Alaska

Anchorage Cooper Landing Copper Center Denali National Park Denali State Park Fairbanks Girdwood Gustavus Haines Healy Homer Juneau Kenai Ketchikan Kodiak McKinley Village Nome Onalaska Palmer Seward Sitka Skagway Soldotna Tok Trapper Creek Valdez Wasilla

Work in the Alaska commercial fishing industry is a great way to save up a lot of money in a short amount of time. After the fishing season many employees use the time and money that they now have for college, to buy property, to start a new business, or to travel the world. The industry employs over 65,000 people every year, so there is plenty of room for newcomers to get a job.

Work hours generally range from 12 to 16 hours a day, up to seven days a week. Typically processors make $750 to $1,500 a week. Fishermen earn around $1,000 to $2,500 a week (and sometimes more!). Besides the pay, many employers in the industry also offer free room and board and free round-trip airfare from the point of hire (usually Seattle, WA) to Alaska.

Throughout the year there are many different fishing seasons. But generally speaking there is the winter "A" season and the summer "B" season. It is best to apply for a job three months before the season starts, and be sure to send out applications to several companies to increase your chances of getting a job.

Processing jobs are the easiest to get. Usually no experience is required, but any experience working long hours or in factories is a big plus in convincing potential employers that you're right for the job.

Potential employees are given an interview and may be asked to attend an orientation meeting, which will help prepare you for the job and answer your questions. Some hiring is done over the phone. When hired you will need to sign a contract that details the conditions of the job, pay rate, duties, and length of employment.

Contracts usually run from one to four months, with the standard being three. After your contract is finished you will have the option of returning to the company for the next fishing season if you have done a good job. Most processing companies work almost all year long, so you'll have a job waiting for you whenever you need it.

To find employment companies in Alaska perform internet searches for "Alaska Jobs," "Alaska fishing (or processor) jobs" and "Alaska commercial fishing." You can then send applications out to the jobs you find.

Work in Alaska whenever you need to raise cash quickly, work for six months then take six months off to travel the world, or make the Alaska commercial fishing industry your career. Alaska fishing jobs allow for a lot more freedom over traditional day jobs and you will have an experience that you'll never forget