Slaughterers and Meat Packers
Perform nonroutine or precision functions involving the preparation of large portions of meat. Work may include specialized slaughtering tasks, cutting standard or premium cuts of meat for marketing, making sausage, or wrapping meats. Work typically occurs in slaughtering, meat packing, or wholesale establishments.
Common Job Titles
- Boning Room Worker
- Meat Packer
- Meat Processor
- Meat Wrapper
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- Hands-onExecute specialized slaughtering and meat cutting procedures using butcher knives, cleavers, and meat-cutting bandsaws in high-volume processing facilities.Developing
- Hands-onOperate meat processing equipment including grinders, slicers, and packaging machines following safety protocols and production standards in wholesale establishments.Developing
- Hands-onHandle large meat portions and carcasses using hoisting equipment and conveyor systems while maintaining food safety standards.Developing
- KnowledgeExplain food production processes and meat quality standards to team members and supervisors in slaughtering and packing environments.Developing
- KnowledgeCompare meat cuts against quality specifications and grading standards using meat grading probes and visual inspection techniques.Developing
- KnowledgeIdentify standard and premium cuts of meat for marketing purposes in accordance with production and processing requirements.Developing
- KnowledgeExplain regulatory compliance requirements for food safety and public health when working under law and government standards in meat processing facilities.Developing
- Hands-onCalibrate food scales and RFID tracking devices to ensure accurate meat weighing, labeling, and inventory management.Developing
- KnowledgeApply quality control procedures by monitoring processes and inspecting meat products throughout the production line.Developing
- MindsetEngage in safe work practices and sanitation protocols when handling sharp cutting tools and operating machinery under time constraints.Developing
- MindsetParticipate in team coordination and communication with supervisors, peers, and quality control personnel in fast-paced production settings.Developing
- Hands-onPerform basic maintenance on knives, sharpening steels, and cutting equipment to maintain optimal cutting precision and workplace efficiency.Emerging
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Slaughterers and Meat Packers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
67,500
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $31,470. 25th percentile: U.S. $35,940. 50th percentile: U.S. $39,790. 75th percentile: U.S. $45,930. 90th percentile: U.S. $49,460. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $31,470 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $49,460 |
| Workers on average earn | $40,710 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
- Food Production3.4/5
- Production and Processing3.3/5
- English Language3.1/5
- Law and Government2.8/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
Technology Skills
- AccountMate Software AccountMate
- AgInfoLink Meat Inventory Tracking System MITS
- Integrated Management Systems Food Connex Cloud
- Operating system software
- RFID software
- Second Foundation NaviMeat
- Traceability software
Tools & Equipment
- Bacon slicers
- Belt conveyor systems
- Blast chillers
- Butcher knives
- Carcass branding machines
- Casing stuffing machines
- Chop cutting machines
- Cubing machines