Fish and Seafood Processing Labourers

(NOC 9618)

in All Manufacturing and Utilities

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 Outlook

Average

Estimate Decline employment change, 2021-2023
Estimate 10 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
Estimate Moderate rate of unemployment in 2022

Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities

Estimate 435 employment change, 2021-2023
Estimate 1945 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
Estimate rate of unemployment not available for these occupation.

Growth in Nova Scotia's fish and seafood sector continues to generate strong demand for this occupation. Jobs are often seasonal, long hours of work may be required, and work can be physically challenging. Opportunities are more common in remote areas of the province.

Hourly Pay

$13.60

Minimum

$16.00

Median

$20.00

Maximum

Annual Pay

$2,173

Minimum

$13,622

Median

$31,743

Maximum

Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities

Hourly Pay

$14.00

Minimum

$20.80

Median

$33.00

Maximum

Annual Pay

$6,056

Minimum

$30,111

Median

$70,518

Maximum

About 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

2,335

employed in 2016

63.4%

employed full-time

0.4%

self employed

36.2%

63.8%

46.1

median age

Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities

15,275

employed in 2016

83.2%

employed full-time

3.2%

self employed

27.6%

72.4%

44.7

median age

Where will I likely work?

56.8%

Southern

$17,049 median annual income

21.4%

Cape Breton

$11,974 median annual income

9.6%

North Shore

$10,590 median annual income

8.5%

Halifax

$12,200 median annual income

3.6%

Annapolis Valley

$13,164 median annual income

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

North Shore

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

87.3%

Manufacturing

8.0%

Wholesale trade

1.0%

Retail trade

1.0%

Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services

0.7%

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

What is the age of Employment?

25.0%

15-24

25.0%

55-64

22.0%

45-54

12.0%

25-34

11.0%

35-44

6.0%

65+

Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities

24.5%

45-54

20.8%

55-64

19.3%

35-44

16.5%

25-34

15.0%

15-24

Top levels of education

46.0%

Less than high school

$13,730 median annual income

34.3%

High school

$13,570 median annual income

9.2%

College Diploma

$16,883 median annual income

8.4%

Trade Certification

$12,849 median annual income

1.1%

Bachelor

N/A

Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities

38.1%

High school

$28,505 median annual income

23.3%

Less than high school

$19,224 median annual income

19.9%

College Diploma

$38,781 median annual income

12.2%

Trade Certification

$43,975 median annual income

4.5%

Bachelor

$39,715 median annual income

Education & training

High School Diploma or Equivalent

High School Program

Adults 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

Universite Sainte-Anne

Pointe-de-l'Église, NS

admission@usainteanne.ca

Website

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Website

Adult High Schools

Various, NS

Website

Community Learning Organizations