Fish and Seafood Plant Workers
(NOC 9463)
in All Manufacturing and UtilitiesThis group includes fish and seafood plant machine operators who set up and use machinery to process and package fish and seafood products, and fish and seafood plant cutters and cleaners who cut, trim and clean fish or seafood by hand. Fish and seafood plant workers work in fish and seafood processing plants.
Job Outlook
Good
Read more
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
Growth in Nova Scotia's fish and seafood sector continues to generate strong demand for this occupation. Jobs are often seasonal and can be physically challenging though new technologies are being introduced to assist with physical demands. Opportunities are more common in remote areas of the province.
Hourly Pay
$14.50
Minimum$14.55
Median$18.10
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,186
Minimum$12,539
Median$36,046
MaximumCompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
Hourly Pay
$14.00
Minimum$20.80
Median$33.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,056
Minimum$30,111
Median$70,518
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
This group includes fish and seafood plant machine operators who set up and use machinery to process and package fish and seafood products, and fish and seafood plant cutters and cleaners who cut, trim and clean fish or seafood by hand. Fish and seafood plant workers work in fish and seafood processing plants.
Job duties
Fish and seafood plant machine operators:
- Set up and use machines to clean, cut, cook, smoke, brine, dehydrate, or otherwise process fish or seafood products.
- Set up and use machines to can, bag, box or otherwise package fish and seafood products.
- Check products and packaging for defects and to make sure they meet company standards and make corrective machine adjustments as needed.
- Record production information like quantity, weight, date and type of products packaged.
Fish and seafood plant cutters and cleaners:
- Cut, clean and trim fish or seafood prior to marketing or further processing.
- Scrape away scales, cut fish, separate fillets and remove scrap parts using knife.
- Check fish fillets to determine optimal number and size of fillet sections, cut sections according to specifications and place in container for weighing.
- Disjoint and remove meat from lobsters or other crustaceans preparatory to canning or further processing.
Sample job titles
- fish cleaner and cutter - fish processing
- fish cutting machine operator - fish processing
- fish plant worker
- fish processor
- lobster processor - fish processing
- seafood preparer - fish and seafood processing
Skills
- You should be responsible, alert, and in good physical health. Coordination, agility, and mechanical skills are important. You must also be able to take direction and carry out instructions given by a supervisor.
Job requirements
- Some high school education may be required.
- On-the-job training is required.
Other considerations
- Shiftwork is common. Movement to supervisor positions is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Southern
$14,383 median annual incomeCape Breton
$9,854 median annual incomeHalifax
$16,913 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$10,963 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$9,539 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Manufacturing
Wholesale trade
Accommodation and food services
Health care and social assistance
What is the age of Employment?
15-24
45-54
55-64
25-34
35-44
65+
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
Less than high school
$9,674 median annual incomeHigh school
$13,601 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$19,799 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$15,798 median annual incomeBachelor
N/ACompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
High school
$28,505 median annual incomeLess than high school
$19,224 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$38,781 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$43,975 median annual incomeBachelor
$39,715 median annual incomeEducation & training
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile