Fish farmer | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Fish farmers work in small teams to breed and rear fish and shellfish, and harvest them for market.

Typical task
Working hours
Attractive values

Steer vessels and operate navigational instruments.
Put fishing equipment into the water and anchor or tow equipment, according to the fishing method used.
Maintain engines, fishing gear, and other on-board equipment and perform minor repairs.
Sort, pack, and store catch in holds with salt and ice.
Remove catches from fishing equipment and measure them

Steer vessels and operate navigational instruments.
Put fishing equipment into the water and anchor or tow equipment, according to the fishing method used.
Maintain engines, fishing gear, and other on-board equipment and perform minor repairs.
Sort, pack, and store catch in holds with salt and ice.
Remove catches from fishing equipment and measure them to ensure compliance with legal size.
Locate fish, using fish-finding equipment.
Return undesirable or illegal catches to the water.
Pull and guide nets, traps, and lines onto vessels, by hand or using hoisting equipment.
Direct fishing operations, and supervise fishing crew members.
Signal other workers to move, hoist, and position loads.
Compute positions and plot courses on charts to navigate vessels, using instruments such as compasses, sextants, and charts.
Oversee the purchase of supplies, gear, and equipment such as fuel, netting, and cables.
Attach nets, slings, hooks, blades, or lifting devices to cables, booms, hoists, or dredges.
Transport fish to processing plants or to buyers.
Interpret weather and vessel conditions to determine appropriate responses.
Wash decks, conveyors, knives, and other equipment, using brushes, detergents, and water.
Connect accessories such as floats, weights, flags, lights, or markers to nets, lines, or traps.
Load and unload vessel equipment and supplies, by hand or using hoisting equipment.
Harvest marine life for human or animal consumption, using diving or dredging equipment, traps, barges, rods, reels, or tackle.
Hire qualified crew members, and assign their duties.
Plan fishing operations, establishing the fish to be sought, the fishing location, the method of capture, and the duration of the trip.
Stand lookout for schools of fish, and for steering and engine-room watches.
Operate rowboats, dinghies, or skiffs to transport fishers, divers, or sponge hookers or to tow and position fishing equipment.
Sell catches by contacting and negotiating with buyers or by sending catches to fish auctions.
Club or gaff large fish to enable hauling them into fishing vessel.
Monitor distribution of proceeds from sales of catches to ensure that crew members receive their prearranged portions.
Record in logbooks specifics of fishing activities such as dates, harvest areas, yields, and weather and sea conditions.
Estimate costs of operations and plan fishing season budgets accordingly.
Share fishing expertise through activities such as writing for fishing magazines, hosting television shows, or testing and endorsing fishing equipment.
Participate in wildlife management, disease control, and research activities.

Average salary
21,634 GBP *
per year

Average salary for Fish farmer

22,145 GBP
19,866 GBP

Average salary for part-time Fish farmer

Average salary for full-time Fish farmer

Showing:

10,120 GBP
8,705 GBP
11,107 GBP

21,634 GBP
19,866 GBP
22,145 GBP

Salary over time for Fish farmer

Pay for this role has increased slightly over time

17,405 GBP
18,108 GBP
17,830 GBP
18,325 GBP
20,318 GBP
21,634 GBP
22,294 GBP

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Future outlook for Fish farmers

Balanced outlook

18 000+ jobs available

Very good outlook

4% yearly wage growth (on average)

Fair outlook

65% chance of automation in the future

Which qualifications do I need?

Find out what you need to know in order to become a Fish farmer and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

In terms of people already doing this job:

50% of people in this role have do not have GCSEs or equivalent qualifications
25% of people in this role have GCSEs or equivalent
10% of people in this role have a post-secondary qualification such as a Higher National Diploma

You could take a college course to give you some of the skills and knowledge needed for the job.

Courses are usually offered by land-based and agricultural colleges and include:

Level 1 Certificate in Fisheries Management
Level 2 Diploma in Fish Husbandry
Level 2 Diploma in Land and Wildlife Management (Fish)

Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a Fish farmer

Animal Care

What soft skills do I need?

Rise above the competition by brushing up on the 5 most important soft skills you need to become a Fish farmer.

Operation and Control Controlling operations of equipment or systems

Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively

Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times

Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems

Judgment and Decision Making Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one

Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. Initiative Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. Persistence Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles. Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Self Control Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

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Fish farmer | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Salary statistics

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Future outlook for Fish farmers

Fish farmer - Your future job?

Which qualifications do I need?

What soft skills do I need?

Things to highlight for your Fish farmer interview

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