Survey Says: Mainers Wouldn’t Take This One Job, Even for Double the Money

We all have our non-negotiables in life, and Maine seems to have deemed this one career choice as their own non-negotiable.

According to Tradesafe, a 2024 survey revealed that the job Mainers would be least likely to accept an offer to work for even with double pay is a commercial fisherman.

Are you surprised, especially given our seafood-driven state?

Did you know that commercial fishing is considered one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States?

According to pewtrusts.org,

"Globally, it is estimated that more than 100,000 people die each year in fishing-related incidents. The fatality rates vary by country, with some countries having much higher rates than others. Some of the hazards associated with commercial fishing include: hazardous working conditions, strenuous labor, long work hours, and harsh weather".

I was shocked to find out that two New England states, Massachusetts and Maine had voted against being a commercial fisherman even if they were offered double their salary.

That speaks a lot and also makes you appreciate your local fisherman that much more, right? You'll order the lobster roll at Scales or Eventide on a Saturday night downtown in the Old Port, but you're not willing to do the job that is the only reason you're able to order the lobster roll in the first place.

Kind of a wild thing to think about, right?

Other states that also answered commercial fisherman as their least desired job include Alaska, Alabama, Virginia, and Florida.

Just note that the methodology Tradesafe used surveyed 3,000 people online, making sure to include different ages, genders, and locations. They tried to use the data to match the population and followed a two-step process to make sure the results represented everyone fairly.

I salute all the local fishermen who battle wild conditions and dangerous working conditions just to get some scallops on our plate. Thank you.