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Meat, poultry and fish cutters and trimmers: pay, job outlook and how to get started

Updated October 29, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$38,300median pay per year, or $18.41 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $29,980lowest 10% earn less
  2. $35,35025th percentile
  3. $38,300median
  4. $44,17075th percentile
  5. $48,150top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[3]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[4]

Meat, poultry and fish cutters and trimmers had a median pay of $38,300 a year in May 2025[1]. Jobs are projected to grow 5.7% from 2025 to 2035[2].

Job growth, 2025–35
+5.7%[2]
Openings per year
17,000[5]
Typical entry education
No formal educational credential[6]

How much do meat, poultry and fish cutters and trimmers make?

The median pay was $38,300 a year, or $18.41 an hour[1]. That means half of workers earned more and half earned less. The average was $39,280 a year, or $18.89 an hour[7]. For comparison, the median for all occupations was $50,980 a year[4].

The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $29,980 a year, and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $48,150[3]. BLS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary[8].

Level Annual wage Hourly wage
10th percentile[3][9] $29,980 $14.42
25th percentile[3][9] $35,350 $17.00
Median[1] $38,300 $18.41
75th percentile[3][9] $44,170 $21.24
90th percentile[3][9] $48,150 $23.15

These figures count wage and salary workers only. They leave out the self-employed, bonuses that are not tied to production, and the cost of benefits such as health insurance[10].

Pay by state and city

Colorado had the highest median pay at $50,390 a year, followed by Arizona at $48,550 and Kansas at $48,080[11]. Louisiana was last on the list at $27,850[11].

The states with the most jobs were Georgia (11,480), North Carolina (9,750) and California (9,270)[12].

Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, Topeka, KS had the highest median at $52,050, then Omaha, NE-IA at $49,810 and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO at $48,880[13]. The metro area with the most jobs was Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, with 4,340 jobs and a median of $36,540[14].

Show median pay in 50 states
StateMedian per yearJobs
Colorado[11]$50,3902,470
Arizona$48,550620
Kansas$48,0805,000
Nebraska$47,5808,340
New Hampshire$47,260n/a
North Dakota$47,250390
Michigan$44,430920
South Dakota$44,2902,080
Utah$44,1501,080
Minnesota$43,4003,790
Wisconsin$43,3002,040
Iowa$43,1903,970
Washington$43,0103,630
Indiana$42,4502,640
Missouri$41,8902,880
Illinois$40,6904,040
Hawaii$40,260800
Vermont$40,11040
Georgia$39,33011,480
Idaho$39,200280
Maine$39,170660
North Carolina$39,1709,750
Kentucky$39,1501,450
Arkansas$37,9809,030
Nevada$37,920360
Mississippi$37,8906,470
Rhode Island$37,740320
Tennessee$37,5902,970
Montana$37,44060
New York$37,3302,420
Alaska$37,180970
Wyoming$37,04070
Ohio$37,0203,540
West Virginia$36,870220
California$36,5709,270
Massachusetts$36,5702,350
Pennsylvania$36,4801,600
Oklahoma$36,3001,530
Virginia$36,1702,740
Oregon$36,060910
Texas$35,8908,590
Delaware$35,5005,430
New Jersey$34,930n/a
South Carolina$34,7902,750
Connecticut$34,780n/a
Maryland$32,950680
New Mexico$31,240240
Florida$31,1602,310
Alabama$31,0809,140
Louisiana$27,8501,690

How to become a meat, poultry or fish cutter

The training details here come from a BLS profile that covers a wider group of meat, poultry and fish processing jobs[15].

Some states and localities ask for a food handler's certification[20]. Workers who follow religious dietary guidelines may need extra training that leads to certification[21]. In an O*NET listing, the job falls in Job Zone 1-2, which means very little to some preparation is needed[22].

What meat, poultry and fish cutters and trimmers do

O*NET describes the work as everyday hand cutting and trimming of meat, poultry and seafood, with hand tools[23]. Common tasks include:

Workers in this field report job titles such as meat cutter, deboner, chicken cutter and fish processor[25].

Where they work

Cutters and trimmers typically work in food manufacturing, for example in a plant that processes meat or in a slaughterhouse[26]. Animal slaughtering and processing employed 50% of meat, poultry and fish processing workers in 2025[27].

The job can be physically demanding, especially with repetitive cuts. Workers usually stand as they cut and often lift and carry heavy carcasses or boxes[28]. Cold rooms are common, typically around 40 degrees Fahrenheit[29]. Sharp tools and slippery floors are part of the setting, so workers wear protective clothing. BLS says butchers and cutters and trimmers have some of the highest injury and illness rates of all occupations[30].

Most processing workers work full time, and some work early mornings, late evenings, weekends or holidays[31].

Job outlook

BLS projects employment to grow 5.7% from 2025 to 2035, from about 149,800 to 158,300 jobs[2]. That is 8,500 more jobs[2]. For all occupations, projected growth is 3.5%[32]. These projection counts include self-employed workers[2]. In 2025, 1.2% of these workers were self-employed[33].

BLS expects about 17,000 openings a year on average[5]. Openings include jobs created when workers retire or switch occupations, not only new jobs[5]. Each year, 3.9% of workers leave the labor force and 6.6% move to a different occupation[34].

The May 2025 wage survey counted about 145,700 wage and salary jobs[35]. The projection count is different because it includes self-employed workers[2].

Is it a good fit?

The facts point to a job that is easy to enter. No formal credential or related experience is typical, and training happens on the job[6]. Pay is below the all-occupations median, at $38,300 versus $50,980[1][4]. Growth is faster than the all-occupations rate, and openings are frequent[2][32][5]. The work involves standing, lifting, sharp tools and cold rooms, and injury rates are high[28][29][30]. Someone weighing the job may want to check local pay, since state medians ranged from $27,850 to $50,390[11].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[36].

Frequently asked questions

How much does a meat, poultry or fish cutter make an hour?
The median was $18.41 an hour in May 2025, and the average was $18.89[1][7]. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $14.42 and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $23.15[9].
Do you need a degree to be a meat cutter or trimmer?
No. No formal educational credential is typically needed, and short-term on-the-job training is typical[6]. Some employers may prefer a high school diploma, according to a profile covering a wider group[16][15].
Is meat cutting a growing job?
BLS projects 5.7% growth from 2025 to 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, and about 17,000 openings a year[2][32][5].
What is the highest paying state for meat, poultry and fish cutters and trimmers?
Colorado, with a median of $50,390 a year, followed by Arizona at $48,550 and Kansas at $48,080[11].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers in the US was $38,300 per year and $18.41 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers is projected to grow 5.7% from 2025 to 2035, from about 149,800 to 158,300 jobs (a change of +8,500). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  3. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers: 10th percentile $29,980, 25th percentile $35,350, 75th percentile $44,170, 90th percentile $48,150. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  4. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  5. BLS Employment Projections: about 17,000 openings for Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers 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
  6. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers: education needed for entry: No formal educational credential; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: Short-term on-the-job training. BLS Employment Projections
  7. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers was $39,280 per year and $18.89 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  8. 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
  9. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers: 10th percentile $14.42, 25th percentile $17.00, 75th percentile $21.24, 90th percentile $23.15. 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. Median annual wage for Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers jobs: Georgia 11,480; North Carolina 9,750; California 9,270; Alabama 9,140; Arkansas 9,030. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers (areas with at least 100 jobs): Topeka, KS $52,050; Omaha, NE-IA $49,810; Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO $48,880; Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ $48,550; Sioux City, IA-NE-SD $47,580; Kansas City, MO-KS $45,820; Portland-South Portland, ME $45,800; Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA $45,750. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers jobs: Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 4,340 (median $36,540); Gainesville, GA 3,210 (median $39,420); Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 2,770 (median $40,690); Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA 2,560 (median $39,300); Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR 2,500 (median $37,980); Jackson, MS 2,230 (median $37,500). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile "Meat, Poultry, and Fish Processing Workers" covers Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers together with other related occupations, so its text describes the wider group. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  16. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  17. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. 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: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. O*NET 51-3022.00: Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed. Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training. O*NET OnLine
  23. O*NET description of Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers. O*NET OnLine
  24. O*NET task list for Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers. O*NET OnLine
  25. O*NET 51-3022.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Beef Trimmer, Breast Trimmer, Chicken Cutter, Deboner, Fish Processor, Meat Cutter, Meat Trimmer, Seafood Processor. O*NET OnLine
  26. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  27. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of meat, poultry, and fish processing workers in 2025: Animal slaughtering and processing 50%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  28. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  29. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  30. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Injuries and Illnesses. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  31. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  32. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  33. BLS Employment Projections: 1.2% of Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers were self-employed in 2025. BLS Employment Projections
  34. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers: 3.9% of workers leave the labor force each year and 6.6% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  35. BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 145,700 people were employed as Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  36. 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.