Slaughterers and Meat Packers
Perform nonroutine or precision functions involving the preparation of large portions of meat. Work may include specialized slaughtering tasks, cutting standard or premium cuts of meat for marketing, making sausage, or wrapping meats. Work typically occurs in slaughtering, meat packing, or wholesale establishments.Salary by State
| State Name | Employment | Annual Salary | Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 2,310 | $22,060 | $10.61 | |
| Arizona | 430 | $38,920 | $18.71 | |
| Arkansas | 1,370 | $30,460 | $14.64 | |
| California | 6,370 | $31,760 | $15.27 | |
| Colorado | 1,990 | $38,650 | $18.58 | |
| Connecticut | 80 | $33,030 | $15.88 | |
| Delaware | 130 | $29,960 | $14.40 | |
| Florida | 940 | $26,210 | $12.60 | |
| Georgia | 4,040 | $28,470 | $13.69 | |
| Hawaii | 160 | $30,230 | $14.54 | |
| Idaho | $39,860 | $19.17 | ||
| Illinois | 3,620 | $35,550 | $17.09 | |
| Indiana | 890 | $32,180 | $15.47 | |
| Iowa | 6,550 | $35,140 | $16.89 | |
| Kansas | 1,240 | $33,950 | $16.32 | |
| Kentucky | 1,610 | $26,710 | $12.84 | |
| Louisiana | 1,170 | $25,550 | $12.29 | |
| Maine | 70 | $28,010 | $13.47 | |
| Maryland | 360 | $35,380 | $17.01 | |
| Massachusetts | 110 | $36,060 | $17.34 | |
| Michigan | 900 | $36,610 | $17.60 | |
| Minnesota | 6,860 | $33,080 | $15.90 | |
| Mississippi | 540 | $27,310 | $13.13 | |
| Missouri | 910 | $32,250 | $15.51 | |
| Montana | 60 | $34,550 | $16.61 | |
| Nebraska | 2,880 | $33,820 | $16.26 | |
| Nevada | 90 | $29,790 | $14.32 | |
| New Jersey | 600 | $32,990 | $15.86 | |
| New Mexico | 130 | $24,490 | $11.77 | |
| New York | 510 | $34,450 | $16.56 | |
| North Carolina | 10,200 | $32,130 | $15.45 | |
| North Dakota | 50 | $28,870 | $13.88 | |
| Ohio | 3,550 | $30,580 | $14.70 | |
| Oklahoma | 1,920 | $33,030 | $15.88 | |
| Oregon | 400 | $32,670 | $15.71 | |
| Pennsylvania | 3,260 | $32,510 | $15.63 | |
| South Carolina | $27,440 | $13.19 | ||
| South Dakota | 840 | $35,190 | $16.92 | |
| Tennessee | 2,500 | $28,690 | $13.79 | |
| Texas | 8,530 | $32,840 | $15.79 | |
| Utah | 780 | $32,200 | $15.48 | |
| Vermont | 30 | $34,720 | $16.69 | |
| Virginia | 980 | $30,880 | $14.85 | |
| Washington | 500 | $35,900 | $17.26 | |
| West Virginia | $24,090 | $11.58 | ||
| Wisconsin | 3,800 | $32,260 | $15.51 |
Education
The programs listed below are typically the education paths that can land you this kind of job.
A program that prepares individuals to receive, cut, and package animal meat products in commercial establishments and to function as licensed meat cutters/butchers. Includes instruction in product recognition for beef, veal, lamb, pork, poultry, and fancy and smoked meats; retail and wholesale cutting and specialty cuts; packaging and counter display; shop safety; meat sanitation, storage and rotation; quality control; meat handling laws and regulations; and customer service.
Hinds Community College
Raymond, MS
Certificate
Eastern Oklahoma State College
Wilburton, OK
Associate Degree
Bridgerland Technical College
Logan, UT
Certificate
Madison Area Technical College
Madison, WI
Certificate
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$32,010 per yearNational average salaryDecliningJob growth rate
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No formal educational credentialTypical education requirement
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Short-term on-the-job trainingTypical on-the-job training requirement
Educational Attainment
The following chart shows the highest education level completed by those working as slaughterers and meat packers.
- Less than high school 30%
- High school graduate 44%
- College dropout 18%
- Associate’s degree 4%
- Bachelor’s degree 4%
- Master’s degree 1%
- Doctorate degree 0%
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