SOC 5433 Textiles, printing and other skilled trades

Fishmongers and poultry dressers Salary

Salary data from ONS ASHE. Some figures may be unavailable due to small sample sizes.

For fishmongers and poultry dressers, £25,394 is the typical (median) pay. That is well below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -35% versus the national average.

About this role

Fishmongers and poultry dressers prepare, fillet, portion and display fish, seafood and poultry for retail sale. They maintain freshness, hygiene standards and product presentation, advising customers on selection, preparation and cooking methods.

Key responsibilities

Filleting, skinning and portioning fish and poultry
Maintaining product freshness and cold chain compliance
Presenting products attractively in display counters
Advising customers on product selection and preparation
Ensuring compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations

Qualifications and entry routes

Food Safety Level 2 certification is required. On-the-job training in fish handling and butchery skills is standard. Specialist fish filleting training is available through Seafish and other industry bodies.

Career outlook

Independent fishmongers face competition from supermarkets, but skilled fish preparation remains valued. Interest in sustainable seafood supports specialist retailers.

Key skills

Fish and poultry preparation Knife skills Food safety Customer service Product knowledge

Common industries

Fishmongers
Supermarket fish counters
Wholesale fish markets
Poultry processors
Catering suppliers

Data coverage

SOC code 5433

Data source ONS ASHE

Years available 2015–2025

Median Salary

N/A

Mean Salary

£22,839

Jobs (000s)

N/A

Data Years

11 years

Salary Trend (2015-2025)

Adjust for inflation

Nominal growth: +28.1%Real growth: +14.8%

Fishmongers and poultry dressers salary: common questions

How much do fishmongers and poultry dressers earn in the UK?

Fishmongers and poultry dressers earn a median of £25,394 a year (ONS ASHE 2025).

Is £25,394 a good salary in the UK?

For fishmongers and poultry dressers, £25,394 is the typical (median) pay. That is well below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -35% versus the national average.

Have fishmongers and poultry dressers salaries kept up with inflation?

Since 2015, median fishmongers and poultry dressers pay has risen from £16,205 to £25,394 — +57% in cash terms, or +14% after CPIH inflation. That is ahead of inflation over the period.

Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).