Meatcutters and Meat Packers

Employment of slaughterers and meat packers is expected to grow slower than the average for all careers through 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The growing practice of central cutting—that is, the butchering and wrapping of meat in one location such as a meatpacking plant for distribution to other outlets is a trend that will effect employment for meatcutters. Central cutting increases efficiency by permitting cutters to specialize in certain types of meats and cuts. The trend of delivering prepackaged meat to wholesalers and retailers will result in fewer employment opportunities for meatcutters at the retail level. Additionally all of the jobs at a central cutting plant can be performed by semi-skilled workers, rather than journeyworker meatcutters.