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Butcher / Meat Cutter

Butchers cut, trim, and prepare meat products for sale — a skilled trade that's experiencing a renaissance with the growth of artisan butcher shops, whole-animal butchery, and the farm-to-table movement. Experienced butchers at specialty shops command excellent wages and often develop loyal followings.

$38,800 Median Salary
83K US Jobs
1–2 years Training
$0–$3,000 Typical Cost
Get Free Program Info → Find Schools

💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Entry Level
$28,000
Median
$38,800
Experienced
$58,000
Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.

📈 Job Outlook

5%
Projected Growth (10yr)
Average
83K
Total US Jobs
Active positions nationwide
Food Handler's Card + UFCW Training
Required Credential
Food Handler's Card + UFCW Training (union) or Apprenticeship

🎓 Training & Education

Typical Program
Apprenticeship or Vocational Training
Program Length
1–2 years
Typical Tuition
$0–$3,000
Work Setting
Grocery stores, butcher shops, meat processing facilities, restaurants
🏆 Credential Required: Food Handler's Card + UFCW Training (union) or Apprenticeship

☀️ Day in the Life

A typical day as a Butcher / Meat Cutter involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a Grocery stores environment. You'll apply your training daily while building expertise and advancing your career.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • ✅ Strong job security
  • ✅ Rewarding work
  • ✅ Clear career progression
  • ✅ Growing demand

Challenges

  • ⚠️ Can be physically demanding
  • ⚠️ May require ongoing certification
  • ⚠️ Entry-level wages vary by region

🗺️ Butcher / Meat Cutter by State

See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:

FL FloridaGA GeorgiaTX TexasCA CaliforniaNY New YorkNC North CarolinaIL IllinoisOH OhioPA PennsylvaniaAZ ArizonaAL AlabamaAR ArkansasLA LouisianaMS MississippiSC South CarolinaTN TennesseeVA VirginiaWV West VirginiaKY KentuckyMD MarylandDE DelawareNJ New JerseyCT ConnecticutMA MassachusettsRI Rhode IslandNH New HampshireVT VermontME MaineMI MichiganIN IndianaWI WisconsinMN MinnesotaIA IowaMO MissouriND North DakotaSD South DakotaNE NebraskaKS KansasOK OklahomaCO ColoradoMT MontanaWY WyomingID IdahoUT UtahNV NevadaNM New MexicoWA WashingtonOR OregonAK AlaskaHI HawaiiDC Washington DC