Slaughterers and Meat Packers Salary 2025: $40,130 Median, Top States Pay $50K+
Slaughterers and meat packers earned a median $40,130 per year in 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average hourly wage is about $19, with the typical worker making between $33,340 and $51,090 annually. This guide covers what you can expect to earn, which states pay more, how to become one, and the career outlook through 2034.
How much Slaughterers and Meat Packers earn
The median wage for slaughterers and meat packers is $40,130 per year, or roughly $19.30 per hour. Salaries range from $33,340 at the 10th percentile to $51,090 at the 90th percentile. That means half of workers earn between those amounts. Entry-level positions typically start near the lower end, while experienced workers or those in supervisory roles pull in higher pay.
Overtime is common in this industry, especially during peak processing seasons, which can push effective earnings higher than the base rates shown here.
- Median annual wage: $40,130
- Mean annual wage: $41,770
- Typical range: $33,340 – $51,090
- Hourly (mean): ~$20.00
Pay by state
Where you work matters a lot for your paycheck. The highest-paying states for slaughterers and meat packers are Colorado ($50,480), Arizona ($49,020), Nebraska ($48,910), Kansas ($48,240), and Montana ($46,700). These states have large meat processing plants, often in rural areas, and offer premiums to attract workers.
On the low end, Delaware ($31,200), New Mexico ($30,560), and Nevada ($30,430) pay the least. Workers there earn nearly $20,000 less than their Colorado counterparts. Cost of living is a factor, but not enough to fully explain the gap.
- Highest: Colorado – $50,480
- Arizona – $49,020
- Nebraska – $48,910
- Kansas – $48,240
- Montana – $46,700
- Lowest: Delaware – $31,200
- New Mexico – $30,560
- Nevada – $30,430
How to become a Slaughterers and Meat Packer
Most slaughterers and meat packers learn on the job. No formal education beyond a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Employers provide short-term training, often lasting a few weeks, covering knife skills, safety procedures, and machinery operation.
Some technical or community colleges offer certificate programs in meat processing, but these are not mandatory. Physical stamina is essential — the work involves standing for long periods, lifting heavy carcasses, and working in cold, wet conditions.
- Minimum education: High school diploma or GED
- Training: On-the-job, usually 1–2 weeks
- No state license needed (OSHA safety training is employer-provided)
- Skills: manual dexterity, physical strength, teamwork
- Optional: certificate in meat processing from a vocational school
Job outlook
The BLS projects 2.2% growth for slaughterers and meat packers from 2024 to 2034, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 8,400 job openings each year, mostly due to workers retiring or leaving the field. Employment stands at 69,950 as of 2025.
Demand for meat products remains steady, but automation could affect some roles. Still, the need for human workers in deboning, trimming, and quality checks should keep openings stable. The industry offers good opportunities in the Midwest and Plains states where processing plants are concentrated.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for a slaughterer or meat packer?
Entry-level workers typically earn around the 10th percentile, which is $33,340 per year. Some plants may start at minimum wage, but most pay slightly above to attract labor.
Do slaughterers and meat packers need a certification?
No formal certification is required. Employers provide on-the-job safety and knife skills training. Some states may require basic food handling permits, but that's rare.
Is the slaughterer and meat packer job dangerous?
Yes, it can be. Common risks include cuts from knives, slips on wet floors, and repetitive motion injuries. Employers must follow OSHA standards, and workers should expect thorough safety training.
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 Slaughterers and Meat Packers data.