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Fish farmer

Alternative titles for this job include Aquaculturist, hatchery technician

Fish farmers breed and raise fish and shellfish stock in freshwater tanks and offshore coastal pens.

Average salary (a year)

£23,000 Starter

to

£35,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 48 variable

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on a rota

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • applying directly
  • training with an industry professional body

University

You could do a foundation degree or degree in a subject related to fish farming, for example:

  • aquaculture and fisheries management
  • marine biology
  • environmental science
  • sports fisheries and aquaculture

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

College

You could take a college course to learn some of the skills and knowledge needed to get a job as a farm operative or assistant hatchery technician.

Courses are usually offered by agricultural colleges and include:

  • fisheries management
  • land and wildlife management (fish)

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Volunteering

Voluntary work in related areas can be a useful way to learn skills and make contacts in the industry. This can be helpful when looking for jobs. 

Examples include:

Direct Application

You could apply directly to fish farms for permanent or seasonal work. There are no set qualifications required but some paid or voluntary experience is helpful. A background in the sea fishing industry might also be useful.

Employers will also look for good practical and time management skills, and the ability to turn your hand to different tasks.

Other Routes

You may be able to take a course like the Certificate in Fisheries Management offered by the Institute of Fisheries Management (IFM). This would give you an introduction to the industry and can lead on to further training, or help in job interviews.

More Information

Career tips

Fish and shellfish farms are normally located in the countryside and on the coast, sometimes in remote areas. You'll need access to a vehicle to get to work.

Further information

You can find out more about working and training in the fisheries industry from the Institute of Fisheries Management.

You can get more information about jobs in fish farming and other farming roles through:

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of biology
  • the ability to work well with others
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • business management skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • have a full driving licence

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a fish farmer, you could:

  • breed fish from eggs or buy in young fish to raise
  • feed fish and monitor their growth and health
  • check water quality samples at regular intervals
  • grade and move fish to different tanks as they grow
  • maintain buildings, equipment and habitats
  • make sure environmental standards are met
  • harvest stock
  • operate small boats to get to and from inland and coastal farms
  • collect feed and equipment, and make deliveries to local buyers

Working environment

You could work on a farm or at sea.

Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience and further training, you could move into hatchery and fisheries management, biological science, or environmental inspection and research.

You could also set up and operate your own fish farm.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a fish farmer right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Fisheries

  • Provider: NORTH KENT COLLEGE
  • Start date: 07 September 2026
  • Location: Tonbridge
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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