How to Become a Butchers and Meat Cutter in 2026
Median salary: $38,960 · +1.0% projected growth (2024–2034)
What does a Butchers and Meat Cutter do?
Cut, trim, or prepare consumer-sized portions of meat for use or sale in retail establishments.
Butchers and Meat Cutter Salary in 2026
The median annual salary for Butchers and Meat Cutters is $38,960. The bottom 10% earn around $28,850 while the top 10% earn over $57,130.
| Experience level | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (P10) | $28,850 |
| Early career (P25) | $34,460 |
| Median | $38,960 |
| Experienced (P75) | $47,200 |
| Top earners (P90) | $57,130 |
Highest-paying metros
Butchers and Meat Cutter salary by state
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Hawaiitop | $50,220 |
| Massachusetts | $48,280 |
| Alaska | $48,240 |
| Washington | $48,120 |
| District of Columbia | $47,880 |
| Oregon | $47,290 |
| Delaware | $47,170 |
| New Hampshire | $46,940 |
| New York | $46,490 |
| Colorado | $45,760 |
| Maine | $45,460 |
| Minnesota | $44,410 |
| California | $44,310 |
| Rhode Island | $43,800 |
| Wyoming | $43,540 |
| Utah | $41,680 |
| Wisconsin | $41,140 |
| Maryland | $41,040 |
| Vermont | $40,970 |
| Montana | $40,770 |
| Connecticut | $39,650 |
| South Carolina | $39,580 |
| Florida | $39,350 |
| North Dakota | $39,260 |
| Virginia | $39,170 |
| Arizona | $39,160 |
| New Jersey | $38,870 |
| Illinois | $38,530 |
| Idaho | $38,480 |
| Michigan | $38,140 |
| Tennessee | $37,630 |
| Nevada | $37,530 |
| Pennsylvania | $37,490 |
| Indiana | $37,420 |
| Texas | $37,070 |
| Georgia | $37,040 |
| North Carolina | $37,020 |
| Ohio | $36,950 |
| Nebraska | $36,680 |
| Iowa | $36,600 |
| Missouri | $36,490 |
| New Mexico | $36,410 |
| South Dakota | $35,880 |
| Kansas | $35,800 |
| Arkansas | $35,650 |
| Alabama | $34,870 |
| Oklahoma | $33,930 |
| Louisiana | $32,950 |
| Kentucky | $31,360 |
| West Virginia | $28,930 |
| Mississippi | $28,590 |
How to earn more as a Butchers and Meat Cutter
The salary range for Butchers and Meat Cutters spans $28,280 — from $28,850 at entry level to $57,130 for top earners. The highest-paying metro area is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA at $57,870 — $18,910 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field.
How to get there
Typical education: No formal educational credential
On-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job training
Starting from high school
- Complete on-the-job training (long-term on-the-job training)
- Earn industry-recognized certifications (OSHA 10/30-Hour, quality certifications (ASQ), machine-specific training)
- Complete OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour safety certification ($25–$200)
- Gain 1–2 years of supervised work experience
- Advance to journeyman level or specialized role
Manufacturing plants often hire with just a high school diploma and provide all training on-site. OSHA 10-Hour General Industry certification is widely required. Look for manufacturing apprenticeship programs through the Department of Labor. Community colleges offer manufacturing technology certificates that can accelerate your starting wage.
Many employers provide paid training. Union apprenticeships are typically paid from day one. Trade school programs may require tuition.
Switching from another career
- Assess which of your existing skills transfer (many do — see below)
- Complete a short certification or orientation program (OSHA 10/30-Hour, quality certifications (ASQ), machine-specific training)
- Apply for entry-level or apprentice positions — highlight transferable skills
- Complete any required on-the-job training (often shortened for experienced workers)
- Advance faster than new entrants using your professional experience
Manufacturing values reliability, attention to detail, and the ability to follow procedures — skills transferable from nearly any career. Many plants provide full training and will hire career changers with a high school diploma. If you have experience with machinery, tools, quality processes, or inventory management from any field, you're a strong candidate. Contact local manufacturers directly — job boards often don't reflect the actual openings.
Certification costs are typically self-funded, but some employers reimburse. Union programs are paid positions.
Already working in another career?
See how your skills transfer to Butchers and Meat Cutter — free. PathScorer maps your experience against the requirements and shows you what you already qualify for.
See how your skills transfer — freeAI and automation outlook
The Butchers and Meat Cutter role has a low AI exposure score — one of the safer careers from automation. Most day-to-day tasks require human judgment, physical presence, or interpersonal skills that AI cannot replicate.
See full AI risk breakdownRelated careers to consider
Based on skill overlap analysis — these occupations share core competencies with Butchers and Meat Cutter.
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SOC: 51-3021.00 · Data: O*NET 29.1, BLS OEWS 2024, BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034