Meat processor vs butcher

The differences between meat processors and butchers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a butcher has an average salary of $32,047, which is higher than the $27,794 average annual salary of a meat processor.

The top three skills for a meat processor include food safety, customer service and safety standards. The most important skills for a butcher are food safety, culinary, and safety standards.

Meat processor vs butcher overview

	Meat Processor	Butcher
Yearly salary	$27,794	$32,047
Hourly rate	$13.36	$15.41
Growth rate	-3%	-3%
Number of jobs	13,889	6,871
Job satisfaction	-	4
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 49%	High School Diploma, 42%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	-	4

Meat processor vs butcher salary

Meat processors and butchers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Meat Processor	Butcher
Average salary	$27,794	$32,047
Salary range	Between $17,000 And $43,000	Between $25,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City	Janesville, WI	Boston, MA
Highest paying state	West Virginia	Massachusetts
Best paying company	Tyson Foods	Omaha Steaks
Best paying industry	Finance	Finance

Differences between meat processor and butcher education

There are a few differences between a meat processor and a butcher in terms of educational background:

	Meat Processor	Butcher
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 49%	High School Diploma, 42%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Meat processor vs butcher demographics

Here are the differences between meat processors' and butchers' demographics:

	Meat Processor	Butcher
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 74.9% Female, 25.1%	Male, 88.0% Female, 12.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.4% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 6.6% White, 64.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%	Black or African American, 7.6% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 19.5% Asian, 6.6% White, 61.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between meat processor and butcher duties and responsibilities

Meat processor example responsibilities.

Manage the project schedule and design the PowerPoint presentation.
Follow all USDA rules and regulations for meat processing.
Prepare and inspect production rooms for cleanliness to meet USDA approval.
Trim and slice beef and pork product using butcher knives and commercial meat slicers.
Ensure all areas are maintained and a sanitary condition to eliminate potential food borne diseases per OSHA mandate guidelines.
Work directly with mortgage lenders and foreclosure attorneys to negotiate timely and cost effective repayment plans or modifications for delinquent loans.

Butcher example responsibilities.

Coordinate in processing beef and fish to prepare meat in cooking form.
Carve bone-in or boneless cuts of meat with the use of knives, slicers, power cutters and band saws.
Handle cutting meats such as chicken, steak, pork, etc.
Maintain smokers for sausage, bacon and jerky.
Perform daily tasks of helping customers with their groceries.
Maintain USDA regulations require for the proper handling and sanitary conditions.

Meat processor vs butcher skills

Common meat processor skills

Food Safety, 16%
Customer Service, 12%
Safety Standards, 10%
Sales Floor, 8%
Assembly Line, 7%
Fresh Meat, 5%

Common butcher skills

Food Safety, 14%
Culinary, 12%
Safety Standards, 11%
Food Preparation, 10%
Sanitation Standards, 9%
Food Products, 4%

Updated January 8, 2025

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