The days of the gold rush in Alaska are long gone, but this largest and northernmost state in the United States continues to attract the attention of everyone who dreams of wealth. On the one hand, working in Alaska gives you a chance to earn good money through honest work. The principle clearly applies here: “Do you want more? Work harder." On the other hand, the working conditions are difficult: harsh climate, hard physical labor. But this does not stop citizens from the CIS who know how to work hard, but at home they receive pennies for it. Therefore, the question of the pros and cons of working in Alaska is very relevant.
Working in Alaska: the main trump cards
It's worth starting with the good stuff. This is a paradise for workaholics, and the working day can last from 8 to 16 hours. However, it is customary to pay for overtime work not with a large “human thank you”, but with a salary with an increased coefficient - up to 1.5.
There are other advantages:
- official employment in the USA with a full social package;
- high salaries;
- the employer provides the employee with adequate food and housing, provides uniforms, laundry, and pays fully or partially for transportation costs;
- the opportunity to get a seasonal job, for example during the summer months, which is important for students;
- there is work for everyone - both men and women;
- the pristine natural beauty of Alaska.
Much will depend on the specific situation.
Some companies offer more comfortable accommodation, others offer more flexible work hours or higher wages. Those who are thinking about emigration and permanent residence should take into account that this northernmost state ranks last in terms of attractiveness of employment for US citizens and that the Alaskan authorities are more loyal than in the southern states to foreign specialists who want to settle here.
How to go to work in Alaska. Specifics of employment.
There are many myths surrounding labor migration to Alaska and there are a large number of scammers offering fabulous earnings, ideal working conditions, a full range of intermediary services, assistance in preparing documents for relocation, and so on. Check the information carefully and do not trust recruitment agencies, especially domestic ones. Use the services of such companies only under the patronage of friends and acquaintances, make an informed decision, work in Alaska exclusively legally and try to contact American companies directly .
Alaska is considered one of the least populous states, with just over 734 thousand people living there in 2021. A significant portion of local specialists are highly qualified and are able to fill most open vacancies. Moreover, every year hundreds of thousands of foreigners, even millions, seek to emigrate to the United States in any way possible, including employment, and Alaska is not the least in the list of states popular for finding work. Consequently, the competition for jobs in Alaska is quite impressive.
The federal structure of the United States presupposes fairly broad independence of individual states, however, issues related to the hiring of foreign labor are enshrined at the national legislative level and require strict implementation. Official work in Alaska involves a preliminary search for an employer , the conclusion of an employment contract and the mandatory registration of a work visa. An ideal option for a foreigner in the future is to receive a Green Card in the USA, which allows you to freely live and work in the country.
The vast majority of job seekers from Russia, Ukraine and other CIS countries set the goal of finding seasonal work in Alaska and, in principle, the local labor market is conducive to this type of employment. Typically, this will involve an H-2B H-1B skilled worker visa . In the first case, the document is issued for a period of up to 1 year with the right to extend up to 3 years, and in the second case, immediately for 3 years and the possibility of extension up to 6 years. Special quotas are set for the H-2B visa in the amount of 66 thousand annually.
Alaska's unemployment rate is 8% , slightly higher than the national average. The economic growth rate does not exceed 1% per year. Accordingly, the number of available jobs is limited. To increase your chances of finding a job, and this is often a prerequisite for obtaining a work visa, you will need a higher education diploma and sufficient work experience in your specialty . Even for unskilled work in Alaska, good command of English .
Pay special attention to the climate conditions and cost of living in Alaska. The most comfortable and warm weather is in the southeast of the state (Juneau), moderate conditions in the south (Anchorage), colder climate in the central part (Fairbanks), and absolutely harsh weather in the north, where temperatures rarely rise above zero. Food costs, housing prices, and transportation costs are higher in Alaska than in many other regions of the United States. When concluding a contract, do not forget to take this into account.
If you are going to work in Alaska in the industrial fishing industry, including fish (seafood) processing factories, be prepared for serious physical exertion. Not everyone can maintain a work schedule of 12-14 hours a day in difficult climatic conditions. For example, when recruiting crews for fishing vessels, the following requirements are put forward to workers:
- The obligation to fulfill the terms of the contract and work out the full season.
- Good physical shape and willingness to work continuously for a long time.
- Ability to get along with people, sociability and positive character.
- Strictly follow instructions and safety regulations.
Regardless of your field of activity, carefully study the official requirements for foreigners to work in the United States and Alaska in particular. Comprehensive information is presented on the American government portal - usa.gov.
Who are you happy to see in Alaska: in-demand professions
The most promising industries for employment in Alaska are:
- Fishing industry. The USA has rich fisheries. More than a hundred small and large companies are involved in the extraction and processing of seafood in Alaska. The infrastructure includes several thousand seiners and boats, land-based fish processing plants and floating bases. There is enough work for everyone, both at sea and on shore. The labor shortage is especially severe during Putin:
- January-April, June-October - cod fishing;
- January—March—fishing for pollock and pollock;
- May-November - salmon, halibut, black cod;
- June-August - pollock;
- September - crab fishing (the most profitable form of income).
Qualified maritime workers (sailors, mechanics, fishermen and others) can apply for vacancies on ships. Unskilled workers, including students, are more likely to get hired as a Seafood Processor. This vacancy involves working on a conveyor belt for sorting, cutting, packaging, loading, etc. of marine products, production of finished products and semi-finished products in canneries, etc.
- Oil and gas industry. Jobs are available in Alaska for Russians, Ukrainians and other citizens of the former USSR in companies engaged in the extraction of hydrocarbon carriers. On offshore platforms and drilling rigs, experienced, qualified drillers, mechanics, engineers, electricians, etc., who have experience working on shifts, are valued. There is also a need for unskilled personnel - as laborers.
- Tourism sector. Occupations in demand in Alaska today include ranger guides, tour guides, hotel workers, fishing instructors, sailors and cruise ship staff. You can't do without knowledge of English here.
There is also a demand for truck and tanker drivers. It should be noted that working as a driver in Alaska requires the applicant for the position, in addition to high qualifications and experience, to have a permit-license from local authorities.
Construction specialists, electricians, mechanics, nurses, IT specialists, lumberjacks, forest cleaners, etc. are always required.
The most popular vacancies for Russians and Ukrainians for 2021
It is quite logical that the best jobs go to local residents, so if Belarusians, Ukrainians and Russians count on employment, they will be willing to work hard and in difficult conditions. Often, foreigners are left to apply for vacancies for shift work in Alaska.
For example, there is an acute shortage of hands in the fishing industry. You will have to work for 4 months, signing a short-term contract.
This includes not only work such as catching crab in Alaska or other marine inhabitants, but also related activities:
- carcass cutting;
- cleaning fish and seafood;
- loading the catch.
Job openings related to working in an Alaskan gold mine are also common. If we talk about highly qualified professions, then engineers and drillers, mechanics and electricians are needed.
There is a job in Alaska related to the tourism industry
When looking for work in Alaska for Russians, many vacancies in 2020 can be found in areas such as logging. Migrant workers are also in demand in the transport industry.
In 2021, there is work in Alaska for Ukrainians and immigrants from other CIS countries related to the tourism industry. The state is popular among travelers, so if you wish, you can get a job as a guide or tour guide.
Basic requirements for the applicant and working conditions
Employers can put forward a variety of requirements regarding experience, language skills, age, qualifications, etc. The main requirements for applicants are good health, physical strength and endurance, communication skills and stress resistance. Having a higher education is encouraged, but not required.
There are certain age restrictions for unskilled workers: not younger than 18 years and not older than 39-40 years for women and 45-50 years for men.
In many cases, the applicant must not use alcohol or drugs (including marijuana) while working under the contract. Unannounced inspections may be carried out.
Such attention to the health of the employee is explained by the fact that in most cases they have to live and work in difficult climatic conditions, perform work associated with heavy physical exertion, overtime, and high rates of labor. Therefore, the employer wants to be sure that the employee will not terminate the contract for health reasons.
Knowledge of English is desirable, especially since it can help you get a higher-paid position.
Working conditions may differ in detail depending on a particular company and are specified in detail in contracts.
Work in a fish factory lasts from 8 to 14 hours a day in most cases. Overtime (working more than 8 hours a day or more than 40 hours a week) is paid at an increased rate. During Putin, when every minute counts, such processing is rather the norm. At the same time, there are situations when, due to a storm or for other reasons, there is no catch, and then you can sit without work for several days, and therefore without income.
You should also be prepared for the fact that, despite the use of modern technologies and equipment, you will have to work in unfavorable conditions: constant humidity, unpleasant odor, cold, noise, monotony, increased risk of injury.
The work schedule will be established upon arrival on site. During the working day, there are two long breaks (30-45 minutes each) and several coffee breaks of 10 minutes each for meals and rest.
Depending on the company and the degree of interest in workers from abroad, additional bonuses may be specified in contracts: free housing (rooms, cottages for 4-5 people), provision of necessary equipment, etc. If this is not provided, then you should inquire rental cost (from 150 to 300 US dollars per month).
For example, Ocean Beauty Seafoods offers two options to choose from:
- pay $10.87 per hour, $15,305 per hour overtime. The cost of accommodation and meals is fully refundable at the end of the season;
- pay $11.17 per hour, $16.75 per hour overtime, but with non-refundable accommodations at $10.00 per day.
In addition, delivery from Anchorage and Seattle to sites is provided.
Seiner fishermen, as a rule, purchase clothes and boots on their own with their own money. Living conditions on ships also vary greatly - from a common cockpit to cabins with shower and toilet.
Working conditions
Alaska is popular not only for its very high earnings, but also for its fairly intense work schedule.
On average, employees work fourteen hours a day. Fish sorters and processors are provided with free housing and food. Hired employees are provided with clothing for work. Moreover, money is not withheld from their wages for this.
The only drawback can be considered very difficult weather conditions. The fishing season begins in mid-summer, but this does not particularly affect the northernmost state. On average, the temperature in summer does not rise above twenty degrees.
According to the employment contract, an employee has the right to one day off per week.
All work on sorting and processing of fish is carried out directly in the factory workshops. The disadvantage of these premises is the relatively low temperature required for storing fish.
Finding a Job in Alaska
It is quite possible to find a job in Alaska on your own if you speak basic English. The best place to start your search is on official government websites, where you can find information about official employers:
- – State Department of Human Resources;
- – Alaska Job Center;
- The website is dedicated to finding seasonal work for the summer.
The following search engine sites are very popular:
- ,
- ,
- ,
- .
The most offers can be found in Anchorage, the largest city in the state.
In the capital of Alaska, Juneau, the tourism sector is the most interesting for seasonal work. Small towns - Kenai, Dutch Harbor and others - offer jobs in the fishing industry, Valdez - jobs for oil workers.
What do CIS citizens need to apply for work in Alaska?
Those wishing to work in Alaska temporarily or permanently will need a US work visa. The type of visa issued must correspond to the purpose and type of work performed. Thus, for highly skilled workers and narrow specialists who have entered into contracts for permanent work, an H-2B visa will be required. The US has an annual quota of 66 thousand.
Entry on a tourist visa and subsequent illegal work is punishable by law.
You must apply for a visa within 90 days, and enter the country no earlier than 10 days before starting work.
To obtain a visa you must:
- pay the consular fee ($190);
- submit;
- have a passport valid for another 6 months after returning from the USA;
- provide a photo 50x50 mm;
- produce . Bring with you at the meeting all the papers that will contribute to a positive decision: confirmation of qualifications, work experience, education documents, a certificate from the bank about the flow of funds, real estate documents.
Students who have registered for the Work and Travel Alaska program and have the opportunity to live and work in the United States for 4+1 months should apply for a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa type. The advantage of this visa is that students are not tied to an employer and can move to another.
For the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa you will need:
- international passport;
- photo 50x50 mm;
- summary;
- documents from the university;
- certificate of good conduct.
After the interview with the visa sponsor (via Skype), you need to pay the consular fee ($160) and wait for the interview at the US Consulate.
Employment through intermediaries: companies and recruitment agencies
Experience suggests that it is better to choose one of the official recruitment agencies in the USA as an intermediary or use one of the special programs, for example, Career Training USA.
When looking for a job in the USA, it makes sense to leave your resume with one of the reliable American recruiting companies. However, there is not a single company in the Forbes list of the top 250 that is based in Alaska.
work only with those applicants who already have a work visa or Green Card.
The state has several private resources:
- ,
- ,
- ,
By registering for them and making an annual subscription ($13-18), you can create a personal profile, gain access to the database, information mailings, and crew formation dates.
In the countries of the former USSR - Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and others - there is a wide range of offers for migrants from various recruitment agencies that contact employers in Alaska (for example,).
Algorithm of actions:
- signing an agreement with the agency;
- provision by the applicant of scans of the international passport, identification code, resume, which are sent by the agency to the employer;
- paperwork - the agency provides assistance;
- preparation by the American side of the contract, which is sent to the consulate;
- payment by the applicant of the consular fee after receiving the contract number;
- payment for services to intermediaries;
- after obtaining a visa, purchase travel documents.
Such intermediary services can cost from 300 to 500 US dollars, and there is a risk of falling into the hands of scammers.
When to leave for work
Despite the fact that the peak fishing period is mid-summer, employers begin recruiting staff as early as May.
Detailed map of Alaska showing all settlements
Visiting employees may remain in Alaska until November. Unfortunately, after November the temperature drops sharply and it becomes impossible to work as the water freezes.
Work in Alaska is considered seasonal and the average “season” lasts about four to five months.
Features of working in Alaska for citizens of Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan
Work for Ukrainians in Alaska is just as accessible as for citizens from other countries of the world. Over the past few years, there has been a reorientation of the migration labor flows of Ukrainians from Russia towards Europe and the American continent. The US government, as well as individual states (including Alaska), pursue a most favored nation policy towards Ukrainian migrants.
For Kazakhstanis, the most common channel for finding seasonal work in Alaska is the Work and Travel program.
Complicated political and economic relations and the ongoing confrontation between the United States and the Russian Federation have had a negative impact on the issuance of short-term work visas to Russians. Their reviews indicate that American employers prefer to hire Ukrainians.
Speaking about job opportunities for Belarusians, it is worth noting that the situation is approximately the same as with Ukrainians and Kazakhs.
WORK and TRAVEL program
The WORK and TRAVEL program was originally developed for students from foreign countries to earn money. But over time, it gained incredible demand among older people. The program implies the opportunity to visit Alaska as an employee for three months (season). The company mainly offers work related to the processing and packaging of seafood products.
The main advantage of the program is the fact that even after the end of the period allotted for work, a person is given another thirty days that he can devote to traveling throughout all states of the United States of America.
According to the program, the company cannot provide fixed wages in the United States. Remuneration is calculated based on the hours worked by a person.
On average, one hour of work is approximately paid in the amount of 7.15–7.20 dollars.
All program participants have special privileges, one of which is a temporary work permit.
All employees under the program begin their working career on the first of June. The trip to Alaska is paid for by the employer. The main responsibilities of program participants are:
- Cutting fish carcasses.
- Transportation of fish.
- Caviar packaging.
- Cleaning.
- Package.
The program is designed for a period of three to four months, depending on the desire of the person himself. The biggest advantage of this program can be considered the fact that the employees directly in Alaska will be their compatriots, which will have a very good effect on the morale of working people.
What salary can you expect in Alaska?
In 2021, the weekly average salary in Alaska averages around $1,100, while the average salary in the US is $887 per week.
For seasonal workers, hourly wages are more important. The minimum wage per hour of work in the USA is $7.25. In Alaska, this figure is higher - $9.89 (from 01/01/2021).
Payment for unskilled labor is usually made at minimum rates. It is worth heeding the advice of experienced workers: you should contact one employer - the hourly wage next season will increase by $1.5.
Speaking about salary, it should be borne in mind that its size can be influenced by a variety of factors. So, in the fishing industry - dependence on the catch, demand for products, and the size of the company. On average, earnings can be 2,000-3,000 per month.
Fishing jobs pay more. Fishermen and deckhands can receive from 1.5 to 10% of the value of the gross catch. On some vessels, instead of a percentage of the catch, they pay from 50 to 100 dollars per day. In 10 weeks of fishing, earnings can reach up to $10,000 or more.
The most common vacancies
As previously noted, all required vacancies for work in Alaska come down specifically to the fishing industry. Therefore, the most common vacancies in 2021 are:
- Sorter.
- Fish carcass cutter.
- Fisherman.
For the first two above-mentioned vacancies, it is possible to find employment for both the fair and the stronger sex. The work involves cleaning the caught fish and sorting it directly according to certain established standards.
The work is carried out in a factory or plant, where already caught fish is delivered.
Mostly representatives of the stronger sex are recruited to catch fish. Firstly, this area requires male strength, and secondly, endurance is required, because the working day can last up to sixteen hours a day. A huge advantage is the fact that the employer’s requirements for employees are minimal.
In 2021, to go to work in Alaska you must:
- Speak English at a conversational level.
- Have the financial means to obtain a visa and pay for the flight.
Unfortunately, all companies that undertake employment obligations provide only a workplace; relocation and paperwork are not included in the scope of their services. On average, a person will initially need around two thousand dollars.
Taxes in Alaska
Alaska is one of the 8 US states that have the most favorable situation for working taxpayers. Here, in addition to the absence of taxes on sales and vehicles, there is another advantage - the state personal income tax has been abolished.
The state government was able to take such a step because of the super profits generated by the oil and gas industries. Thus, annually local residents receive dividend payments from the State Permanent Fund from oil revenues: in 2021, $1,022 per person. However, there is a possibility that due to the sharp drop in oil and gas prices from 2021, the state government will reconsider this issue and decide to introduce personal income tax.
All federal taxes in Alaska - income (from 10 to 37% on a progressive scale), social tax (6.2%), health tax (1.45%) remain in effect.
Salary rates in Alaska
One of the most obvious advantages of this state is the high level of income of the population. Teachers earn $19.95 per hour, nurses $37.69, and truck drivers $20.53.
At fish processing enterprises, salaries reach $3500-4000 per month. Sailors on fishing ships earn around $5500-6000. Supermarket workers earn the least, about $12.60 an hour. It comes out to about $2200 per month.
Working conditions
Is work in Alaska difficult for Ukrainians and Russians? If duties must be performed outdoors, this introduces its own characteristics. As you know, in this state the climate is not very favorable most of the year. However, if you need to work indoors, there is not much difference. Despite the fact that this is Alaska, the urban infrastructure here is very developed, the roads are good, and there are no problems with heating. Don't forget that more than half the state's population lives in Anchorage. It is a large, comfortable and very beautiful city. When inviting newcomers to work, employers often provide them with housing. This is very profitable, since living in a separate room is much cheaper than renting an apartment on your own.
Procedure for obtaining a work visa
As already indicated, it is almost impossible to obtain a work visa to the United States for low-skilled employees. Only IT industry specialists, doctors or oil workers can hope for it. If a foreigner is one of them, he will need to receive an official invitation from the employer. This document, along with the accompanying package of papers, is submitted to the US Embassy for consideration of issuing an H1B visa. A positive decision depends on the level of qualification of the employee and the general situation on the labor market.
Required documents
To obtain a non-immigrant visa, you must provide the following to the American Embassy:
- a valid passport, as well as all previously issued ones;
- application form DS-160 (filled out electronically, then printed);
- receipt of payment of the consular fee;
- one recently taken photograph 50 by 50 mm;
- educational documents.
In addition, before the interview with the consul you will have to submit your fingerprints. This procedure takes place very quickly, using scanning.
How expensive it is to live in Alaska
Living in the northernmost state of the United States is expensive. You won’t be able to save on heat, electricity, or warm clothes. Prices here exceed the American average and are practically eaten up by higher wages, the absence of some state taxes, and surcharges.
Nevertheless, the standard of living in Alaska is quite high, there is an excellent social support system, the population receives high-quality services and environmentally friendly products, especially of marine origin.
Prices for some goods and services in Anchorage:
| Products/services | Price, US dollars |
| A loaf of bread | 4.14 |
| Milk (1 l) | 1.04 |
| Bottle of water (1.5 l) | 2.38 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | 2.2 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | 5.19 |
| Rice (1 kg) | 6.2 |
| Eggs (12 pcs.) | 3.59 |
| Chicken fillet (1 kg) | 9.16 |
| Cigarettes (1 p.) | 10 |
| Gasoline AI 95 (1 l) | 0.72 |
| Renting a 1-room apartment (dormitory area) | 990 |
| Cinema ticket | 12.00 |
| Levi's 501 jeans | 41.55 |
| Lunch at a cafe | 12.00 |
How to find a job in the USA in Alaska
Considering that many American companies do not want to spend time searching and registering seasonal and permanent employees with foreign citizenship, including Ukrainian, many job seekers turn to intermediaries, with a database of current vacancies and a well-established employment scheme. You need to choose a recruitment company very carefully to avoid the risk of meeting with scammers.
If you decide to search on your own, first determine what industry you would like to find a job in and the city that has the most offers in your chosen field.
- Valdez – oil production and refining.
- Juneau is a tourist region.
- Anchorage is Alaska's most populous city with a wide variety of job opportunities.
- Kenai is a small town with developed tourism, oil production and fishing industries.
- Fairbanks is home to scientists, researchers, teachers and social professionals.
Popular job search sites in Alaska
- indeed.com
- monster.com
- coolworks.com
- governmentjobs.com
Own business for Russians in Alaska
The United States continues to be a country of great opportunities, including for Russians who have received a green card. In Alaska, all conditions have been created so that you can create and develop your own business in the United States, and local authorities are interested in business development and provide entrepreneurs with a number of advantages.
Among them:
- favorable taxation;
- a well-thought-out business lending system (interest rate - from 1%).
Citizens of the Russian Federation who lived in Siberia, the North or the Far East have certain advantages: they are already accustomed to cold weather, short summers and fogs and it will be easier for them to acclimatize. In Alaska, you can purchase a ready-made business, you can open a branch of your own ready-made business, or you can start from scratch - open a new firm or company.
Among the most promising areas for Russian business immigration are the provision of personal services to the population, the founding of recruiting firms, and the gaming and tourism business.
Professions in demand in 2021
Jobs in Alaska for Russians are represented by a wide range of specialties. Basically, they all involve physical labor. Fish processing jobs in Alaska are in high demand. It consists of cutting carcasses, packing fish and caviar into containers, and transporting finished products to a warehouse.
There is also a great need for drivers in Alaska. True, without an American driver's license, a foreigner can only be hired to deliver pizza or something similar. Driving a truck or taxi requires a local license.
Working as an oil worker pays the best, but the number of vacancies in this area is much less than in fish processing enterprises. The same applies to sailors working on fishing schooners.
