate or a share or percentage of the catch is considered pay for all work performed. New crew members are advised to obtain a signed work agreement or contract that clearly explains the pay and other entitlements before going to work!

See what it's like to work on an Alaskan salmon boat, courtesy of Kellan Patrick and fishingjobs.com

Seafood Employment Offices

• 3301 Eagle Street, Suite 102, PO Box 107024, Anchorage, AK 99510-7024 Phone: 269-4775 Fax: 269-4741, Seafood Hotline: 269-4770 ext. 7 nelson_san_juan@labor.state.ak.us

• 675 Seventh Avenue, Station D, Fairbanks, AK 99707-1010,Phone: 451-5957 Fax: 451-2919, mike_stackhouse@labor.state.ak.us

• 309 Center Street, Kodiak, AK 99615-6315

  Phone: 486-3105 ext. 1, Toll Free: 1-800-478-3105 maureen_butler@labor.state.ak.us

• 809 2nd Avenue, PO Box 1009, Seward, AK 99664-1009 Phone: 224-5276 norman_casagranda@labor.state.ak.us