How much does a Meat Cutter make?
Meat cutters play a crucial role in grocery stores and butcher shops. They earn an average yearly salary of $40,381. This job often pays between $26,150 and $58,340 each year. This range allows meat cutters to find a salary that matches their experience and skills.
Becoming a meat cutter can lead to good earnings. People with more experience can earn higher salaries. The higher the salary percentile, the more experienced the meat cutter usually is. For example, those in the 90th percentile earn a salary around $58,340 per year. This indicates a rewarding career path for those willing to gain more experience and skills.
What are the highest paying cities for a Meat Cutter?

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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $47,960
In Seattle, you will find a variety of grocery stores and butcher shops looking for skilled professionals. Companies like Costco and Haggen provide great opportunities. The demand for quality cuts keeps the job dynamic and rewarding.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $47,803
Sacramento offers a stable environment for those in the meat industry. With many local grocery stores and markets, there are plenty of openings. Companies such as Vons and Safeway provide a good chance to grow your skills.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $46,598
Santa Rosa has a rich tradition in meat processing. This city's many local butcheries need skilled workers. Positions at businesses like Albertsons and Save Mart allow for both experience and career growth.
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Honolulu, HI
Average Salary: $46,322
Honolulu provides a unique market for meat professionals. The local climate and diverse population create a high demand for fresh meat. Companies such as Foodland and Safeway offer excellent opportunities in this vibrant city.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $46,024
San Francisco's bustling market scene offers many jobs for those in the meat industry. Notable businesses like Whole Foods and Trader Joe's need skilled hands. The city's emphasis on quality makes for a rewarding career.
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St. Louis, MO
Average Salary: $45,370
St. Louis boasts a strong tradition in meat cutting. With many local grocery chains, there are ample opportunities. Schnucks and Dierbergs are looking for professionals who can deliver high-quality cuts.
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Buffalo, NY
Average Salary: $44,807
Buffalo's meat industry is vibrant and growing. Local markets and grocery stores need skilled workers. Companies like Wegmans and Tops offer good job prospects and a chance to excel in your field.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $44,616
San Jose offers a dynamic environment for meat professionals. The tech-driven city also has a strong market for fresh produce. Companies like Lucky Supermarkets and Safeway provide many openings.
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Kansas City, MO
Average Salary: $44,412
Kansas City has a rich history in meat production. The city's grocery stores need skilled workers. Companies such as HEB and Walmart offer many opportunities for growth and stability.
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Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $44,264
Stockton provides a strong market for meat professionals. Local grocery chains need skilled workers. Companies like Raley's and Smith's offer many job opportunities in this growing city.
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What are the best companies a Meat Cutter can work for?

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Wakefern Food Corporation
Average Salary: $56,259
Wakefern Food Corporation offers Meat Cutter jobs with competitive pay. They operate numerous stores across multiple locations in the Northeast. Their commitment to employee well-being makes them a top choice for job seekers.
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Raley's / Bel Air / Nob Hill
Average Salary: $55,568
Raley's, including Bel Air and Nob Hill, provides Meat Cutter positions with attractive salaries. These companies have a strong presence in California. They are known for their quality products and employee benefits.
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The Save Mart Companies
Average Salary: $52,006
The Save Mart Companies offer Meat Cutter jobs with good compensation. They operate in California and Nevada. Their focus on customer service and employee satisfaction makes them a great place to work.
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Whole Foods Market
Average Salary: $51,673
Whole Foods Market pays well for Meat Cutter positions. They have stores across the United States. Job seekers appreciate the company’s dedication to quality and healthy living.
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Town and Country foods
Average Salary: $48,727
Town and Country foods offer Meat Cutter jobs with a solid average salary. They operate in the Northwest. Their commitment to community and quality products makes them a respected employer.
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Nugget Market
Average Salary: $46,167
Nugget Market provides Meat Cutter positions with fair compensation. They have locations in the Western United States. Job seekers value the company’s focus on employee development and customer service.
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Bristol Farms
Average Salary: $45,683
Bristol Farms offers Meat Cutter jobs with a competitive salary. They are based in Southern California. Their dedication to quality and employee satisfaction makes them a favorable employer.
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Quality Food Centers (QFC)
Average Salary: $45,395
Quality Food Centers (QFC) provides Meat Cutter positions with a reasonable salary. They operate in the Northwest. Job seekers appreciate the company’s focus on quality products and employee benefits.
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WinCo Foods
Average Salary: $45,116
WinCo Foods offers Meat Cutter jobs with an average salary. They have stores across the West Coast. Their commitment to low prices and employee satisfaction is well-regarded.
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Fred Meyer
Average Salary: $45,001
Fred Meyer provides Meat Cutter positions with a decent salary. They operate in the Western United States. Job seekers value the company’s focus on quality products and employee support.
How to earn more as a Meat Cutter?
A skilled meat cutter can find various paths to increase their earnings. By focusing on a few key areas, it is possible to advance in this field and earn more. Each aspect plays a role in building a strong and rewarding career.
First, gaining more certifications can lead to higher wages. For example, obtaining a Certified Meat Cutter (CMC) credential can make a meat cutter more valuable to employers. It demonstrates a high level of skill and knowledge. Some employers may offer higher pay for these certified professionals. Networking with other certified meat cutters can also open up better job opportunities. Attending workshops and training sessions will help maintain these credentials.
Second, taking on extra responsibilities can lead to a raise. Meat cutters who show they can manage more tasks often get a higher salary. This may include training new workers, managing inventory, or overseeing operations. Stepping up to these roles shows dedication and reliability, which can impress managers. Another way to earn more is by working in different shifts, including evenings, weekends, or holidays, when possible. Being flexible can lead to higher pay rates.
Here are some factors that can help increase earnings:
- Obtain certifications to boost skills and knowledge.
- Take on extra responsibilities in the workplace.
- Network with other professionals to find better job opportunities.
- Attend workshops and training sessions to maintain certifications.
- Work flexible shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.



