Fishermen/women
(NOC 8262)
in All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and MiningFishermen/women run fishing vessels less than 100 gross tonnes to pursue and land fish and other marine life. They are usually self-employed owner-operators of fishing vessels.
Job Outlook
Average
Read more
Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Hourly Pay
$16.66
Minimum$30.00
Median$90.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$9,719
Minimum$40,522
Median$100,544
MaximumCompared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$18.00
Median$30.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$4,009
Minimum$23,520
Median$87,170
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Fishermen/women run fishing vessels less than 100 gross tonnes to pursue and land fish and other marine life. They are usually self-employed owner-operators of fishing vessels.
Job duties
Fishermen/women:
- Use fishing vessel to follow and catch fish and other marine life.
- Select area for fishing, plot courses and compute navigational positions using compasses and charts or electronic fishing aids.
- Steer vessel and operate navigational instruments.
- Use fishing gear, direct fishing operation and supervise fishing crew members.
- Maintain engine, fishing gear and other on-board equipment.
- Record fishing activities, weather, and sea conditions.
- Estimate costs of operations and plan budget for each fishing season.
- Establish fish marketing plan and keep records of all financial transactions.
- May transport fish to processing plants or fish buyers.
Sample job titles
- fisherman/woman
- fishing vessel skipper
- handliner fisherman/woman
- lobster fisherman/woman
- shellfish fisherman/woman
- shellfish harvester operator
Skills
- You need good eyesight and health. Physical strength may be necessary. You may be exposed to extreme weather conditions and varying climates. You must also be willing to travel for long periods at a time.
Job requirements
- A commercial fishing licence is required.
- Licences are required for each species of fish pursued.
Other considerations
- Work in these jobs is seasonal with employment peaking in the summer months and most workers in these jobs fish for only part of each year. When fishing, most work for more than 50 hours per week. An individual's earnings will depend upon a number of factors like the type of boat and equipment used, the species sought, the allotted quota, and the market price for the catch. Movement to master or mate on fishing vessels over 100 gross tonnes is possible with additional training, licensing and experience. Several years of experience as fishing vessel crew member or helper are usually required.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Southern
$49,416 median annual incomeCape Breton
$24,054 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$27,216 median annual incomeHalifax
$34,694 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$47,275 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing
Wholesale trade
Other services (except public administration)
Public administration
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
45-54
15-24
55-64
35-44
25-34
Top levels of education
Less than high school
$40,437 median annual incomeHigh school
$36,595 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$41,067 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$42,949 median annual incomeBachelor
$51,920 median annual incomeCompared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Less than high school
$23,463 median annual incomeHigh school
$19,301 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$29,551 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$31,535 median annual incomeBachelor
$17,956 median annual incomeEducation & training
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile