Meat processor vs meat cutter

The differences between meat processors and meat cutters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a meat cutter has an average salary of $31,200, 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 meat cutter are grinders, food handling, and food safety.

Meat processor vs meat cutter overview

	Meat Processor	Meat Cutter
Yearly salary	$27,794	$31,200
Hourly rate	$13.36	$15.00
Growth rate	-3%	-3%
Number of jobs	13,889	8,732
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 49%	High School Diploma, 51%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	-	4

Meat processor vs meat cutter salary

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

	Meat Processor	Meat Cutter
Average salary	$27,794	$31,200
Salary range	Between $17,000 And $43,000	Between $23,000 And $41,000
Highest paying City	Janesville, WI	Seattle, WA
Highest paying state	West Virginia	Washington
Best paying company	Tyson Foods	Mollie Stone's Markets
Best paying industry	Finance	Retail

Differences between meat processor and meat cutter education

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

	Meat Processor	Meat Cutter
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 49%	High School Diploma, 51%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Meat processor vs meat cutter demographics

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

	Meat Processor	Meat Cutter
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 74.9% Female, 25.1%	Male, 87.3% Female, 12.7%
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, 8.5% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 7.5% White, 63.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between meat processor and meat cutter 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.

Meat cutter example responsibilities.

Manage a high pace cutting room for Kroger.
Manage meat department, purchase all perishables for dept, receive and and rotate product.
Experience with equipment such as, meat saws, slicers, grinders, wrapping machines, and knives.
Demonstrate strong customer service skills and proficient use of the POS systems.
Cut meats, see meats and bones, bagging, wrapped, run seal machine
Follow all rules and regulations of HACCP.

Meat processor vs meat cutter skills

Common meat processor skills

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

Common meat cutter skills

Grinders, 11%
Food Handling, 9%
Food Safety, 9%
Hand Tools, 7%
Customer Service, 7%
Basic Math, 6%

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse production and manufacturing jobs