Fishing and Hunting Workers

O*NET 45-3031.00 · SOC 45-3031

Fishing and Hunting Worker is a risky career choice. The BLS publishes no median wage for this role with -4.2% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 3,300 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27

Projected Growth
+-4.2%
2025–2035
Median Salary
Not published
BLS reports none for this role
Annual Openings
3k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 2
Some preparation needed (high school or short training)

What You'd Actually Do

  • Set and retrieve fishing nets, traps, or lines from water.
  • Sort and ice caught fish to preserve freshness on boats.
  • Navigate boats to productive fishing or hunting locations.
  • Clean and maintain fishing gear, nets, and hunting equipment.
  • Record daily catch weights and species for reporting purposes.

Education & How to Get In

🎓
Job Zone 2
Some preparation needed (high school or short training)

Fishing and Hunting Worker roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths — you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.

Get Started Learning

Ready to start building skills for a career as a Fishing and Hunting Worker? These platforms offer courses you can start today — many with free trials or financial aid.

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Affordable self-paced courses from $12.99
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LinkedIn Learning
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Work Environment

Primary Setting

Hands-on — labs, workshops, or field sites

Work Style

Mixed — alternates between solo focused work and collaboration

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Fishing and Hunting Worker involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningSet and retrieve fishing nets, traps, or lines from water.
MiddaySort and ice caught fish to preserve freshness on boats.
AfternoonNavigate boats to productive fishing or hunting locations.

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Realistic (Doers)7.0
Conventional (Organizers)3.3
Investigative (Thinkers)2.3
Enterprising (Persuaders)2.0
Artistic (Creators)1.1
Social (Helpers)1.0

Who Thrives as Fishing and Hunting Worker?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering — personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ISTPThe CraftspersonISTJThe InspectorESTPThe DynamoESTJThe Executive

Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →

See Open Fishing and Hunting Worker Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

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Job Outlook

Employment of Fishing and Hunting Workers is projected to decline 4.2% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.

Will AI Replace This Job?

50/100Elevated disruption risk
  • ·35% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target
  • ·51% physical tasks — limited by robotics progress

Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.

Common Questions

Will AI replace Fishing and Hunting Worker jobs?

Our model puts Fishing and Hunting Worker at 50 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 35% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target; 51% physical tasks — limited by robotics progress.

Is Fishing and Hunting Worker a growing field?

Employment is projected to shrink 4.2% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 3,300 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be a Fishing and Hunting Worker?

Most Fishing and Hunting Worker roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.

How long does it take to become a Fishing and Hunting Worker?

Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.

Is a Fishing and Hunting Worker career right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

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