For generations, brave fishermen have ventured out into the frigid waters of the Bering Sea in pursuit of the elusive and valuable king crab. This dangerous work forms the backbone of Discovery Channel’s hit show Deadliest Catch, which documents the challenges and triumphs of real-life crab fishing crews.
But how much do these intrepid fishermen actually earn for their backbreaking labor and willingness to risk life and limb? The answer involves a complex web of factors that can result in huge windfalls for some, while others struggle to break even.
The Basics of the Crab Fishing Pay Structure
Most crab fishermen are paid through a “lay” system, whereby their compensation depends on the size of the total catch. The boat captain will budget out operating expenses, then split the remaining profits between himself and the crew according to percentages laid out in each individual contract
So in a good year, crew shares can be massive But in a bad season, everyone goes home with very little This incentivizes fishermen to work as hard as possible to land a big score, while disincentivizing overfishing that could hurt future yields.
Experience also factors heavily into earnings. Greenhorn deckhands on their first voyage will usually get the smallest shares, between 1.5-3%. More seasoned deckhands can negotiate up to 10%, with specially skilled positions like engineers earning slightly higher shares. The captain/boat owner takes home the fattest cut upwards of 20-30% in most cases.
Estimated Earnings and Salaries
With so many variables, it’s impossible to pin down an exact average salary for Bering Sea crab fishermen. But looking at ranges reported by real fishermen and industry sources can give a ballpark idea:
- Deckhands: $15,000 – $50,000 for a season
- Engineers: $20,000 – $75,000+ per season
- Captain/Boat Owner: $200,000 – $500,000+ per season
So while an inexperienced greenhorn may only pocket $15,000 for two months of grueling labor, a successful veteran deck boss can pull in $50,000 or more. Engineers make a bit more than deckhands, but take on more complex mechanical duties.
And the captain/owner has the massive potential to earn anywhere from $200,000 to $500,000, depending on the size of the catch and wholesale crab prices that season. Some top performers like Sig Hansen of the Northwestern can even exceed $1 million in an exceptional year.
The Costs and Risks of Crab Fishing
While these big payouts seem incredibly lucrative, becoming a Bering Sea crab fisherman requires major upfront investments and carries huge personal risks.
Crew members must pay for their own commercial fishing licenses, gear, and supplies amounting to around $500 or more. And they go weeks or months with zero income during the offseason. Hiring and training new deckhands each season adds costs for boat owners.
Far outweighing the monetary risks are the physical dangers inherent to crab fishing. Subzero temperatures, massive waves, and icy conditions lead to frequent injuries and fatalities. Workers are pushed to the brink of total exhaustion hauling and sorting tons of crab around the clock. One wrong move can cost a limb or a life.
Captains shoulder the mental burden of keeping their crews safe, avoiding disasters, and finding crab amid volatile weather and ocean conditions. A single major mechanical failure, capsized boat, or bad season can mean financial ruin.
But despite these challenges, the call of the hunt and promise of a big payday keeps drawing bold new captains and hungry crews. Every fall, the stalwart men and women of the Bering Sea fishing fleet set forth into the icy waters in pursuit of king crab glory.
What’s the Salary ‘Deadliest Catch’ Stars Net?
Being a reality star may earn you a pretty penny. Even for those who arent on a program where youre competing for a massive cash prize in the end. Its been said that if youre a star on the popular series Deadliest Catch, there can be a nice sum of dough that can be netted. The dangerous profession does come at a cost, but what cost is that? The lucrative practice of crabbing has been known to score some big paydays. For some fishermen on the show, there is great potential to make millions. In 2016, when Gary and Kenny Ripka were interviewed by People, they revealed that they personally, as captains on Deadliest Catch, earned around $150,000 to $170,000. But, again, it all depends on the catch and the length of the expeditions.
With crabbing season lasting a short amount of time, the number is dependent on how many months they work. Kenny Ripka stated, “For crab seasons, deck hands can typically make anywhere from $15,000 to $50,000 for a couple months of work.” Gary Ripka said, My guys this year, I think for 6 weeks…they made $30,000.” An Alaska Bering Sea Crabber spokesperson revealed, “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.” Wages can be based on a share or percentage of harvest earnings, with some vessels offering day rates ranging from $50-$100 instead.
The Quota System Affects ‘Deadliest Catch’
How much an individual makes is determined by how much crab you catch. Without delivering record amounts of catch, netting a reasonable profit may not be possible. The blue-collar job can lead to some making millions, but it will cost years of hard work and dedication to reach that threshold. For every fishing vessel that embarks across the Bering Sea, there is a limit to what they are allowed to catch in a given sea. Without this quota, it may be a Wild West free-for-all that would prevent smaller vessels from achieving success.
In the world of Deadliest Catch, it might prevent non-show boats from being put out of business. Additionally, not every boat is granted the same quota ceiling. According to a feature in Alaska Magazine, the US government implemented this quota system in order to control the various crab species populations. Additionally, this was an opportunity to maintain profitability in the industry for years to come.
Survey says: these Deadliest Catch stars may be out of the league!
Now, how does one determine the quota? According to Deadliest Catch star Captain “Wild Bill” Wichrowski, its all about history. The state takes your catch history because its all documented over the years …” he revealed. “Then, out of that, you could take your five best years and thats how they developed the percentile for the quotas.” Its all science and math. Simple as that. That being said, the crabbing quota can also be affected by outside factors, including the dip in population and climate. This took a toll on Season 19 of the show. But, like the series often does, everyone prevailed.
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FAQ
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.
How much does a king crab fisherman make?
Salary Ranges for Alaskan King Crab Fishermen The salaries of Alaskan King Crab Fishermen in the US range from $11,893 to $314,285 , with a median salary of $57,019 . The middle 57% of Alaskan King Crab Fishermen makes between $57,020 and $142,499, with the top 86% making $314,285. How much does a captain make on a crab boat?
How much money does a king crab boat captain make?
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.
Can you make a lot of money crab fishing?
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.
How are crab fishers paid?
How are crab fishers typically paid? A crab fisher is usually paid a percentage of the boat’s overall catch, something commonly referred to as a crew share. The more crabs that a boat catches during its time at sea, the more income the crab fisher earns.
How much does a king crab cost?
Snow crab legs are the most common variety, and at $66 for two pounds, they’re some of the most affordable. Dungeness crabs cost $60 for 2 pounds and have thicker shells and firm meat. The most common king crab you find in restaurants are called golden king crab, which cost about $136 for 2 pounds. What do they do with the dead loss on a crab boat?