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Meat Cutters


At a Glance

  • Usually work in meatpacking or fish and poultry processing plants
  • Some work in retail stores
  • Use knives, cleavers, meat saws, band saws, and other equipment
  • Work alone most of the time
  • Sometimes wear an apron or uniform
  • Stand for long periods of time
  • Train on the job

Career summary

Meat cutters cut animal carcasses into pieces of meat for sale to consumers.

Most butchers and meat cutters work in retail stores, such as grocery stores. They sometimes work for wholesale companies that supply meat to restaurants. Most meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers work in food manufacturing plants. Because of this difference in work setting, the nature of their jobs varies a great deal.

Butchers and meat cutters

Butchers separate wholesale cuts of meat into retail cuts or small servings using slicers and power cutters. They cut meat into steaks and chops, and shape and tie roasts. Butchers in retail food stores may weigh, wrap, and label various cuts of meat. They also arrange meat in display cases. Some butchers prepare special cuts for customers. In addition, butchers may estimate meat requirements, and order more meat when it is needed.

Meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers

In meatpacking plants, meat cutters slaughter cattle, hogs, goats, and sheep. They use knives, cleavers, meat saws, and band saws to cut the carcasses into large wholesale cuts, such as rounds, ribs, and chucks. These large cuts can then be distributed to wholesale companies. In some plants, meat cutters process meat into cuts for retail use. These workers also grind hamburger meat and cut off meat trimmings, which are used to make sausage and other products. Meat cutters usually work on assembly lines. Each worker is responsible for only a few cuts as the meat moves along the production line.

Poultry cutters slaughter and cut up chickens, turkeys, and other types of poultry. They often work on assembly lines. The poultry processing industry is becoming increasingly automated, but workers still do many jobs by hand. For example, they remove bones, trim fat, and pack poultry.

Fish cutters cut, scale, and dress fish by removing the head, scales, and other parts people do not eat. Fish cutters work in both manufacturing and retail establishments. In retail markets, they may wait on customers and clean fish to order.

Related careers

This career is part of the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Military careers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to meat cutters.

Common work activities

Meat cutters perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, meat cutters:

Interpersonal relationships

Physical work conditions

Work performance

Hours/travel

Physical demands

Meat cutters frequently:

It is important for meat cutters to be able to:

It is not as important, but still necessary, for meat cutters to be able to:

Skills and abilities

Meat cutters need to:

Communicate

Reason and problem solve

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study to consider

Training

To work as a meat cutter, you typically need to:

Education after high school

No formal education is required for this job. However, many employers prefer that you have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Some meat cutters learn their skills through meat cutting training programs. Professional-technical schools and two-year colleges offer these programs. You can also take courses offered by organizations in the industry.

On-the-job training

Most meat cutters learn their skills on the job from experienced workers. The length of training varies by the type of work you do. Poultry cutters and trimmers receive up to one month of training. Those who slaughter cows receive up to one year of training. Butchers receive the most training, which generally is up to two years.

Washington apprenticeships

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program (external link)

PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#Checked above info 3/21/05, CJ. Checked above & added WA Apprenticeship subheading after discussion w/ LH, TK, & SD about doing so, 3/22/07, CJ. Verified info 3/9/09, 2/15/11 & 3/3/15 cj. Updated OJT hours 12/5/16 cj. Deleted specific apprenticeship requirements, 4/10/19 cj.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer to hire trainees who are good with their hands and have good hand-eye coordination. Good depth perception and color discrimination are also important. Physical strength is often needed to lift and move heavy pieces of meat. In addition, butchers and fish cutters who wait on customers should have a pleasant personality and a neat appearance. The ability to communicate clearly is also important.

Many employers require formal training in an apprenticeship program. An apprentice program is one of the best ways to gain skills and knowledge that is valuable to an employer. Some employers require applicants to take a drug screening test.

Costs to workers

Some workers may have to supply their own tools, such as knives and meat cleavers. Some meat cutters may be required to join a union and pay initiation fees and monthly dues. Those who work in retail stores must purchase a food worker's card from their local county health department. The initial card is $10 and is valid for two years.

#Verified food card fees, 2/3/12 lh & 3/18/13 & 12/5/16, 4/10/19 cj.

Licensing/certification

Meat cutters employed by retail stores must have a food worker's card. To receive a card, workers must take a food safety training class, pay a fee, and pass a written examination.

For more information on food worker cards, contact your local county health department listed in the county government section of your phone book. You may also find more information at the Washington Department of Health's Food Worker Card page. (external link)

#checked 3/3/15, 12/5/16 cj. 1/30/18 lh, 4/10/19 cj.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link).

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Butchers and meat cutters (SOC 51-3021)

Location
Pay Period
10%
25%
Median
75%
90%
Washington Hourly $12.50 $15.62 $19.91 $23.30 $26.09
Monthly $2,166 $2,707 $3,450 $4,038 $4,521
Yearly $25,990 $32,480 $41,410 $48,460 $54,270
    Bellingham Hourly $14.73 $17.29 $20.71 $24.11 $27.76
Monthly $2,553 $2,996 $3,589 $4,178 $4,811
Yearly $30,629 $35,959 $43,091 $50,136 $57,748
    Bremerton-Silverdale Hourly $12.30 $17.44 $21.93 $24.57 $27.33
Monthly $2,132 $3,022 $3,800 $4,258 $4,736
Yearly $25,587 $36,271 $45,617 $51,091 $56,842
    Kennewick-Richland Hourly $12.42 $13.96 $17.09 $20.48 $25.56
Monthly $2,152 $2,419 $2,962 $3,549 $4,430
Yearly $25,834 $29,045 $35,545 $42,602 $53,166
    Longview Hourly $13.06 $16.17 $20.10 $23.11 $24.91
Monthly $2,263 $2,802 $3,483 $4,005 $4,317
Yearly $27,178 $33,636 $41,809 $48,063 $51,796
    Mount Vernon-Anacortes Hourly $12.42 $14.62 $18.31 $22.50 $25.54
Monthly $2,152 $2,534 $3,173 $3,899 $4,426
Yearly $25,836 $30,394 $38,073 $46,804 $53,127
    Olympia-Tumwater Hourly $12.50 $13.95 $17.18 $23.10 $27.28
Monthly $2,166 $2,418 $2,977 $4,003 $4,728
Yearly $26,008 $29,013 $35,737 $48,036 $56,740
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Hourly $13.91 $17.40 $21.49 $24.39 $27.70
Monthly $2,411 $3,015 $3,724 $4,227 $4,800
Yearly $28,940 $36,186 $44,709 $50,730 $57,607
    Spokane-Spokane Valley Hourly $12.50 $15.60 $18.78 $22.75 $25.20
Monthly $2,166 $2,703 $3,255 $3,943 $4,367
Yearly $26,003 $32,439 $39,065 $47,310 $52,428
    Vancouver Hourly $11.81 $14.04 $18.64 $22.36 $24.50
Monthly $2,047 $2,433 $3,230 $3,875 $4,246
Yearly $24,571 $29,205 $38,766 $46,498 $50,963
    Walla Walla Hourly $12.38 $14.73 $17.69 $20.45 $23.81
Monthly $2,145 $2,553 $3,066 $3,544 $4,126
Yearly $25,749 $30,626 $36,815 $42,526 $49,531
    Wenatchee Hourly $12.86 $14.92 $17.79 $21.89 $25.82
Monthly $2,229 $2,586 $3,083 $3,794 $4,475
Yearly $26,734 $31,031 $36,988 $45,535 $53,698
    Yakima Hourly $13.11 $16.30 $18.47 $22.44 $26.95
Monthly $2,272 $2,825 $3,201 $3,889 $4,670
Yearly $27,270 $33,917 $38,419 $46,669 $56,050
United States Hourly $10.05 $11.86 $15.18 $19.27 $23.61
Monthly $1,742 $2,055 $2,631 $3,339 $4,092
Yearly $20,900 $24,670 $31,580 $40,080 $49,110

Meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers (SOC 51-3022)

Location
Pay Period
10%
25%
Median
75%
90%
Washington Hourly $11.77 $12.21 $14.10 $17.23 $19.67
Monthly $2,040 $2,116 $2,444 $2,986 $3,409
Yearly $24,490 $25,410 $29,340 $35,830 $40,910
    Bellingham Hourly $12.57 $13.52 $15.09 $17.71 $19.68
Monthly $2,178 $2,343 $2,615 $3,069 $3,411
Yearly $26,151 $28,122 $31,379 $36,829 $40,923
    Bremerton-Silverdale Hourly $11.90 $12.08 $12.37 $14.28 $17.90
Monthly $2,062 $2,093 $2,144 $2,475 $3,102
Yearly $24,748 $25,129 $25,731 $29,704 $37,227
    Kennewick-Richland Hourly $11.93 $12.14 $15.31 $17.65 $18.96
Monthly $2,067 $2,104 $2,653 $3,059 $3,286
Yearly $24,798 $25,263 $31,840 $36,728 $39,448
    Longview Hourly $12.12 $12.59 $13.64 $14.74 $17.02
Monthly $2,100 $2,182 $2,364 $2,554 $2,950
Yearly $25,214 $26,195 $28,378 $30,654 $35,400
    Mount Vernon-Anacortes Hourly $12.14 $12.79 $14.44 $16.92 $19.48
Monthly $2,104 $2,217 $2,502 $2,932 $3,376
Yearly $25,248 $26,591 $30,043 $35,189 $40,524
    Olympia-Tumwater Hourly $13.38 $17.38 $20.94 $23.69 $25.34
Monthly $2,319 $3,012 $3,629 $4,105 $4,391
Yearly $27,834 $36,143 $43,556 $49,275 $52,706
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Hourly $12.02 $12.42 $14.37 $18.18 $21.80
Monthly $2,083 $2,152 $2,490 $3,151 $3,778
Yearly $24,990 $25,832 $29,882 $37,812 $45,347
    Spokane-Spokane Valley Hourly $12.15 $12.93 $14.37 $16.87 $19.98
Monthly $2,106 $2,241 $2,490 $2,924 $3,463
Yearly $25,265 $26,884 $29,890 $35,085 $41,556
    Vancouver Hourly $10.77 $11.32 $12.04 $13.60 $15.35
Monthly $1,866 $1,962 $2,087 $2,357 $2,660
Yearly $22,405 $23,551 $25,039 $28,301 $31,926
    Yakima Hourly $11.96 $12.25 $13.73 $16.69 $18.75
Monthly $2,073 $2,123 $2,379 $2,892 $3,249
Yearly $24,878 $25,478 $28,551 $34,727 $38,988
United States Hourly $9.87 $11.11 $12.96 $15.20 $17.99
Monthly $1,710 $1,925 $2,246 $2,634 $3,118
Yearly $20,540 $23,110 $26,950 $31,610 $37,410

Slaughterers and meat packers (SOC 51-3023)

Location
Pay Period
10%
25%
Median
75%
90%
Washington Hourly $11.99 $13.33 $15.69 $18.04 $20.55
Monthly $2,078 $2,310 $2,719 $3,126 $3,561
Yearly $24,940 $27,720 $32,640 $37,530 $42,740
    Longview Hourly $14.61 $16.25 $18.36 $21.34 $23.50
Monthly $2,532 $2,816 $3,182 $3,698 $4,073
Yearly $30,384 $33,812 $38,181 $44,374 $48,883
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Hourly $12.05 $12.63 $15.12 $18.50 $21.86
Monthly $2,088 $2,189 $2,620 $3,206 $3,788
Yearly $25,059 $26,273 $31,437 $38,491 $45,472
    Vancouver Hourly $10.40 $12.35 $13.89 $15.43 $17.77
Monthly $1,802 $2,140 $2,407 $2,674 $3,080
Yearly $21,637 $25,685 $28,889 $32,094 $36,945
    Yakima Hourly $11.90 $12.82 $15.83 $17.84 $19.03
Monthly $2,062 $2,222 $2,743 $3,092 $3,298
Yearly $24,738 $26,663 $32,925 $37,098 $39,601
United States Hourly $10.00 $11.49 $13.59 $15.49 $18.02
Monthly $1,733 $1,991 $2,355 $2,684 $3,123
Yearly $20,810 $23,900 $28,260 $32,220 $37,480

Wages vary by type of work they do. Wages also vary by employer and area of the country. In addition, those who are members of a union usually receive higher wages than non-union workers.

Benefits vary by employer and specialty. Meat cutters who work full time for grocery stores usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, health insurance, and a retirement plan. Poultry workers, however, rarely earn major benefits.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

In Washington, the outlook depends on the level of meat processing and meat consumption; the price of meat, fish, and poultry; and expansion of retail stores. Technological advances, such as new freezing and packing processes and equipment, are expected to limit the demand for meat cutters.

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Butchers and Meat Cutters (SOC 51-3021)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
Washington 3,831 2.9% 16.1% 493
    Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties 200 4.5% 13.4% 26
    Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties 89 3.4% 8.6% 11
    Benton and Franklin Counties 94 3.2% 15.0% 12
    Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties 207 1.9% 11.9% 26
    Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties 302 2.6% 15.2% 38
    Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties 183 1.6% 14.1% 23
    Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties 239 1.3% 14.6% 29
    King County 969 0.4% 19.6% 117
    Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties 134 9.0% 13.8% 19
    Pierce County 795 6.7% 15.2% 111
    Snohomish County 351 3.4% 12.4% 46
    Spokane County 286 0.3% 13.9% 35
United States 135,500 3.0% 5.2% 17,400

Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers (SOC 51-3022)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
Washington 3,084 0.6% 16.1% 377
    Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties 10 0.0% 13.4% 1
    Benton and Franklin Counties 16 12.5% 15.0% 2
    Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties 96 2.1% 11.9% 12
    Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties 103 43.7% 15.2% 25
    Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties 605 2.1% 14.1% 76
    Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties 318 -0.3% 14.6% 38
    King County 945 -4.3% 19.6% 101
    Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties 125 3.2% 13.8% 16
    Pierce County 102 5.9% 15.2% 14
    Snohomish County 95 -3.2% 12.4% 10
    Spokane County 74 0.0% 13.9% 9
United States 164,600 1.6% 5.2% 20,800

Slaughterers and Meat Packers (SOC 51-3023)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
Washington 1,243 0.9% 16.1% 153
    Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties 233 3.0% 15.2% 30
    Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties 11 9.1% 14.1% 1
    Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties 140 0.0% 14.6% 16
    King County 237 4.2% 19.6% 31
    Pierce County 23 4.3% 15.2% 3
    Snohomish County 52 0.0% 12.4% 6
    Spokane County 54 0.0% 13.9% 6
United States 77,600 2.3% 5.2% 9,900

National employment

Major employers:

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will grow slowly. Most job growth will be for slaughterers and lower-skilled meat, poultry, and fish cutters. In contrast, the number of jobs for skilled butchers, who work primarily in grocery stores, is expected to grow more slowly.

The meat processing industry is changing. In the past, a lot of meat cutting was done at retail stores, such as butcher shops and grocery stores. However, it now costs less for meat to be processed at food processing plants, then sent to stores. Thus, there will be fewer jobs for butchers, but more jobs for other types of meat cutters.

Job openings will occur as people leave this physically-demanding occupation. Job prospects will be best for those with experience and training in meat cutting techniques.

Other resources

American Association of Meat Processors (external link)
One Meating Place
Elizabethtown, PA 17022
717.367.1168
National Restaurant Association (external link)
2055 L Street NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
800.424.5156
202.331.5900
North American Meat Institute (external link)
1150 Connecticut Avenue NW, 12th Floor
Washington, DC 20036
202.587.4200

References

Career cluster

Career path

O*Net (external link) occupations

O*Net job zones (external link)

DOT occupations

Holland occupational clusters

COPSystem