Overview

What’s involved

An oyster shucker separates oyster meat from the shell using a knife called a shucker, they are highly skilled, work fast and can work in aquaculture, a seafood processing facility, on a boat or in a restaurant. An oyster shucker can work directly for a business or as a contractor that is paid per shucked oyster.

How do they spend their day?

An oyster shucker spends their day completing tasks such as:

  • Selecting and grading oysters
  • Shucking oysters
  • Weighing and packaging oysters
  • Waste disposal
  • Cleaning and equipment maintenance

Occupation Insights

Average salary
$60,000 - $90,000 per year
Skills you will use
Shucking and knife skills
Safety equipment
Fishing equipment
Fishing operations
Food safety and quality
Knife skills

SFI20319 Certificate II Seafood Post Harvest Operations, SFI30119 Certificate III in Aquaculture, and SFI30219 and Certificate III in Fishing Operations all include the unit of competency “Shuck Molluscs”.

Skills in oyster shucking and seafood processing are necessary.

Knife skills, use of personal protective equipment, food safety and quality standards

Enjoys team work, able to concentrate for long periods, cares about quality and food safety