2025 might be your year if you’ve ever envisioned embarking on a voyage towards a better future, literally! There is a severe global scarcity of qualified fishermen as nations increase their exports and the world’s seafood consumption soars. Countries are searching far and wide for foreign fishing ability, from the frigid waters of the Nordic region to the fertile coasts of Africa and Asia.
Here is your insider guide to the Top 4 Countries in 2025 where workers in the fishing industry are in high demand, along with information on in-demand jobs, pay scales, and work visa pathways that could help you start a career in international fishing. Let’s get started.
Norway – The Ocean’s Goldmine is Hiring!
Why Norway?
- Due to the strong demand for salmon and cod, Norway’s seafood industry is a significant economic engine.
- To meet the growing need, the nation is actively seeking out talent from throughout the world.
Top Fishing Jobs in Norway (2025)
- Fish Processing Worker: 400,000 – 500,000 NOK per year
- Aquaculture Technician: 450,000 – 550,000 NOK per year
- Fishing Vessel Deckhand: 350,000 – 450,000 NOK per year
Work Visa Programs for Norway
- Skilled Worker Visa: Candidates with relevant education or work experience are eligible for the skilled worker visa.
- Seasonal Work Permit: For temporary positions in agriculture and fishing lasting up to six months.
Pro Tip:
- During the busiest harvest months, fish processing facilities in Northern Norway have a high demand for staff. In order to guarantee a position, apply early!
Namibia – Africa’s Rising Seafood Powerhouse
Namibia’s abundant coastline, which is among the world’s most productive fishing zones, is making it a significant seafood powerhouse in Africa. The nation is increasing the amount of seafood it exports, including seaweed, horse mackerel, and Cape hake. One major obstacle, meanwhile, is the fishing industry’s lack of competent workers.
Here are some top fishing-related jobs in Namibia for 2025:
- Marine Mechanic: Average salary ranges from 150,000 to 200,000 NAD.
- Quality Control Inspector: Average salary ranges from 120,000 to 180,000 NAD.
- Fishery Officer: Average salary ranges from 130,000 to 190,000 NAD.
Work Visa Program for Namibia: The updated 2025 policy has made it simpler for industries like fishing and aquaculture that are facing a skills shortage to secure a work visa. The goal of this new programme is to fill the labour shortage in these vital industries by luring in foreign workers.
United States – Alaskan Gold Rush… But for Fish
The fishing sector in the United States is facing a labour crisis, especially in areas like Alaska and the Gulf Coast. This need extends to a number of occupations, such as boat captains, deckhands, and seafood processors. The U.S. government is making it simpler for foreign workers in some industries to obtain work visas in an effort to close the labour deficit.
Top fishing jobs in the USA for 2025 include:
- Seafood Processor: Average salary ranges from $28,000 to $35,000.
- Fishing Boat Captain: Average salary ranges from $50,000 to $70,000.
- Deckhand: Average salary ranges from $30,000 to $40,000.
Work Visa Program for the U.S.: More jobs in the fishing and processing sectors are now covered by the recently extended H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Visa for 2025, which will make it simpler for foreign workers to fill these in-demand jobs.
Vietnam – Asia’s Aquaculture Giant
With an export target of $11 billion, Vietnam is quickly becoming a prominent player in the global seafood export market. The nation’s fish processing facilities and aquaculture farms are growing quickly, which is driving up demand for qualified foreign workers to keep up with the expansion.
Here are some top fishing-related jobs in Vietnam for 2025:
- Aquaculture Manager: Average salary ranges from 180M to 250M VND per year.
- Fishery Biologist: Average salary ranges from 200M to 280M VND per year.
- Processing Plant Supervisor: Average salary ranges from 220M to 300M VND per year.
Work Visa Program for Vietnam: Foreign workers must get a Work Permit for Foreign Labour, which is good for two years, in order to work lawfully in Vietnam. Anyone working in Vietnam must have this permit.
Top 10 In-Demand Global Fishing Jobs in 2025
These positions are in high demand and pay well across continents, regardless of whether you’re prepared to work year-round or take advantage of seasonal opportunities:
| Occupation | Norway (NOK) | Namibia (NAD) | USA (USD) | Vietnam (VND) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aquaculture Technician | 450,000 – 550,000 | 130,000 – 180,000 | 35,000 – 50,000 | 180M – 250M/year |
| Fish Processing Worker | 400,000 – 500,000 | 100,000 – 150,000 | 28,000 – 35,000 | 150M – 200M/year |
| Marine Mechanic | 500,000 – 600,000 | 150,000 – 200,000 | 40,000 – 55,000 | 200M – 260M/year |
| Deckhand | 350,000 – 450,000 | 110,000 – 160,000 | 30,000 – 40,000 | 160M – 210M/year |
| Fishing Boat Captain | 600,000 – 800,000 | 170,000 – 220,000 | 50,000 – 70,000 | 220M – 300M/year |
| Fishery Officer | 500,000 – 600,000 | 130,000 – 190,000 | 45,000 – 60,000 | 200M – 280M/year |
| Quality Control Inspector | 450,000 – 550,000 | 120,000 – 180,000 | 35,000 – 45,000 | 180M – 250M/year |
| Seafood Packaging Specialist | 400,000 – 480,000 | 100,000 – 150,000 | 28,000 – 36,000 | 150M – 210M/year |
| Fishing Gear Repairer | 350,000 – 420,000 | 110,000 – 160,000 | 30,000 – 38,000 | 160M – 220M/year |
| Fisheries Biologist | 550,000 – 700,000 | 140,000 – 200,000 | 45,000 – 65,000 | 200M – 280M/year |
Conclusion:
2025 is a great year to start an international fishing career because of the growing global seafood sector and labour shortages in nations like Norway, Namibia, the United States, and Vietnam. There are several options and visa tracks to land a fulfilling job in this expanding industry, regardless of your level of expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top fishing jobs available
In-demand positions include Aquaculture Technician, Fish Processing Worker, Fishing Boat Captain, Marine Mechanic, and Deckhand, with competitive salaries across various countries.
How can I apply for fishing jobs in Norway?
Norway offers work visas for skilled workers and seasonal permits for temporary positions, especially during peak fishing seasons. Apply early to secure a position.
