Butcher/Meatcutter

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Work Tasks

• Cut large pieces of meat into smaller pieces for stores or people to buy
• Grind meat or prepare it for cooking
• Arrange the meat in store displays
• May work for large companies in cold meatpacking rooms with power machines, or may work in stores behind the counter
• Work with hand and power tools, pieces of beef, chicken, pork, fish and other meat

Salary, Size & Growth

• $30,500 average per year ($14.75 per hour)
• A large occupation (377,500 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow slowly (0.4% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: On-the-job training and a health certificate
• Employers Prefer: A high school diploma and training in meatcutting
• Skills/Courses: Courses in inventory control, meat buying, recordkeeping, and meat and food safety.