For Seasonal Crew
How Seasonal Pay, Hours & Overtime Work
Straight talk on pay and hours for seasonal crew at Alaskan Fish Factory — starting at $20/hour, why the fish set your schedule, and how overtime works.
Here’s how the money and the hours actually work — with a real number, not a runaround.
The rate
Seasonal processing positions generally start at $20 per hour, with higher rates depending on the role, your experience, and the responsibilities involved — an entry-level line hand and an experienced knife hand aren’t paid the same. The exact rate, dates, and terms for a position are confirmed in writing before you accept an offer.
The fish set your hours
Your schedule follows the fish, not a clock. When landings are heavy, shifts run long — that’s when the hours are there. When the fish aren’t moving, hours are lighter. It isn’t a steady 40-every-week job; it’s a season with peaks and lulls, and weekly hours aren’t guaranteed.
Overtime
During heavy landings there’s often overtime — and sometimes it’s required, because when the fish are in, they can’t wait. Eligible overtime is paid in line with applicable Alaska and federal law. It’s driven by volume, though, so it isn’t guaranteed.
What that means for your season
Because the busy stretches mean long days, the hours can add up quickly in a strong run — but the total depends on the landings and the hours available, so we won’t promise a season’s earnings the fish might not deliver. AFF doesn’t guarantee a set number of weekly hours or total seasonal pay unless it’s written into your offer.
Bottom line
Pay starts at $20/hour and climbs with skill and responsibility; the biggest paychecks come in the busiest weeks; and you’ll know your rate and terms before you say yes.
Part of our seasonal crew guide.