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Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management

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Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management

Only 30 colleges in the country offer Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management, which means graduates enter the workforce from a smaller, more specialized pool. Median earnings four years out: $47,243.

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About Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management

Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management is a focused area of study within Natural Resources. Graduates typically earn around $47,243 four years out, a modest return for a focused credential. The program is available at 30 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 505 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Training is practical and skills-based, with a fast path from classroom to job site.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $33,314
Median Earnings · 4yr: $47,243
Colleges Offering: 30
Graduates / Year: 505
Avg Net Price / yr: $18,624

How Much Do Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management Graduates Earn?

Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management graduates earn $47,243 four years out, below average for bachelor's degree holders. The middle 50% of earners fall between $34,528 and $60,594. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $33,314 climbs to $47,243 by year four.

$33,314

1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$47,243

4-Year National Median

Below average for bachelor's degree holders.

$48,077

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Earnings Range

There is a moderate earnings spread across Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management graduates. Region and union membership drive the gap more than any other factor. Union jobs in high-cost metros pay significantly more than non-union positions elsewhere.

$34,528 25th pct.

$47,243 Median

$60,594 75th pct.

Understanding the Cost vs. Return

At median 4-year earnings of $47,243 and an estimated $74,496 four-year net cost, earnings breakeven against a baseline wage takes approximately 4.3 years. Compare specific programs before committing to a high-cost option.

Based on outcomes from 22 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 505 students who complete Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management programs each year, the majority (73%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

73%

Bachelor's 73%

Master's 9%

Associate's 9%

What Can You Do With a Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management Degree?

Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management connects to 1 occupations in the job market. Farming Supervisors leads at $59,320/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +2.5% Zone 3: Medium preparation

Farming Supervisors

$59,320

$47K $75K 25th–75th pct.

High school diploma or equivalent 8,500 openings/yr 28K employed nationally

Critical Thinking Coordination Speaking Monitoring Reading Comprehension

Day-to-day responsibilities

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of agricultural, forestry, aquacultural, and related workers.

Assign tasks such as feeding and treatment of animals, and cleaning and maintenance of animal quarters.
Record the numbers and types of fish or shellfish reared, harvested, released, sold, and shipped.
Monitor workers to ensure that safety regulations are followed, warning or disciplining those who violate safety regulations.

Top Colleges for Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management

The 19 colleges below are ranked by how many Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	Oregon State University Corvallis, OR · Public	131	77.3%	$19,604	$64,010
2	Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette, IN · Public	53	49.9%	$14,600	$72,424
3	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Stevens Point, WI · Public	43	91.8%	$14,559	$52,021
4	University of Florida Gainesville, FL · Public	40	24.2%	$6,541	$71,588
5	SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill Cobleskill, NY · Public	35	84%	$18,701	$45,030
6	Northern Michigan University Marquette, MI · Public	29	84%	$14,085	$47,107
7	Texas A&M University-College Station College Station, TX · Public	27	57.4%	$21,315	$72,097
8	University of Idaho Moscow, ID · Public	14	75.5%	$14,831	$54,670
9	California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt Arcata, CA · Public	14	98.2%	$13,171	$47,626
10	University of Rhode Island Kingston, RI · Public	10	72.2%	$21,440	$69,743
11	Hocking College Nelsonville, OH · Public	8	Open	$13,704	$37,791
12	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA · Public	7	54.8%	$24,953	$81,698
13	University of New England Biddeford, ME · Nonprofit	5	91.6%	$38,107	$55,921
14	University of Alaska Southeast Juneau, AK · Public	4	63.3%	$12,357	$48,475
15	Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science Paul Smiths, NY · Nonprofit	3	76.5%	$26,683	$46,145
16	University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN · Public	2	79.8%	$16,778	$69,020
17	Iowa State University Ames, IA · Public	2	88.7%	$18,589	$63,386
18	South Dakota State University Brookings, SD · Public	2	98.3%	$19,841	$55,070
19	Juniata College Huntingdon, PA · Nonprofit	2	78.9%	$23,988	$56,918

View all colleges

Ranked by Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management Degree: Pros & Cons

Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management carries financial trade-offs prospective students should weigh carefully. The 1 strengths and 4 concerns below are drawn from College Scorecard earnings, BLS job growth data, and IPEDS completion counts.

PROS

Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $33,314 at graduation to $47,243 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.

CONS

Modest median earnings Four-year median of $47,243 lags STEM and business fields, affecting ROI at higher-cost programs.
Licensure often required Many positions in this field require trade licenses, certifications, or apprenticeship completion. These add time and cost beyond the academic credential.
Slow job growth Top related careers project less than 3% growth over the next decade; limited expansion means more competition for new openings.
High earnings variance Gap between 25th ($34,528) and 75th ($60,594) percentile is wide. Where you land depends heavily on employer, role, and location.

Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management graduates earn?

Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management graduates earn a national median of $47,243 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $34,528 and $60,594. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management degree?

One year after graduation, Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management degree holders earn a median of $33,314. That climbs to $47,243 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management degree?

Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management degree holders pursue careers including Farming Supervisors, which pays a median of $59,320/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management program take?

A Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.

How many colleges offer Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management?

30 colleges and universities in the United States offer Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $47,243 and an average net price of roughly $18,624/yr, a Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What is the difference between Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management and Natural Resources?

Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management is a focused concentration within the broader Natural Resources field. The Natural Resources major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management graduates?

Employers hiring Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management graduates consistently prioritize technical proficiency, safety compliance, and hands-on problem-solving. Certifications, apprenticeships, and demonstrated practical experience typically carry as much weight as academic credentials in this field.