How to become a fisherman or woman
Official title: Fishermen/women
Also called: Fisherman/woman, Scallop dredger, Seaweed dragger, Gillnetter skipper, Pot fisherman/woman, Trap boss - fishing, Clam dredge operator, Clam fisherman/woman, Crab fisherman/woman, Line fisherman/woman, Trap fisherman/woman, Weir fisherman/woman
Fishermen/women operate fishing vessels less than 100 gross tonnes to pursue and land fish and other marine life. They are usually self-employed owner-operators of fishing vessels.
Main tasks
- Operate fishing vessel to pursue and catch fish and other marine life
- Select area for fishing, plot courses and compute navigational positions using compasses and charts or electronic fishing aids
- Steer vessel and operate navigational instruments
- Operate fishing gear, direct fishing operation and supervise fishing crew members
- Maintain engine, fishing gear and other on-board equipment
- Record fishing activities, weather and sea conditions
- Estimate costs of operations and plan budget for each fishing season
- Establish fish marketing plan and keep records of all financial transactions
How to become one
Several years of experience as fishing vessel crew member or helper are usually required. Marine Emergency Duties Certificate is required by Transport Canada. A valid Fishing Vessel Operator Certificate is required. A commercial fishing licence is required. Licences are required for each species of fish pursued. Trade certification for fish harvesters is available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Ways in
- Licence or registration: A commercial fishing licence is required. Licences are required for each species of fish pursued.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $54,152 a year The middle half earn $40,619 to $81,237.
- About 10,600 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 10,300 are projected by 2033. (-2.8%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a fisherman or woman?
Several years of experience as fishing vessel crew member or helper are usually required. Marine Emergency Duties Certificate is required by Transport Canada. A valid Fishing Vessel Operator Certificate is required. A commercial fishing licence is required. Licences are required for each species of fish pursued. Trade certification for fish harvesters is available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador.
How much does a fisherman or woman earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $54,152 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $40,619 to $81,237.
Is a fisherman or woman a growing career in Canada?
Employment is projected to fall 3% by 2033, from about 10,600 to about 10,300 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a fisherman or woman?
Usually not. Only 2% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03