Butchers and Meat Processing Workers Earn $39,190 Median Salary (2024 BLS Data)
The median annual salary for butchers and other meat, poultry, and fish processing workers is $39,190, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates. That works out to roughly $19 per hour. The typical pay range runs from $30,230 at the 10th percentile to $51,730 at the 90th, meaning most workers earn between those figures. Nationwide, about 352,090 people hold these jobs.
How much Butchers and Other Meat, Poultry, and Fish Processing Workers earn
The mean annual wage for the occupation is $40,980. Half of all workers earn less than $39,190, and half earn more. The bottom 10% bring home roughly $30,230 or less, while the top 10% take in $51,730 or more. Pay varies by experience, employer type, and location.
Hourly wages tend to follow the same pattern: a mean of about $19.70, with the lowest-paid workers making around $14.53 per hour and the highest-paid making nearly $24.87.
Pay by state
BLS data show that the highest-paying states for these workers include Washington, California, and Oregon, with annual mean wages above $45,000. In Washington, the mean exceeds $49,000. On the lower end, states in the Southeast and South Central regions—such as Mississippi, Arkansas, and Alabama—report mean wages below $35,000. Specific figures can be found in the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics tables.
How to become By Butchers and Other Meat, Poultry, and Fish Processing Workers
Most workers learn on the job. Employers typically provide a few weeks to several months of training, covering knife skills, safety procedures, and use of processing equipment. No formal education is required beyond a high school diploma or equivalent.
Some states or localities may require a food handler's permit or certification in meat processing, but these are not universal. Voluntary certification through trade organizations can improve job prospects. Advancement to supervisory or lead butcher roles often comes with experience and additional training.
- 1. Obtain a high school diploma or GED.
- 2. Find an entry-level position as a meat cutter, fish processor, or similar role at a grocery store, meatpacking plant, or seafood company.
- 3. Complete on-the-job training under experienced workers.
- 4. Consider earning a food safety certification (e.g., ServSafe) or a professional butcher certificate to stand out.
- 5. Gain proficiency with various cuts, processing machinery, and USDA regulations over time.
Job outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has not published a specific growth projection for butchers and other meat, poultry, and fish processing workers for 2024–2034. Overall, employment in food processing is expected to grow slowly, with most openings arising from the need to replace workers who retire or leave the occupation. Automation may affect certain repetitive tasks, but skilled butchers remain in demand for specialty cuts and quality control.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary for a butcher?
The median annual salary is $39,190, with a mean of $40,980. Hourly, the mean is about $19.70.
Do butchers need a certification?
Not always, but food safety certifications (like ServSafe) and professional butcher certificates from trade groups can improve job prospects and advancement opportunities.
How many butchers work in the US?
There are about 352,090 workers in this occupation nationwide, according to the BLS.
Is butchering a growing field?
The BLS hasn't released a specific growth rate for 2024–2034, but most openings will come from replacing workers who leave. Automation may limit growth in some processing roles.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Butchers and Other Meat, Poultry, and Fish Processing Workers data.