Meat processor vs meat packer

The differences between meat processors and meat packers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a meat packer has an average salary of $28,599, 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 packer are pallets, OSHA, and safety regulations.

Meat processor vs meat packer overview

	Meat Processor	Meat Packer
Yearly salary	$27,794	$28,599
Hourly rate	$13.36	$13.75
Growth rate	-3%	6%
Number of jobs	13,889	23,725
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 49%	High School Diploma, 60%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	-	-

Meat processor vs meat packer salary

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

	Meat Processor	Meat Packer
Average salary	$27,794	$28,599
Salary range	Between $17,000 And $43,000	Between $23,000 And $35,000
Highest paying City	Janesville, WI	Denver, CO
Highest paying state	West Virginia	Colorado
Best paying company	Tyson Foods	US Foods
Best paying industry	Finance	Finance

Differences between meat processor and meat packer education

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

	Meat Processor	Meat Packer
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 49%	High School Diploma, 60%
Most common major	Business	General Studies
Most common college	-	-

Meat processor vs meat packer demographics

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

	Meat Processor	Meat Packer
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 74.9% Female, 25.1%	Male, 61.0% Female, 39.0%
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, 7.9% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 6.2% White, 62.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between meat processor and meat packer 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 packer example responsibilities.

Pack meat products an run packing machines
Pack meats in the various containers, run a meat grinder.
Maintain FDA regulations by keeping meat slicing utensils, tables, and floors sanitize.
Implement safety techniques according to FDA regulations and attend regular safety meetings to ensure all safety techniques are properly implement.
Attach burners on the top castings with clips.

Meat processor vs meat packer 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 packer skills

Pallets, 22%
OSHA, 14%
Safety Regulations, 14%
Assembly Line, 8%
Safety Standards, 7%
USDA, 6%

Updated January 8, 2025

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