Seasonal seafood processing at Alaskan Fish Factory is physically demanding and driven by fish landings. The plant is cold, wet, noisy, and fast; much of the work is repetitive and done on your feet; and start times and shift lengths change with vessel arrivals, fish volume, and production needs. It isn’t predictable nine-to-five work.

For reliable people who show up prepared and can commit to the run, it’s a chance to earn concentrated hours and pick up real experience in Alaska’s seafood industry — starting at $20/hour.

Two main harvests a year

We hire around two main production periods — alongside the halibut work that runs through much of the year:

Pacific cod — roughly January–March. Cold winter work, short daylight, real Alaska weather.
Cook Inlet sockeye — roughly June–August. The summer salmon run, heaviest around the peak.

Exact dates shift year to year with the run and the landings, so hold off on firm travel plans until we’ve confirmed a position and dates with you.

What the work involves

When a boat or tender lands fish, the crew moves together — receiving, sorting and grading, working the line, trimming, icing, packing, and keeping the plant clean and running. Assignments depend on experience, training, and what the day’s production needs. Expect prolonged standing, repetitive movement, cold and wet conditions, slippery surfaces, fish odor, required protective equipment, and shifts that can run long during heavy landings and lighter when the fish aren’t moving — including evenings and weekends when needed.

The fish set the schedule; a shift can change when a boat’s delayed or a landing runs bigger than expected. That’s the job.

Pay, hours & gear

Pay — seasonal processing generally starts at $20/hour, with higher rates depending on the role, experience, and responsibilities.
Hours — hours follow the fish. Busy stretches can mean long hours, including overtime; slower ones are lighter, so weekly hours aren’t guaranteed. Eligible overtime is paid per applicable Alaska and federal law.
Gear — the work gear and protective equipment you need is confirmed per position before you start; we make sure hired crew are properly equipped for the job.

Who does well here

More than a long resume, we look for people who: give accurate availability; show up on time, ready; follow instructions and safety procedures; stay productive through repetitive work; communicate clearly; work well with the crew; and finish the run they signed on for. No experience needed for many line spots — experienced processors and knife hands are especially welcome. Experience in fishing, food production, kitchens, warehouses, farms, construction, or sanitation all helps. You must be authorized to work in the U.S.

How to apply

Tell us which season you’re after, your available dates and whether you can commit to the full run, and any processing, fishing, or production experience. A resume helps but isn’t required for entry-level spots. Employment dates and any role-specific logistics are worked out with selected applicants before an offer. Selected applicants will be contacted to talk through the role, experience, availability, and next steps — applying isn’t a guarantee of work.

Apply for seasonal work → · Looking beyond one run? See our longer-term roles.