Fishing Ranks Among Worst US Professions - May 2002

     On May 14, World News Fishery Information and Services reported on a new book that ranks the best and worst jobs in the United States. On a scale from 1 to 250 (with 250 being the worst), fisherman is listed overall at 249. In individual categories, fishermen do not fare much better. Fishing ranks 229 for stress and 230 for pay (estimated average income ranges from $11,000 to 43,000 annually). The book predicts a downfall in employment opportunities for fishermen due to "fish substitutes." Authors also list other factors that make fishing a challenge: increased regulation, competition for catching fish, seasonal time limits, hard physical work and pay that is tied to the luck of the catch.
     Fishermen are not alone, however. The book lists lumberjack as even worse than fishing. Other low-rated jobs include ironworker, cowboy and taxidriver.
     Interestingly enough, the authors' number one choice for employment is being a biologist. Their work is deemed less stressful, well-paid and highly respected. This creates an interesting disjunct, as the decisions made by biologists can be part of the scenario that lead to additional hardships for fishermen.