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, 2019-2021
Estimate 30 openings due to growth and retirements, 2018-2020
Estimate Moderate rate of unemployment in 2019

Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities

Estimate 75 employment change, 2019-2021
Estimate 1460 openings due to growth and retirements, 2018-2020
Estimate rate of unemployment not available for these occupation.

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 fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to decline moderately over the next few years, which will likely 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.

The median employment income for 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, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)

Hourly Pay

$12.55

Minimum

$14.86

Median

$18.00

Maximum

Annual Pay

$2,173

Minimum

$13,622

Median

$31,743

Maximum

Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities

Hourly Pay

$13.00

Minimum

$23.91

Median

$35.04

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

21.4%

Cape Breton

9.6%

North Shore

8.5%

Halifax

3.6%

Annapolis Valley

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 certificate or diploma

$16,883 median annual income

8.4%

Trades certificate

$12,849 median annual income

1.1%

Bachelor's degree

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 certificate or diploma

$38,781 median annual income

12.2%

Trades certificate

$43,975 median annual income

4.5%

Bachelor's degree

$39,715 median annual income

Education & training

Adult high school/secondary diploma programs

This program is typically offered at the high school level.

The 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

Universite Sainte-Anne

Siège Social: 1695, Route 1

Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0

(902) 769-2114

Blanche.Theriault@usainteanne.ca

Website

Nova Scotia Community College - Adult Learning

PO Box 220

Halifax, NS B3J 2M4

(866) 679-6722

admissions@nscc.ca