Slaughterers and Meat Packer Salary in 2026
How Much Do Slaughterers and Meat Packers Make?
Slaughterers and Meat Packers earn a median annual salary of $39,790 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $31,470 at the 10th percentile to $49,460 at the 90th percentile — a range of $17,990. The highest-paying state is Nebraska at $48,080.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $31,470 |
| 25th percentile | $35,940 |
| Median (50th) | $39,790 |
| 75th percentile | $45,930 |
| 90th percentile | $49,460 |
Slaughterers and Meat Packer Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Nebraskatop | $48,080 |
| Arizona | $47,470 |
| Kansas | $47,310 |
| Washington | $46,460 |
| Montana | $46,180 |
| Missouri | $44,730 |
| Oklahoma | $44,530 |
| Iowa | $44,400 |
| Massachusetts | $44,140 |
| South Dakota | $43,020 |
| Colorado | $42,780 |
| Michigan | $42,390 |
| North Dakota | $42,220 |
| Minnesota | $41,550 |
| Indiana | $41,230 |
| Texas | $41,230 |
| Kentucky | $41,080 |
| Vermont | $40,860 |
| Illinois | $40,800 |
| Utah | $40,470 |
| Oregon | $40,430 |
| Nevada | $40,420 |
| North Carolina | $39,790 |
| Idaho | $39,770 |
| Maine | $38,950 |
| Louisiana | $38,860 |
| South Carolina | $38,850 |
| California | $38,660 |
| Hawaii | $38,530 |
| Maryland | $37,820 |
| New Hampshire | $37,690 |
| Georgia | $36,680 |
| Wisconsin | $36,620 |
| Virginia | $36,490 |
| Ohio | $36,470 |
| Pennsylvania | $36,450 |
| Rhode Island | $36,400 |
| Tennessee | $35,430 |
| New York | $35,210 |
| Arkansas | $34,780 |
| Mississippi | $34,750 |
| New Jersey | $34,410 |
| Connecticut | $34,240 |
| Alabama | $32,930 |
| Florida | $32,490 |
| Delaware | $29,220 |
| West Virginia | $21,250 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Slaughterers and Meat Packers
Slaughterers and Meat Packer 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) | ~$31,470 – $35,940 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$39,790 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$45,930 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $49,460+ |
How to Earn More as a Slaughterers and Meat Packer
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Slaughterers and Meat Packers in Omaha, NE-IA earn $49,630 — $9,840 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 ($45,930) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Slaughterers and Meat Packer Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Slaughterers and Meat Packerthis career | $39,790 |
| Animal Scientist | $79,120 |
| Food Scientists and Technologist | $85,310 |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $36,450 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $36,830 |
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SOC: 51-3023.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.