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Butcher: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 26, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$40,140median pay per year, or $19.30 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $29,460lowest 10% earn less
  2. $35,51025th percentile
  3. $40,140median
  4. $48,05075th percentile
  5. $58,110top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[4]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[2]

The median butcher or meat cutter earned $40,140 a year in May 2025, below the $50,980 median for all occupations[1][2]. No formal education is typically needed, and workers learn on the job[3].

Job growth, 2025–35
+2.4%[5]
Openings per year
15,100[6]
Typical entry education
No formal educational credential[3]

How much do butchers make?

The official BLS category is Butchers and Meat Cutters. In May 2025, the median wage was $40,140 a year, or $19.30 an hour[1]. Half of workers earned more and half earned less[1]. The average (mean) was $42,380 a year, or $20.37 an hour[7]. The median for all occupations was $50,980, so the butcher median sits below it[1][2].

Pay varied a good deal across the range[4]:

Point in the range Annual wage Source
Lowest-paid 10% earned less than[4] $29,460
Lowest-paid 25% earned less than[4] $35,510
Median[1] $40,140
Highest-paid 25% earned more than[4] $48,050
Highest-paid 10% earned more than[4] $58,110

Per hour, the 10th percentile was $14.17 and the 90th percentile was $27.94[8]. A percentile is a boundary, and BLS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary[9].

These figures cover wage and salary workers, both full time and part time. They leave out self-employed people, and they do not count bonuses outside regular production pay or the cost of benefits[10]. About 136,430 people held these jobs in May 2025[11].

Pay by state and city

Washington had the top state median at $51,670, followed by Alaska at $50,450 and Hawaii at $50,080[12]. Washington was the only state with a median above the all-occupations median of $50,980[2][12]. Mississippi had the lowest published state median at $29,700[12].

Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA came first at $60,600, then Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA at $57,930 and Anchorage, AK at $52,130[13].

The most jobs were in California (18,700), Texas (11,260) and Florida (10,590)[14]. The metro areas with the most jobs were Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim (6,510), New York-Newark-Jersey City (6,220) and Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (5,910)[15].

Show median pay in 50 states and DC
StateMedian per yearJobs
Washington[12]$51,6702,660
Alaska$50,450230
Hawaii$50,080500
Oregon$49,3601,540
District of Columbia$48,760150
Massachusetts$48,4301,480
New Hampshire$47,740530
Colorado$47,4902,200
New York$47,0804,540
Delaware$47,040250
Wisconsin$45,9803,510
Arizona$45,7802,130
Vermont$45,580370
Rhode Island$45,210260
Wyoming$44,820210
Connecticut$44,5701,210
California$44,29018,700
Maryland$44,1301,500
Minnesota$43,9301,590
Utah$43,4401,500
Florida$42,79010,590
Indiana$42,4401,850
Montana$41,600740
Nevada$40,2901,560
North Dakota$40,080470
Tennessee$39,9602,650
South Carolina$39,7902,380
Virginia$39,7702,630
Michigan$39,3504,230
Illinois$39,2407,710
Georgia$38,5404,420
New Jersey$38,5404,610
Pennsylvania$38,3403,540
Maine$38,250830
North Carolina$38,2403,120
Idaho$38,0301,480
Missouri$37,8602,160
Iowa$37,7504,480
Nebraska$37,6301,380
Ohio$37,6305,640
Texas$37,40011,260
Kansas$37,3201,200
South Dakota$37,310520
Louisiana$36,7902,240
New Mexico$36,640810
Alabama$36,5002,350
Kentucky$35,4301,670
Oklahoma$35,0701,810
Arkansas$34,3801,290
West Virginia$33,570600
Mississippi$29,7001,160

How to become a butcher

The typical path needs no formal educational credential and no work experience in a related job[3]. The details below come from a BLS profile that covers a wider group of meat, poultry and fish processing workers[16].

Some states and localities require a food handler's certification[21]. Workers who follow religious dietary guidelines may need more specialized training that leads to certification[22].

In an O*NET survey of 27 workers, 70% said a high school diploma or equivalent is required, 20% said less than a high school diploma, and 7% said some college courses[23]. Useful qualities include dexterity, attention to detail, stamina, strength and customer-service skills for retail work[24][25][26][27][28].

What butchers do

O*NET describes the job as preparing consumer-sized portions of meat for retail use or sale[29]. Common tasks include[30]:

Workers report job titles such as meat clerk, meat wrapper and meat specialist[31].

Where they work

Butchers and meat cutters typically work in retail settings such as grocery stores[32]. Related cutters and packers more often work in food manufacturing, such as a processing plant[32]. In the wider BLS group, animal slaughtering and processing was the largest employer at 50%[33]. Among Butchers and Meat Cutters, 1.2% were self-employed in 2025[34].

The work can be physically demanding, especially with repetitive cuts. Workers usually stand and often lift heavy carcasses or boxes[35]. They commonly spend long stretches in cold rooms around 40 degrees Fahrenheit[36]. Sharp tools and slippery floors are part of the job, and protective gear such as cut-resistant gloves is used[37]. BLS says butchers and related cutters have some of the highest injury and illness rates of all occupations[37].

Most workers in the wider group work full time. Some work early mornings, late evenings, weekends and holidays[38].

Job outlook

BLS projects employment of Butchers and Meat Cutters to grow 2.4% from 2025 to 2035, from about 138,400 to 141,700 jobs[5]. Growth for all occupations is projected at 3.5%[39]. These projection counts include self-employed workers, so they differ from the OEWS count[5].

BLS expects about 15,100 openings a year on average[6]. Openings include jobs that come up when people retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs[6]. Each year, 3.9% of workers leave the labor force and 6.6% move to a different occupation[40].

Is it a good fit?

The facts point to a job with a low barrier to entry. No formal credential is typical and training happens on the job[3]. Pay has a median below the all-occupations median, though the top 10% earned more than $58,110[1][2][4]. Growth is slower than average, but openings are frequent because workers leave or switch jobs[5][39][6][40]. The work involves cold rooms, standing, lifting and sharp tools[35][36][37].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[41].

Frequently asked questions

How much does a butcher make an hour?
The median was $19.30 an hour in May 2025[1]. The 10th percentile was $14.17 and the 90th percentile was $27.94[1][8].
Do you need a degree to be a butcher?
No formal educational credential is typically needed. Workers get moderate-term on-the-job training[3].
Is butcher a growing job?
BLS projects 2.4% growth from 2025 to 2035, against 3.5% for all occupations, with about 15,100 openings a year[5][39][6].
What is the highest paying state for butchers?
Washington, with a median of $51,670[12].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Butchers and Meat Cutters in the US was $40,140 per year and $19.30 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  3. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Butchers and Meat Cutters: education needed for entry: No formal educational credential; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training. BLS Employment Projections
  4. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Butchers and Meat Cutters: 10th percentile $29,460, 25th percentile $35,510, 75th percentile $48,050, 90th percentile $58,110. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  5. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Butchers and Meat Cutters is projected to grow 2.4% from 2025 to 2035, from about 138,400 to 141,700 jobs (a change of +3,300). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  6. BLS Employment Projections: about 15,100 openings for Butchers and Meat Cutters are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  7. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Butchers and Meat Cutters was $42,380 per year and $20.37 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  8. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Butchers and Meat Cutters: 10th percentile $14.17, 25th percentile $17.07, 75th percentile $23.10, 90th percentile $27.94. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  9. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 136,430 people were employed as Butchers and Meat Cutters in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. Median annual wage for Butchers and Meat Cutters in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Butchers and Meat Cutters (areas with at least 100 jobs): Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $60,600; Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA $57,930; Anchorage, AK $52,130; Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $51,980; Urban Honolulu, HI $49,860; Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA $49,790; San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $49,610; Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA $49,320. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Butchers and Meat Cutters jobs: California 18,700; Texas 11,260; Florida 10,590; Illinois 7,710; Ohio 5,640. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Butchers and Meat Cutters jobs: Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 6,510 (median $42,400); New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 6,220 (median $42,470); Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 5,910 (median $40,410); Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL 3,420 (median $39,140); Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX 3,090 (median $38,040); San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA 2,720 (median $46,490). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  16. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile "Meat, Poultry, and Fish Processing Workers" covers Butchers and Meat Cutters together with other related occupations, so its text describes the wider group. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  17. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  18. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  23. O*NET 51-3021.00 survey of workers (27 respondents), education level they say is required: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) 70%, Less than a High School Diploma 20%, Some College Courses 7% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
  24. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  25. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  26. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  27. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  28. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  29. O*NET description of Butchers and Meat Cutters. O*NET OnLine
  30. O*NET task list for Butchers and Meat Cutters. O*NET OnLine
  31. O*NET 51-3021.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Butcher, Meat Clerk, Meat Cutter, Meat Specialist, Meat Wrapper. O*NET OnLine
  32. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  33. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of meat, poultry, and fish processing workers in 2025: Animal slaughtering and processing 50%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  34. BLS Employment Projections: 1.2% of Butchers and Meat Cutters were self-employed in 2025. BLS Employment Projections
  35. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  36. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  37. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Injuries and Illnesses. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  38. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  39. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  40. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Butchers and Meat Cutters: 3.9% of workers leave the labor force each year and 6.6% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  41. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers. The Occupational Outlook Handbook text covers a wider group of occupations than this page.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.