How to become a Master Fisher
Controls a fishing vessel and fishing operations to catch and preserve fish, crustacea and molluscs.
Main tasks
- Plans and coordinates fishing operations, including determining fishing locations and methods
- Operates fishing equipment and machinery
- Directs and supervises crew members in fishing activities
- Monitors weather conditions and adjusts fishing operations accordingly
- Inspects and maintains fishing gear and equipment
- Ensures compliance with fishing regulations and quota
- Records and reports catch data, including species, quantity and location
- Processes and preserves catch, including cleaning, gutting and freezing
- Manages and maintains the safety and security of a fishing vessel
- Communicates with other fishing vessels and authorities for safety and assistance
Ways in
- TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Fishing Operations (SFI30219)
- Licence or registration: Registration or licensing is required.
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $174,980 a year
- About 10,500 people work in this job group now, and about 11,800 are projected by 2035. (+12%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Master Fisher?
Ways in include: Certificate III in Fishing Operations.
How much does a Master Fisher earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $174,980 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Master Fisher a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 12% by 2035, from about 10,500 to about 11,800 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Master Fisher?
Usually not. Only 4% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Fishing Operations.
Will AI change the work of a Master Fisher?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04