Butchers and Meat Cutter Salary in 2026
How Much Do Butchers and Meat Cutters Make?
Butchers and Meat Cutters earn a median annual salary of $38,960 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $28,850 at the 10th percentile to $57,130 at the 90th percentile — a range of $28,280. The highest-paying state is Hawaii at $50,220.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $28,850 |
| 25th percentile | $34,460 |
| Median (50th) | $38,960 |
| 75th percentile | $47,200 |
| 90th percentile | $57,130 |
Butchers and Meat Cutter Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| 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 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Butchers and Meat Cutters
Butchers and Meat Cutter Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$28,850 – $34,460 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$38,960 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$47,200 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $57,130+ |
How to Earn More as a Butchers and Meat Cutter
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Butchers and Meat Cutters in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earn $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. Reaching the 75th percentile ($47,200) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Butchers and Meat Cutter Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Butchers and Meat Cutterthis career | $38,960 |
| Food Service Manager | $65,310 |
| Food Scientists and Technologist | $85,310 |
| Chefs and Head Cook | $60,990 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Worker Supervisor | $42,010 |
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SOC: 51-3021.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.