Meatcutters and Meat Packers

Earnings for meatcutters vary according to location and whether or not they are members of a union. Union meatcutters generally earn higher salaries than workers who are not members of a union. Wages paid to salaried employees also vary widely depending on the size of the company and the region where a company is based. Meatcutters who work in urban areas are paid more than those in smaller cities. Beginning apprentices usually earn between 60 percent and 70 percent of an experienced cutter's wage, then receive increases every six months until they reach the rank of journeyworkers and earn full pay.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), butchers and meatcutters had median annual earnings of $37,650 in May 2023. The highest paid 10 percent earned $54,600 or more annually, while the lowest paid 10 percent earned less than $27,500. Butchers and meatcutters employed in retail stores earn more than those who work in manufacturing. Cutters and trimmers typically earn lower salaries than butchers and meatcutters.

Wages paid to slaughterers and meatpackers vary depending on the nature of the job performed and the geographic region where plants are located. According to the DOL, median annual earnings for slaughterers and meatpackers were $38,160 in May 2023. Salaries ranged from less than $30,450 to more than $47,120.

Most production workers are paid by the hour or the week, and most work a 40-hour week. Overtime is generally available, and can significantly increase a worker's annual income; in addition to time and a half for overtime, workers also receive double pay for working on Sundays and on holidays.

Meatpacking workers who are members of a union generally receive good fringe benefits, including paid vacations, sick leave, pension plans, paid holidays, and life and health insurance. These benefits may depend on the union contract in effect at the plant. Benefits can vary greatly for nonunion workers.