The seafood processing industry in the USA is one of the largest in the world, employing thousands of workers in fish cleaning, filleting, and seafood packaging. With the rising demand for fresh and frozen fish products, there is a constant need for skilled and unskilled workers to help with cleaning, cutting, and processing fish in seafood plants, fish markets, and commercial fisheries.
Many fish processing companies in the USA are actively recruiting foreign workers due to labor shortages, making fish cleaning jobs an excellent opportunity for international applicants. These jobs come with competitive wages (USD $15–$25 per hour), visa sponsorship, and pathways to long-term employment.
This guide provides a detailed overview of fish cleaning jobs in the USA, including job responsibilities, salary expectations, visa sponsorship options, and how to apply as a foreign worker in 2025.
Why the USA Needs Foreign Workers in Fish Cleaning Jobs
1. Labor Shortages in the Seafood Processing Industry
- Many Americans prefer white-collar jobs, creating a shortage of workers in fish processing plants and seafood markets.
- Employers actively seek foreign workers to fill vacant positions under visa sponsorship programs.
2. High Demand for Seafood Products
- The USA is a leading consumer of fish, shrimp, crab, and other seafood products.
- The rise in exports and domestic consumption has created more job openings in the fish processing sector.
3. Seasonal and Full-Time Job Availability
- Fish cleaning jobs are available in seasonal fisheries (e.g., Alaska’s salmon industry) as well as year-round processing plants in Florida, California, Texas, and Massachusetts.
4. Visa Sponsorship and Pathway to Permanent Residency
- Many seafood processing companies offer visa sponsorship for foreign workers, allowing them to work legally in the USA.
- Some workers transition from temporary work visas to permanent residency through employer-sponsored Green Card programs.
Types of Fish Cleaning Jobs in the USA
There are several roles within the fish processing and seafood cleaning industry, including:
1. Fish Cleaner / Seafood Processor
- Duties: Scaling, gutting, and filleting fish for commercial sale.
- Salary: USD $15–$20 per hour.
2. Fish Packing and Quality Control Worker
- Duties: Inspecting, packaging, and labeling seafood products.
- Salary: USD $16–$22 per hour.
3. Commercial Fish Cutter / Fillet Specialist
- Duties: Precisely cutting and preparing fish fillets for supermarkets and restaurants.
- Salary: USD $18–$25 per hour.
4. Seafood Plant Worker
- Duties: Handling large shipments of fresh and frozen fish for export and local distribution.
- Salary: USD $14–$19 per hour.
5. Dockside Fish Processing Worker
- Duties: Cleaning and sorting fish from fishing boats at harbor docks.
- Salary: USD $17–$22 per hour.
Salary Expectations for Fish Cleaning Workers in the USA
Salaries depend on experience, job type, location, and employer.
| Job Role | Hourly Wage (USD) | Annual Salary Estimate (Full-Time) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Fish Cleaner | $15 – $18 | $32,000 – $38,000 |
| Fish Cutter / Fillet Specialist | $18 – $25 | $38,000 – $52,000 |
| Seafood Processing Plant Worker | $14 – $19 | $30,000 – $40,000 |
| Fish Packing Worker | $16 – $22 | $35,000 – $45,000 |
| Dockside Fish Processing Worker | $17 – $22 | $36,000 – $48,000 |
Additional Benefits Include:
✅ Overtime pay and performance bonuses.
✅ Employer-provided housing for seasonal workers.
✅ Health insurance and paid leave.
✅ Visa sponsorship and legal work authorization.
Visa Sponsorship and Work Permit Options for Foreign Applicants
Foreign workers can work legally in the USA under various work visa and sponsorship programs.
1. H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Work Visa
- Designed for foreign workers in non-farm jobs, including fish processing and seafood cleaning.
- Requires a job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor the visa.
- Valid for up to one year (renewable for an additional two years).
2. EB-3 Visa (Employment-Based Green Card for Unskilled Workers)
- Allows foreign unskilled and semi-skilled workers to apply for permanent residency.
- Requires a full-time job offer from a U.S. seafood company.
- Processing times range from 12 to 24 months.
3. J-1 Visa (Seasonal Work and Exchange Program)
- Available for temporary fish cleaning jobs in Alaska and coastal seafood industries.
- Suitable for young workers looking for short-term employment and cultural exchange.
4. TN Visa (For Canadian & Mexican Workers Only)
- Allows Canadian and Mexican workers to work in fish processing under NAFTA/USMCA agreements.
5. Work Permits Under Employer-Sponsored Visas
- Some large seafood processing companies apply for Labor Certification (PERM) to sponsor foreign fish cleaning workers.
How to Apply for Fish Cleaning Jobs in the USA with Visa Sponsorship
1. Search for Job Openings on U.S. Job Portals
Foreign applicants can find fish cleaning jobs with visa sponsorship on:
- Seafood industry job boards.
- Company career pages of major seafood processors.
- Recruitment agencies specializing in visa-sponsored labor.
2. Apply to Companies Offering Visa Sponsorship
Some of the largest seafood processing companies hiring foreign fish cleaning workers include:
- Trident Seafoods (Alaska, Washington, Oregon)
- Icicle Seafoods (Alaska)
- High Liner Foods (Massachusetts, Virginia)
- Pacific Seafood (California, Oregon)
- American Seafoods Group (Seattle, WA)
3. Prepare a Professional Resume and Job Application
- Highlight any fish processing or cleaning experience.
- Include physical stamina and ability to work in cold environments.
- Mention willingness to relocate and work overtime during peak seasons.
4. Secure an Employer-Sponsored Job Offer
- Find a seafood company willing to sponsor an H-2B visa or EB-3 Green Card.
- Ensure the employer has an approved job certification for hiring foreign workers.
5. Apply for a Work Visa
- Submit a work visa application through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Complete biometrics, medical exams, and background checks.
Benefits of Working as a Fish Cleaner in the USA
- Steady job opportunities and competitive wages.
- Visa sponsorship for international workers.
- High demand for seasonal and full-time workers.
- Opportunities for promotion and career growth.
- Potential pathway to U.S. permanent residency through employer sponsorship.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
1. Physically Demanding Work
- Be prepared for long hours of standing, lifting, and working in cold environments.
- Train in stamina-building exercises before starting the job.
2. Remote Work Locations
- Many seafood processing jobs are located in coastal states like Alaska, Maine, and Washington.
- Employers often provide dormitory housing and meals for seasonal workers.
3. Finding an Employer Willing to Sponsor a Visa
- Apply to large seafood processing plants that regularly hire foreign workers.
- Use recruitment agencies that specialize in labor migration programs.
Conclusion
Fish cleaning jobs in the USA offer excellent opportunities for foreign workers looking for stable employment with visa sponsorship in 2025. With high demand, competitive salaries, and pathways to permanent residency, international applicants can build a secure career in the seafood processing industry.
By applying through job portals, employer-sponsored visa programs, and recruitment agencies, foreign workers can secure well-paying jobs in major coastal states. If you’re looking for a reliable and rewarding job in the USA, the fish cleaning industry is an ideal career path with long-term growth potential.