Slaughterers and meat packers
SOC Code: 51-3023Also known as:
Animal Killer, Animal Sticker, Animal Stunner, Beef Killer, Beef Splitter
Median Annual Salary
$39,790
+2.2% growth (2024-2034)
8K
Openings/Year
70K
Current Jobs
What Slaughterers and meat packers Do
Perform nonroutine or precision functions involving the preparation of large portions of meat. Work may include specialized slaughtering tasks, cutting standard or premium cuts of meat for marketing, making sausage, or wrapping meats. Work typically occurs in slaughtering, meat packing, or wholesale establishments.
💰 Salary
$39,790
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+2.2%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
8K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
69,600
Projected Employment (2034)
71,200
Related Careers
Food preparation workers
$34,220 •
-3.4% growth
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
Meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers
$37,700 •
+5.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Speaking
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Social Perceptiveness
Monitoring
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Slaughterers and meat packers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a slaughterers and meat packers:
Meat Cutting/Meat Cutter
60 degrees awarded •
12 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Slaughterers and meat packers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become slaughterers and meat packers.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Elizabethton | Elizabethton, TN | 6 | B |
| 2 | Bridgerland Technical College | Logan, UT | 10 | C+ |
| 3 | Madison Area Technical College | Madison, WI | 9 | C+ |
| 4 | Western Dakota Technical College | Rapid City, SD | 4 | C+ |
| 5 | Hinds Community College | Raymond, MS | 4 | C+ |
| 6 | Central Wyoming College | Riverton, WY | 1 | C+ |
| 7 | North Dakota State College of Science | Wahpeton, ND | 1 | C+ |
| 8 | Ridgewater College | Willmar, MN | 9 | C |
| 9 | Central Lakes College-Brainerd | Brainerd, MN | 8 | C |
| 10 | Eastern Oklahoma State College | Wilburton, OK | 6 | C |
| 11 | Walters State Community College | Morristown, TN | 1 | C |
| 12 | GateWay Community College-Central City | Phoenix, AZ | 1 | C |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do slaughterers and meat packers make?
The median annual salary for slaughterers and meat packers is $39,790.
What education do slaughterers and meat packers need?
Most slaughterers and meat packers positions require a no formal educational credential.
Common degree programs include Meat Cutting/Meat Cutter.
Is becoming slaughterers and meat packers a good career choice?
Slaughterers and meat packers is projected to see +2.2% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 8,400 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for slaughterers and meat packers?
Top colleges for aspiring slaughterers and meat packers include
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Elizabethton, Bridgerland Technical College, Madison Area Technical College, Western Dakota Technical College, Hinds Community College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to slaughterers and meat packers?
Slaughterers and meat packers may also be known as: Animal Killer, Animal Sticker, Animal Stunner, Beef Killer, Beef Splitter, Bitter, Boning Room Worker, Brainer, Butcher, Cattle Killer, Cold Storage Worker, Deboner, Halal Meat Packer, Hog Killer, Hog Slaughterer, Hog Sticker, Live Hanger, Livestock Slaughterer, Meat Associate, Meat Clerk.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.