Butchers and meat cutters
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$38,960
~$19/hr · ~$3,247/mo
US Jobs
143K
Slower than average
AI & Automation Risk
2/10
Safe
AI & Automation Risk
Safe 2/10
The core of this occupation involves manual dexterity, physical strength, and real-time interaction with physical products in a cold, unpredictable environment. While AI can assist with peripheral tasks like inventory tracking and sales forecasting, the primary duties of cutting, deboning, and handling meat are resistant to digital automation and require specialized robotics rather than AI software.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Joseph, MO-KSBEST VALUE | $49,520 | Below avg (87.6) | $56,537 |
| Watertown-Fort Drum, NY | $48,320 | Below avg (90.9) | $53,131 |
| Fairbanks-College, AK | $53,480 | Average (101.2) | $52,846 |
| Utica-Rome, NY | $48,560 | Below avg (92.7) | $52,364 |
| Kahului-Wailuku, HI | $55,170 | Above avg (107.2) | $51,468 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA | $55,180 | Above avg (107.4) | $51,368 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $57,870 | Above avg (112.7) | $51,335 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY | $48,020 | Below avg (94.9) | $50,589 |
| Dover, DE | $46,280 | Below avg (91.9) | $50,344 |
| Pittsfield, MA | $46,800 | Below avg (93.5) | $50,046 |
| Billings, MT | $45,140 | Below avg (90.3) | $49,961 |
| Fond du Lac, WI | $46,160 | Below avg (93.0) | $49,647 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | $44,240 | Below avg (89.1) | $49,633 |
| Springfield, MA | $48,430 | Average (98.1) | $49,384 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $48,430 | Average (98.1) | $49,361 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
No formal educational credential
10-Year Growth
+1% (Slower than average)
Hourly Rate
~$19/hr
Monthly Income
~$3,247/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)