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Career Profile

Butchers and Meat Cutters

What they do:

Cut, trim, or prepare consumer-sized portions of meat for use or sale in retail establishments.

Also Called:

Butcher, Meat Clerk, Meat Cutter, Meat Specialist, Meat Wrapper, Butcher, Meat Clerk, Meat Cutter, Meat Specialist, Meat Wrapper

CA Employment Data

*State data provided by O*NET & BLS
Compare State Data      Compare Metro Area Data   
$35,470
Starting Salary (2025)
$44,290
Median Salary (2025)
1.0%
Projected Job Growth
18,700
CA Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Prepare special cuts of meat ordered by customers.
Cut, trim, bone, tie, and grind meats, such as beef, pork, poultry, and fish, to prepare in cooking form.
Prepare and place meat cuts and products in display counter to appear attractive and catch the shopper's eye.
Wrap, weigh, label, and price cuts of meat.
Receive, inspect, and store meat upon delivery to ensure meat quality.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Enterprising
Business based Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Dependability
Cooperation
Integrity
Attention to Detail
Self-Control
Initiative

What key skills are needed for this job?

Active Listening
Time Management
Monitoring
Service Orientation
Social Perceptiveness
Speaking

Expected Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Food Production

Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Production and Processing

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Common Activities

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public

Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 2

Some Preparation Needed

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed.

Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • High school diploma 70%
  • Less than high school 20%
  • Some college 7%
  • Post-secondary certificate 2%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Cooks, Restaurant
Food Preparation Workers
Cooks, Short Order

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.