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
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a moderate sized occupation in Nova Scotia so some job opportunities may occur through turnover. The number employed in this occupation is expected to decline significantly over the next few years, which will limit the number of new opportunities available. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Labourers in Fish and Seafood Processing may either be working full-time or part-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically temporary positions (such as a term, contract, or casual work). With employment conditions being seasonal in nature, periods of downtime or layoff throughout the year are fairly common.
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
$13.35
Minimum$15.25
Median$19.41
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,173
Minimum$13,622
Median$31,743
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
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
$17,049 median annual incomeCape Breton
$11,974 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$10,590 median annual incomeHalifax
$12,200 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$13,164 median annual incomeCompared 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 incomeTrade Certification
$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 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
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.