Pagurus hirsutiusculus is found all the way from Alaska to Baja California. It lives in tide pools in the intertidal zone, often hidden among algae. It often resides in close conjunction with the gastropods whose shells it uses. P. hirsutiusculus is limited by water and shell availability.

Although P. hirsutiusculus is primarily intertidal it has been found as deep as 110 meters. It can also tolerate brackish water and so is common in estuaries.