Pay varies with the worker's duties and experience as well as the type of operation. Wages also vary by season. In general, wages are lowest in the winter, when the weather is bad and fishers and hunters go out less often. Some fishers and hunters have other jobs during the winter.

Fishers are typically paid a percentage of the boat’s overall catch, known as the crew share. The more fish that are caught, the greater the share becomes. Hunters are typically paid per pelt, and the amount received can vary depending on the species and the quality of the fur.