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.