Meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers
SOC Code: 51-3022Also known as:
Abalone Processor, Animal Eviscerator, Animal Skinner, Animal Sticker, Bacon Derinder
Median Annual Salary
$37,700
+5.5% growth (2024-2034)
18K
Openings/Year
147K
Current Jobs
What Meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers Do
Use hands or hand tools to perform routine cutting and trimming of meat, poultry, and seafood.
💰 Salary
$37,700
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+5.5%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
18K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
146,800
Projected Employment (2034)
154,900
Related Careers
Graders and sorters, agricultural products
$35,430 •
-5.4% growth
Farmworkers, farm, ranch, and aquacultural animals
$36,150 •
-5.0% growth
Butchers and meat cutters
$38,960 •
+1.0% growth
Slaughterers and meat packers
$39,790 •
+2.2% growth
Packers and packagers, hand
$35,580 •
-5.4% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Judgment and Decision Making
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Use knives, cleavers, meat saws, bandsaws, or other equipment to perform meat cutting and trimming.
- Weigh meats and tag containers for weight and contents.
- Inspect meat products for defects, bruises or blemishes and remove them along with any excess fat.
- Cut and trim meat to prepare for packing.
- Separate meats and byproducts into specified containers and seal containers.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Less than High School
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers make?
The median annual salary for meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers is $37,700.
What education do meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers need?
Most meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers positions require a no formal educational credential.
Is becoming meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers a good career choice?
Meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers is projected to see +5.5% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 18,400 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers?
Meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers may also be known as: Abalone Processor, Animal Eviscerator, Animal Skinner, Animal Sticker, Bacon Derinder, Bacon Skin Lifter, Bacon Skinner, Bacon Slicer, Beef Boner, Beef Breaker, Beef Skinner, Beef Trimmer, Bladder Blower, Bladder Cleaner, Bladder Tier, Boner, Boston Cutter, Breast Puller, Breast Splitter, Breast Trimmer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.