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Meat processor: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 28, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$40,130median pay per year, or $19.29 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $33,340lowest 10% earn less
  2. $36,15025th percentile
  3. $40,130median
  4. $46,87075th percentile
  5. $51,090top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[4]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[5]

A meat processor, which BLS counts as a slaughterer or meat packer, had median pay of $40,130 a year in May 2025[1]. Employment is projected to grow 2% from 2025 to 2035, a bit below the 3.5% for all occupations[2][3].

Job growth, 2025–35
+2%[2]
Openings per year
7,700[6]
Typical entry education
No formal educational credential[7]

How much do meat processors make?

The median wage for Slaughterers and Meat Packers was $40,130 a year, or $19.29 an hour[1]. Half of workers earned more and half earned less[1]. The average was $41,770 a year, or $20.08 an hour[8].

The median is below the $50,980 median for all occupations[5].

The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $33,340 a year, and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $51,090[4]. BLS says a percentile wage is a boundary and that it does not publish a starting salary[9].

Measure Annual Hourly
10th percentile[4][10] $33,340 $16.03
25th percentile[4][10] $36,150 $17.38
Median[1] $40,130 $19.29
75th percentile[4][10] $46,870 $22.54
90th percentile[4][10] $51,090 $24.56

These figures cover wage and salary workers. They leave out the self-employed and do not include bonuses or benefits[11]. About 69,950 people held these jobs in May 2025[12].

Pay by state and city

Colorado had the highest state median at $50,480, followed by Arizona at $49,020 and Nebraska at $48,910[13]. Nevada had the lowest listed median at $30,430[13]. Some states have very few jobs, so their figures rest on small counts[13].

The most jobs were in California (6,170), North Carolina (6,120) and Nebraska (5,480)[14].

Among metro areas, Sioux City, IA-NE-SD had the highest median at $49,600, followed by Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL at $48,120[15]. Fresno, CA had the most jobs at 2,690, with a median of $39,420[16].

Show median pay in 47 states
StateMedian per yearJobs
Colorado[13]$50,4801,590
Arizona$49,020440
Nebraska$48,9105,480
Kansas$48,2402,170
Montana$46,70080
South Carolina$46,000250
Oregon$45,980360
Oklahoma$45,9701,560
Michigan$45,8502,920
New Jersey$45,2301,050
Washington$45,100840
Illinois$44,9503,360
Missouri$44,4901,280
South Dakota$44,410740
Utah$44,040560
Iowa$43,8204,220
Indiana$43,7701,210
Minnesota$43,3602,820
Texas$43,1602,950
Vermont$42,22050
Idaho$40,370450
Louisiana$40,120650
North Carolina$39,9306,120
North Dakota$39,730160
California$39,4206,170
New Hampshire$39,27040
Hawaii$38,890120
Maine$38,74050
Kentucky$38,330320
Arkansas$37,8002,140
Massachusetts$37,780170
Maryland$37,650130
Rhode Island$37,570280
Wisconsin$37,5102,620
Virginia$37,4301,480
Pennsylvania$37,3304,410
Ohio$36,8002,440
Georgia$36,7703,660
Alabama$36,360240
Connecticut$36,29070
Tennessee$35,790650
Florida$34,430400
New York$33,8801,750
Mississippi$33,6501,100
Delaware$31,20050
New Mexico$30,560n/a
Nevada$30,430140

How to become a meat processor

The path in is short.

BLS describes the wider group of meat, poultry, and fish processing workers[19]. Trainees often begin with simple cuts under experienced workers, and they learn tool care, knife sharpening, cleaning and food safety[20]. Some learn through an apprenticeship[21].

Some states and localities require a food handler's certification[22]. Workers who follow religious dietary guidelines may need more specialized training that leads to certification[23].

In an O*NET survey of 18 workers, 61% said a high school diploma or equivalent is required, 29% said less than a high school diploma and 11% said some college courses[24].

What meat processors do

O*NET says the work involves preparing large portions of meat. It can include slaughtering, cutting, making sausage or wrapping meat[25]. Tasks include:

BLS lists dexterity, attention to detail, stamina and strength as important. Carcasses or boxes of meat may weigh more than 50 pounds[27][28][29][30].

Where they work

Slaughterers and meat packers usually work in food manufacturing, for example in a meat processing plant or a slaughterhouse[31]. About 50% of the wider group worked in animal slaughtering and processing[32].

The job can be physically demanding. Workers stand while cutting and often lift and move heavy carcasses or boxes[33]. They commonly spend long periods in cold rooms around 40 degrees Fahrenheit[34].

Workers use sharp knives and meat saws and may face slippery floors, so they wear protective clothing[35]. BLS says some related cutting jobs have some of the highest injury and illness rates of all occupations[35].

Most work full time. Some work early mornings, late evenings, weekends or holidays[36].

Job outlook

BLS projects employment to grow 2% from 2025 to 2035, from about 71,200 to 72,600 jobs[2]. Employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5%[3].

About 7,700 openings a year are projected[6]. Openings include jobs left by people who retire or switch occupations, not only new jobs[6]. Each year, 3.9% of workers leave the labor force and 6.6% move to another occupation[37].

Is it a good fit?

The facts point to a job with an easy way in. It needs no formal credential, no related experience and short training[7]. Pay was below the all-occupations median, and the top 10% earned more than $51,090[5][4]. The work is physical, with cold rooms and sharp tools[33][34][35]. Growth is slightly slower than for all occupations[2][3].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[38].

Frequently asked questions

How much does a meat processor make an hour?
The median was $19.29 an hour in May 2025[1]. The 10th percentile was $16.03 and the 90th was $24.56[10].
What education do you need to be a meat processor?
No formal educational credential is typical, and no related experience is needed[7].
How long does it take to learn meat processing?
Training is short-term and on the job[7]. Its length varies by position and employer[18].
Is meat processing in demand?
Employment is projected to grow 2% from 2025 to 2035[2], with about 7,700 openings a year[6].
What is the highest paying state for meat processors?
Colorado, with a median of $50,480[13].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Slaughterers and Meat Packers in the US was $40,130 per year and $19.29 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Slaughterers and Meat Packers is projected to grow 2% from 2025 to 2035, from about 71,200 to 72,600 jobs (a change of +1,500). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  3. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  4. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Slaughterers and Meat Packers: 10th percentile $33,340, 25th percentile $36,150, 75th percentile $46,870, 90th percentile $51,090. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  5. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  6. BLS Employment Projections: about 7,700 openings for Slaughterers and Meat Packers 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 Employment Projections, typical path into Slaughterers and Meat Packers: 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
  8. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Slaughterers and Meat Packers was $41,770 per year and $20.08 per hour. 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, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Slaughterers and Meat Packers: 10th percentile $16.03, 25th percentile $17.38, 75th percentile $22.54, 90th percentile $24.56. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. 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
  12. BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 69,950 people were employed as Slaughterers and Meat Packers in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. Median annual wage for Slaughterers and Meat Packers in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Slaughterers and Meat Packers jobs: California 6,170; North Carolina 6,120; Nebraska 5,480; Pennsylvania 4,410; Iowa 4,220. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Slaughterers and Meat Packers (areas with at least 100 jobs): Sioux City, IA-NE-SD $49,600; Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL $48,120; Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH $48,030; Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO $46,990; Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $46,670; Omaha, NE-IA $46,390; Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $46,380; Columbia, SC $46,170. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  16. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Slaughterers and Meat Packers jobs: Fresno, CA 2,690 (median $39,420); New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 2,000 (median $35,560); Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 1,780 (median $39,200); Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD 1,720 (median $41,950); Omaha, NE-IA 1,330 (median $46,390); Sioux City, IA-NE-SD 1,120 (median $49,600). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  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. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile "Meat, Poultry, and Fish Processing Workers" covers Slaughterers and Meat Packers together with other related occupations, so its text describes the wider group. 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: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  23. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  24. O*NET 51-3023.00 survey of workers (18 respondents), education level they say is required: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) 61%, Less than a High School Diploma 29%, Some College Courses 11% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
  25. O*NET description of Slaughterers and Meat Packers. O*NET OnLine
  26. O*NET task list for Slaughterers and Meat Packers. O*NET OnLine
  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. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  30. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  31. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  32. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of meat, poultry, and fish processing workers in 2025: Animal slaughtering and processing 50%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  33. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  34. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  35. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Injuries and Illnesses. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  36. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  37. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Slaughterers and Meat Packers: 3.9% of workers leave the labor force each year and 6.6% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  38. 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.