Yes, you can make a lot of money crab fishing. You can make even more if you star in a popular show about crab fishing. There are people who watch Deadliest Catch who might be interested in how much money the show’s crew makes, especially the deckhands. Article continues below advertisement.
It shouldn’t be a surprise that people are paid well for risking their lives (about 300 out of every 100,000 fishermen die each year, either by drowning or getting hypothermia at sea in cold weather), since fisherman’s jobs are so dangerous. Well, sort of. Take a look at how much Deadliest Catch deckhands get paid and let us know if you think it’s enough for the job.
For many people, the idea of working on a crab fishing boat conjures up images of battling massive waves, brutal cold, and backbreaking labor. However, for generations of fishermen, the risks and challenges of crab fishing are outweighed by the potential to earn a small fortune in a short period of time
The king crab fisheries of Alaska’s Bering Sea have been featured extensively on the hit Discovery Channel show Deadliest Catch. Viewers are given an inside look at the day-to-day struggles crews face trying to catch their quotas while battling icy conditions and unpredictable seas. While the show focuses on dramatic moments and danger, it also highlights how lucrative king crab fishing can potentially be.
Earnings Vary Widely Based on Experience and Conditions
So how much do crab fishermen actually make? The answer is highly dependent on the individual’s role, years of experience, and that season’s catch levels and crab prices. An entry level greenhorn deckhand on their first season may only earn $5,000 for two months of work while a seasoned boat captain could bring in over $200,000.
Deckhands are generally paid based on a percentage cut of the boat’s total earnings for the season. The rate often starts at 1.5-3% for greenhorns and caps out around 10% for seasoned deck bosses. On a decent king crab season, deckhands can expect to earn $15,000-$50,000. Engineers who maintain the vessel’s complex machinery earn slightly higher rates. The captain or owner of the boat will take home the largest cut, up to 20% or more of the total catch.
The size of these percentage cuts is tied directly to the total value of crab caught In a bountiful season with high crab prices, crew shares are much higher But in a sparse season with low prices, earnings can be very low. Unpredictable weather and ocean conditions mean each year can be radically different.
Huge Earnings Possible for Captains and Boat Owners
While deckhands’ earnings fluctuate significantly, the captains and boat owners have potential for massive profits. Top crab boats such as the Cornelia Marie, Northwestern, and Wizard can bring in catches worth over $1 million in a single season. After subtracting operating costs including fuel, repairs, and supplies, the boat owner nets between 50-80% of total revenues.
Alaska’s king crab fishery is highly regulated, with quotas set by scientists to prevent overfishing. In a bountiful year with a large quota, experienced captains have brought in an estimated $500,000 or more in profit. Even in an average year, a successful crab boat captain can expect $200,000-$300,000 in earnings after expenses.
The rare captain who owns their vessel outright has the highest profit potential For example, Sig Hansen of the Northwestern owns his boat free and clear. By cutting out loan payments, he can earn over $1 million in an exceptional season. Other boats split profits between multiple co-owners who each get a captain’s share.
Huge Time Commitment and Personal Risks
While the potential exists for huge earnings, becoming a successful crab fisherman requires skill, physical toughness, and a massive personal commitment. The king crab season in Alaska’s dangerous Bering Sea lasts just a few weeks. All of a crabber’s income depends on those few weeks, so the pressure is intense.
Greenhorn deckhands face the hardest job, starting with zero experience doing one of the world’s most dangerous jobs on wavering frozen decks. Fishing almost non-stop around the clock, they work to the point of total exhaustion hauling and sorting tons of crab. Mistakes from fatigue can cost limbs or lives.
Captains and mates shoulder the mental burden of responsibility for the vessel, the catch, and every crew member’s safety. Their decisions in rapidly changing weather and ocean conditions can make the difference between a windfall and financial ruin if the boat sinks.
No fisherman is guaranteed any profit on such a volatile and cutthroat business. Boat owners shoulder massive operational costs and loans, so any major breakdowns or failures can be financially crippling. Crew members need to spend carefully to get through offseason months with zero income.
Yet every fall, a new fleet of enterprising captains along with greenhorn and veteran deckhands alike set out to sea chasing dreams of glory and that big payday. The long hard fight for Bering Sea crab may seem insane from the outside, but for hundreds of determined fishermen it is a livelihood passed down through generations. And the rewards for conquering the odds and coming up pinching are sweeter than ever.
How much do ‘Deadliest Catch’ deckhands make? You’ll be surprised.
In an interview in 2016, Gary and Kenny Ripka said that deckhands on Deadliest Catch can make between $150,000 and $170,000 a year. However, crab fishers dont really get paid a salary, they get paid based on their catch. And since crab fishing is seasonal (three months), its not the most steady money.
Kenny said, “During crab seasons, deckhands can make anywhere from $15,000 to $50,000 for two months of work.” Gary also added, “My guys this year [2016], I think for 6 weeks . they made $30,000. Since times have changed, we think deckhands might be making a little more now that inflation and rising labor costs are affecting the market. Article continues below advertisement.
Another source comes from the Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers trade association. A spokesperson stated, “The information we have on crabbers’ income is anecdotal, but crewmen we surveyed said they’re making about $100,000 a year and captains twice that. That’s a lot more than a few years ago.”
The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development stated, “Wages are often based on a share or percentage of harvest earnings. Newcomer deckhand earnings range from 1.5 percent to 10 percent of the adjusted gross catch, depending on location and type of fishery and the skills the worker possesses.” And its also situational: some crab fishers can make $50 to $100 a day as a flat rate if they want to play it safe. Article continues below advertisement
Its also important to note that there are a lot of costs that go along with crabbing. A license to fish commercially is required. It costs about $60 if you live in the state and $252 if you don’t. You also need to buy things like sleeping bags, clothes, and shoes that are right for the trip. These things can cost $400 or more. Article continues below advertisement.
HOW MUCH DO DECKHANDS IN ALASKA MAKE
FAQ
How much do king crab fishermen make a year?
|
City
|
Annual Salary
|
Monthly Pay
|
|
Redwood City, CA
|
$65,484
|
$5,457
|
|
Grass Valley, CA
|
$61,046
|
$5,087
|
|
Berkeley, CA
|
$60,481
|
$5,040
|
|
Burien, WA
|
$59,162
|
$4,930
|
How much do crab boat captains make?
|
City
|
Annual Salary
|
Monthly Pay
|
|
Bellevue, WA
|
$66,079
|
$5,506
|
|
Santa Clara, CA
|
$63,729
|
$5,310
|
|
Pasadena, CA
|
$63,364
|
$5,280
|
|
Suitland, MD
|
$62,937
|
$5,244
|
How much do crab fishermen make a year?
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, fishermen earned an average annual salary of $29, 280 in May 2020. However, some seasoned professionals can make upwards of six figures per year when conditions for harvesting improve. In conclusion, crab fishing proves to be a lucrative industry if managed responsibly and sustainably.
Do crab boat captains make money?
Of course, they’re going to make money off of the crab they bring in. According to reports, crab boat captains earn a percentage of the crab they bring in. With greenhorns (the lowest ranking crew member on a crab boat) making 8% of the total earnings, captains can make up to four or five times that.
Is crab fishing a profitable business?
Crab fishing can be a lucrative business if you know the right species to target. The market value for crab varies depending on the type of crab, its size, and location where it was caught. One common species targeted by fishermen is the Dungeness crab which can fetch around $3 per pound in California.
How much does a fisherman make a year?
The earnings vary depending on factors such as experience level, location, and catch size. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, fishermen earned an average annual salary of $29, 280 in May 2020. However, some seasoned professionals can make upwards of six figures per year when conditions for harvesting improve.