Manufacturing & Production

Seafood Process Worker

SOC 51-3022.00 · ESCO 7511 · OSCA 831333

REA INV ART SOC ENT CON This role See your match →

Role snapshot

Overview

A Seafood Process Worker performs essential tasks in a processing facility, including filleting, shelling, or portioning various types of fish and shellfish. This role involves grading products by size and quality, preparing them for fresh sale or freezing, and ensuring strict adherence to hygiene and safety standards throughout the production process.

Contributes directly to the food supply chain by preparing fresh and frozen seafood products for consumers, ensuring quality, safety, and efficiency in food processing.

On the job

  • Fillet, shell, trim, or portion fish and shellfish according to specifications
  • Inspect seafood products for quality, size, and defects, removing any unsuitable parts
  • Operate and maintain processing machinery, such as cutting and packing equipment
  • Pack and label finished seafood products for storage, shipping, or immediate sale
  • Clean and sanitize work areas, processing equipment, and tools to maintain hygiene standards
Seafood Process Worker at work

Tools & technology

Filleting knivesGloves and protective gearScalesPackaging machinesIce machines

Average salary

$38K
MEDIAN SALARY Annual · USD
$30K Bottom 10%
$45K Top 10%

Job outlook

Stable

Demand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.

Education & training

High school diploma or equivalent is generally preferred, though many roles offer on-the-job training without specific formal education.

Career pathways

WHERE YOU COULD GO

Lead Seafood Processor
Production Supervisor (Food Processing)

CURRENT ROLE

Seafood Process Worker

Manufacturing & Production

ADJACENT MOVES

Meat Cutter and Packer
General Laborer
Food Production Assistant
Warehouse Worker

STARTING POINTS

Who thrives here

Interest profile

R

realistic · RCI

Individuals who enjoy hands-on, practical tasks, working with tools and machinery in a structured environment, often thrive as Seafood Process Workers. Attention to detail and following established procedures are key.

Personality characteristics

Methodical

Prefers following established procedures and routines to ensure consistency and quality in processing tasks.

Conscientious

Highly responsible and thorough in maintaining hygiene, safety, and product quality standards.

Practical

Enjoys working with hands and tools to perform physical tasks efficiently and effectively.

Detail-oriented

Pays close attention to small details when grading, filleting, and packaging seafood.

Calm under pressure

Remains steady and focused while performing repetitive tasks in a fast-paced, often cold and wet environment.

Best for

  • Individuals who prefer practical, tangible work over conceptual or social tasks.
  • People who thrive in structured environments and are meticulous about following rules and procedures.
  • Those who are comfortable working in a fast-paced production setting.

Watch out for

  • The role involves repetitive tasks and can be physically demanding, requiring good stamina.
  • Work environments are often cold and wet, and require strict adherence to safety protocols.

A week in the life

A representative working week for a Seafood Process Worker — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.

8am9am10am11am12pm1pm2pm3pm4pm5pm6pm
Mon
Daily Safety Brief
Seafood Processing (Filleting)
Seafood Processing (Filleting)
Tue
Seafood Processing (Shelling/Portioning)
Quality Check & Grading
Equipment Cleaning
Wed
Seafood Processing (Packing)
Team Huddle
Seafood Processing (Packing)
Inventory & Prep for Next Day
Thu
Seafood Processing (Filleting)
Seafood Processing (Filleting)
Fri
Seafood Processing (Packing)
End-of-Week Safety Check
Facility Cleanup
Final Packing & Shipping Prep
Deep work Meeting External Social Admin

FREE ASSESSMENT

Does Seafood Process Worker fit you?

Measure your personality and interests, then see how this career ranks against 1,300+ others — for you personally.

Take the free assessment →