Fishing and hunting workers Fishing and Hunting Workers
Occupation code: 45-3031（SOC） Not a skilled migration occupation Overall 5.9/10
Captures and collects wild fish, aquatic animals or plants using nets, traps, etc., or assists in hauling nets and handling catch on fishing vessels. Includes aquaculture farm laborers.
Ratings · Overall 5.9/10i
In the AI era: what happens to Fishing and hunting workers
Fishing and hunting workers are at high risk of automation replacement because AI and automation technologies (such as drones, autonomous fishing vessels, smart nets) can efficiently perform捕捞 and monitoring tasks, leading to a significant decrease in job demand.
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replaced some of the hauling, route planning, and catch handling tasks on fishing vessels, but vessels still require crew for monitoring and maintenance.
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Replaces part of the helmsman's work on fishing vessels, including course keeping and obstacle avoidance, but complex sea conditions and gear handling still require human intervention.
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Replaces manual sorting, counting and recording of catches, reducing physical labor and improving efficiency, but still requires workers to handle exceptions.
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replaced the experience-based fish location work of fishing hunters, using data-driven precision positioning to reduce ineffective sailing time.
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Replaces manual underwater observation and classification, reducing bycatch, but the system is still experimental and not yet commercially widespread.
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Replaces manual inspection of nets and underwater environment by divers or fishermen, improving safety and efficiency, but robot battery life is limited.
- Manual operation using fishing nets, traps, etc.
- Assist with repetitive tasks such as hauling nets and handling catches on a fishing vessel
- Monitor fish migration activities by visual observation or simple instruments
- Manual data recording of catch species, quantity, and size
- Routine tasks in aquaculture farms such as feeding and cleaning
- Uses AI to predict fish migration paths and densities, optimizing fishing locations and times
- Remotely monitor fish farms and equipment using drones or underwater robots
- Optimize fish processing through data analysis and machine learning to reduce waste
- Improve catch grading and packaging efficiency with automated sorting systems.
- Using AI for resource sustainability assessment and compliance report generation.
- Handle emergencies in adverse weather or breakdowns (e.g., equipment repair, rescue)
- Intuitive judgment and response to complex marine environments (e.g., tides, reefs)
- Perform fine manual operations, such as live capture to avoid injury
- Decision-making responsibility for complying with environmental regulations, such as releasing protected species.
- Communication and collaboration with fishing communities and regulatory agencies
- Unmanned vessel/underwater robot operation and maintenance
- Fisheries IoT and sensor data analysis
- Use of AI-assisted decision-making systems (e.g., fish school prediction software)
- Basic programming and automation equipment debugging
- Knowledge of environmental regulations and sustainable fisheries certification.
- Multi-skilled (e.g., mechanical repair + data analysis)
Entry-level opportunities are narrowing; demand for junior fishing assistants and manual laborers is declining, shifting to technical roles operating and maintaining automated equipment, reducing positions requiring traditional experiential skills.
Short-term goal: learn to operate drones and automated sorting equipment, become a skilled fishing worker. Medium-term goal: obtain data analysis and AI tool certifications, transition to fishery resource management or automated aquaculture operations. Long-term goal: combine ecological knowledge and technical skills to become a sustainable fisheries consultant or fishery IoT advisor.
Salary
| Experience | Annual (USD) | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (0–3 years) | $25,000 ~ $35,000 | Mostly seasonal part-time, income fluctuates greatly |
| Mid-level (3–7 years) | $35,000 ~ $50,000 | Full-time stable, includes commission |
| Senior (7+ years/Ship Captain) | $50,000 ~ $70,000 | Captain or skipper, income linked to catch |
Education Path
| Stage | Duration | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 12 years | $0~$0 |
| Vocational training/apprenticeship | 1-2 years | $2,000~$5,000 |
Qualifications
| Qualification | Issuer | |
|---|---|---|
| USCG Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) | United States Coast Guard | Required |
| Captain's license (Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel) | USCG | Optional |
Migration
Not a skilled migration occupation. Visa pathways depend on matching the specific duties to the right petition category; refer to the latest USCIS rules and the relevant category.
Who it fits
- Love outdoor and water work, not afraid of bad weather
- Able to withstand physical labor and long periods at sea
- Individuals willing to accept seasonal, unstable income
- Those seeking stable income and fixed hours
- Unsuitable for marine environments or prone to seasickness
Career outlook
General fishery workers can advance to fishing vessel captain or fishing team leader, requiring sea experience and a captain's license. Some experienced workers may transition to aquaculture management, fishery inspection, or equipment maintenance roles.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 9% decline in employment for this occupation from 2023 to 2033, mainly due to shrinking fishery resources, automated fishing, and strict fishing quotas. Near-shore fishing opportunities are decreasing, but labor demand in aquaculture is slightly increasing.
Growth areas：
AutomationQuota reductionAquaculture expansionSeasonal labor
FAQ
Data sources
Salary ranges are estimates aggregated from public listings on Indeed, Glassdoor, ERI SalaryExpert and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS OEWS); employment and demand outlook cite the BLS Occupational Outlook and O*NET; visa and migration details follow the latest USCIS work-visa (H-1B / O-1 / L-1) and employment-based green-card (EB-2 / EB-3, incl. DOL PERM labor certification) rules. Figures are indicative only — always refer to the latest official sources.