Butchers and Meat Cutters
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed
Cut, trim, or prepare consumer-sized portions of meat for use or sale in retail establishments.
Median pay: $40,140/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +1% projected growth, 2024–2034 — slower than average.
About 16,900 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Prepare and place meat cuts and products in display counter to appear attractive and catch the shopper's eye.
• Wrap, weigh, label, and price cuts of meat.
• Cut, trim, bone, tie, and grind meats, such as beef, pork, poultry, and fish, to prepare in cooking form.
• Prepare special cuts of meat ordered by customers.
• Receive, inspect, and store meat upon delivery to ensure meat quality.
• Estimate requirements and order or requisition meat supplies to maintain inventories.
• Shape, lace, and tie roasts, using boning knife, skewer, and twine.
What's the median pay for Butchers and Meat Cutters?
The median pay for Butchers and Meat Cutters is $40,140 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Butchers and Meat Cutters?
Employment for Butchers and Meat Cutters is projected to change +1% from 2024 to 2034 - slower than average.
What education is typically required for Butchers and Meat Cutters?
Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential.
How many job openings are there each year for Butchers and Meat Cutters?
About 16,900 openings per year, on average, over the decade.