1. Home: Explore careers
  2. Fishmonger

Fishmonger

Alternative titles for this job include Fish seller

Fishmongers sell fish and seafood products and advise customers on how to prepare them.

Average salary (a year)

£20,000 Starter

to

£27,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 45 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a fishmonger

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

College

You could do a college course like food preparation and cookery, which may help you when looking for a job as a trainee.

A certificate in food safety might also be useful.

Entry requirements

There are no set entry requirements for this route.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can do a Fishmonger Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

This takes up to 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start out as a sales assistant and learn from trained members of staff in a fishmonger's shop, or on a fish counter in a supermarket.

Direct Application

There are no set entry requirements if you want to apply directly. A good standard of general education will be helpful, including GCSEs in maths and English at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C).

Some employers may ask for a food hygiene certificate, although you can often get this once you start working.

Experience in retail or customer service might also be useful.

More Information

Further information

You can find out more about working in the seafood industry from Seafish.

What it takes

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of food production methods
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • the ability to work well with others
  • knowledge of maths
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do

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

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

On a typical day you might:

  • take deliveries and move stock to cold storage areas
  • prepare fish and shellfish and set out produce in display cabinets
  • advise customers about different types of fish and cooking methods
  • prepare orders for shop customers and restaurants
  • keep equipment and work areas clean

Working environment

You could work at a store or on a market stall.

Your working environment may be cool.

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 training you could:

  • become an assistant manager in a fishmonger's shop or supermarket
  • work as a seafood chef
  • set up your own business

You could also move into seafood wholesaling, supplying shops and restaurants.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Fishmonger

  • Wage: £10,982.40 to £21,673.60 Annually
  • Location: TWICKENHAM
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Food Safety in Catering

  • Provider: BRACKNELL FOREST BOROUGH COUNCIL
  • Start date: 15 May 2024
  • Location: Bracknell

Food Safety

  • Provider: SHIPLEY COLLEGE
  • Start date: 11 November 2023
  • Location: Shipley
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Search further careers

Related careers

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Speak to an adviser

You can call 0800 100 900 or use webchat to speak to an adviser.

We're open:

  • 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
  • 10am to 5pm Saturday and bank holidays

We're closed Sunday, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.