Fishing and Hunting Workers
SOC code 45-3031 · O*NET-SOC 45-3031.00 · Little to some preparation needed
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
-5%
Declining
21,900
jobs in 2024
20,900
projected for 2034
About 1,000 fewer jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What do fishing and hunting workers do?
Hunt, trap, catch, or gather wild animals or aquatic animals and plants. May use nets, traps, or other equipment. May haul catch onto ship or other vessel.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Steer vessels and operate navigational instruments.
- Scrape fat, blubber, or flesh from skin sides of pelts with knives or hand scrapers.
- Remove catches from fishing equipment and measure them to ensure compliance with legal size.
- Patrol trap lines or nets to inspect settings, remove catch, and reset or relocate traps.
- Direct fishing or hunting operations, and supervise crew members.
- Locate fish, using fish-finding equipment.
- Interpret weather and vessel conditions to determine appropriate responses.
- Kill or stun trapped quarry, using clubs, poisons, guns, or drowning methods.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold less than a high school diploma — 45% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Less than a High School Diploma45%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)30%
- Some College Courses15%
- Post-Secondary Certificate5%
Common questions
Can you become a fishing and hunting workers without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Is fishing and hunting workers in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to shrink by about 5% between 2024 and 2034 — declining. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Critical Thinking3.1/5
- Speaking3.0/5
- Monitoring2.9/5
- Reading Comprehension2.8/5
- Active Listening2.8/5
- Learning Strategies2.8/5
Knowledge areas
- Geography3.5/5
- Mechanical3.4/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.3/5
- Law and Government3.3/5
- Biology3.3/5
- Sales and Marketing3.0/5
- English Language3.0/5
- Education and Training3.0/5
Transferable strengths: Coordination, Judgment and Decision Making, Time Management, Instructing.