Fish and Seafood Processing Labourers
(NOC 9618)
in All Manufacturing and UtilitiesLabourers in this group do clean-up, packaging, material handling and other activities related to fish and seafood processing. They work in fish and seafood processing and packaging plants.
Job Outlook
Average
Read more
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
This occupation was impacted by a serious decline in the demand for lobster at the beginning of the pandemic. The reversal of these conditions will depend on how global demand for seafood recovers when the pandemic ends. The effects that poor seafood market conditions have had on employment vary. Some employers have found that the pandemic has compounded a longstanding shortage of labour, while some regular seasonal fish and seafood plant workers have noted a reduction in their work hours. Finding housing for workers near seafood processing facilities can be a challenge. This has been made worse by COVID-19, as some property owners may be uneasy about the possibility of a tenant being exposed to the virus. Seafood processing facilities were exempted from group size restrictions in the Health Protection Act Order, reducing the effect on working conditions.
Jobseekers may improve their prospects by having personal transportation, as many seafood processors are in rural or isolated areas. The seasonal and physical aspects of this job may also act as a deterrent for potential applicants. Labour supply for this occupation is scarce in many communities. This is expected to worsen as a large proportion of fish and seafood processing labourers are close to the age of retirement. Given these conditions, those seeking work in this occupation should find employment with relative ease.
The median employment income for the 13% of Labourers in Fish and Seafood Processing who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $26,823. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, the 59% of those who worked full-time, year-round had a median employment income of $43,600. (Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$12.95
Minimum$14.86
Median$18.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,173
Minimum$13,622
Median$31,743
MaximumCompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$23.91
Median$35.04
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,056
Minimum$30,111
Median$70,518
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Labourers in this group do clean-up, packaging, material handling and other activities related to fish and seafood processing. They work in fish and seafood processing and packaging plants.
Job duties
Fish and seafood processing labourers:
- Unload fish and shellfish from fishing vessels and move them by hand or forklift truck to work area in fish processing plant.
- Immerse fresh fish fillets in brine solution to condition them for wrapping or freezing.
- Weigh fish or shellfish, record weight and pack fish in ice.
- Sort fish according to species, weight and destination.
- Clean work areas and equipment.
- Move supplies and packaging materials throughout plant and storage area manually or with powered equipment.
- Measure and dump ingredients into hoppers of mixing and grinding machines.
Sample job titles
- cannery labourer - fish processing
- fish packer - fish processing
- fish plant labourer
- fish processing labourer
- shellfish labourer
- shellfish packer - fish processing
- shellfish processing labourer
Skills
You should have good physical health. You must be able to take direction and carry out instructions given by a supervisor.
Job requirements
- Some high school education may be required.
Other considerations
Work in these jobs is generally seasonal and carried out in shifts at various hours of the day or on a part-time basis. Movement to other jobs in the fish processing industry 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
Cape Breton
North Shore
Halifax
Annapolis Valley
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Manufacturing
Wholesale trade
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
Retail trade
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
What is the age of Employment?
15-24
55-64
45-54
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
$13,730 median annual incomeHigh school
$13,570 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$16,883 median annual incomeApprenticeship
$12,849 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 incomeApprenticeship
$43,975 median annual incomeBachelor
$39,715 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult High School Siploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramThe Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.