How much does a Meat Cutter make?
A meat cutter plays a vital role in the grocery and food service industries. They prepare and package meat for customers. The average yearly salary for a meat cutter is around $38,401. This salary can vary based on experience, location, and the type of employer. For instance, those working in larger cities or high-end grocery stores may earn more.
The salary range can also differ significantly. The lowest-paid meat cutters earn about $26,000 per year. On the other end, the highest-paid meat cutters can make up to $53,880 annually. This range shows that there are opportunities for growth and higher earnings with more experience and skills. Meat cutters who take on additional responsibilities, such as managing a team or learning new butchering techniques, often find themselves in the higher salary brackets.
What are the highest paying cities for a Meat Cutter?

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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $47,184
In Seattle, you can find work in grocery stores like Fred Meyer and QFC. The city's diverse food scene offers many opportunities to learn and grow. Seattle's mild climate makes for a comfortable work environment.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $47,109
San Francisco boasts a vibrant food culture. Working in places like Whole Foods and local butcher shops, you can enjoy a variety of culinary experiences. The city's tech-savvy environment brings innovation to food retail.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $46,486
Sacramento offers a mix of urban and rural settings. Companies like Raley's and local grocery stores provide steady work. The city's growing food industry offers many opportunities for career advancement.
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Honolulu, HI
Average Salary: $45,362
Honolulu's tropical climate makes for a pleasant work environment. Working in stores like Foodland and local markets, you can enjoy a variety of fresh ingredients. The city's diverse culture adds to the unique work experience.
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Kansas City, MO
Average Salary: $44,998
Kansas City is known for its barbecue. Working in places like Kroger and local butcher shops, you can learn about the city's famous cuisine. The city's strong community ties create a supportive work environment.
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Buffalo, NY
Average Salary: $44,852
Buffalo offers a mix of urban and suburban settings. Working in stores like Wegmans and local markets, you can enjoy a variety of fresh products. The city's strong food culture provides many opportunities for growth.
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St. Louis, MO
Average Salary: $44,474
St. Louis is known for its love of barbecue. Working in places like Schnucks and local butcher shops, you can learn about the city's famous cuisine. The city's diverse food scene offers many opportunities for career advancement.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $44,099
Santa Rosa offers a mix of rural and urban settings. Working in places like Safeway and local grocery stores, you can enjoy a variety of fresh ingredients. The city's growing food industry provides many opportunities for growth.
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Riverside, CA
Average Salary: $43,481
Riverside offers a mix of urban and suburban settings. Working in places like Ralphs and local grocery stores, you can enjoy a variety of fresh products. The city's strong food culture provides many opportunities for career advancement.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $43,273
San Jose boasts a vibrant food scene. Working in places like Trader Joe's and local butcher shops, you can enjoy a variety of culinary experiences. The city's tech-savvy environment brings innovation to food retail.
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What are the best companies a Meat Cutter can work for?

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Mollie Stone's Markets
Average Salary: $56,007
Mollie Stone's Markets offers competitive salaries for Meat Cutter jobs. They operate in California, providing opportunities in various locations. Employees enjoy a supportive work environment and the chance to work with high-quality products.
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Wakefern Food Corporation
Average Salary: $55,054
Wakefern Food Corporation provides good pay for Meat Cutter positions. They have stores across New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Employees benefit from a family-friendly atmosphere and opportunities for career growth.
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Raley's / Bel Air / Nob Hill
Average Salary: $52,770
Raley's, including Bel Air and Nob Hill, offers attractive salaries for Meat Cutter jobs. They operate in California, providing a variety of locations for job seekers. Employees enjoy a positive work culture and the chance to work with fresh, local products.
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Costco Wholesale
Average Salary: $51,432
Costco Wholesale offers competitive pay for Meat Cutter roles. They have stores across the United States, providing many opportunities. Employees benefit from a strong company culture and the chance to work with a wide range of products.
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The Save Mart Companies
Average Salary: $49,785
The Save Mart Companies provide good salaries for Meat Cutter jobs. They operate in California, offering various locations. Employees enjoy a supportive work environment and the chance to work with quality products.
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Whole Foods Market
Average Salary: $47,352
Whole Foods Market offers attractive salaries for Meat Cutter positions. They have stores across the United States, providing many opportunities. Employees benefit from a positive work culture and the chance to work with fresh, organic products.
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Masis Staffing Solutions
Average Salary: $46,818
Masis Staffing Solutions offers competitive pay for Meat Cutter jobs. They have placements in various locations, providing flexibility. Employees benefit from a supportive work environment and the chance to work with different companies.
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Nugget Market
Average Salary: $45,889
Nugget Market offers good salaries for Meat Cutter roles. They operate in California, providing various locations. Employees enjoy a positive work culture and the chance to work with fresh, local products.
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Bristol Farms
Average Salary: $45,419
Bristol Farms provides competitive pay for Meat Cutter jobs. They operate in California, offering various locations. Employees benefit from a supportive work environment and the chance to work with quality products.
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Quality Food Centers (QFC)
Average Salary: $45,351
Quality Food Centers (QFC) offers attractive salaries for Meat Cutter positions. They have stores across Washington and Oregon, providing many opportunities. Employees enjoy a positive work culture and the chance to work with fresh, local products.
How to earn more as a Meat Cutter?
A Meat Cutter can increase earnings by focusing on several key areas. First, gaining experience and expertise in meat cutting can lead to higher pay. Skilled Meat Cutters can take on more complex tasks, such as preparing specialty cuts or processing larger quantities of meat. This expertise often results in higher wages.
Second, obtaining certifications can boost earnings. Certifications from recognized organizations demonstrate a Meat Cutter's proficiency and dedication to the craft. Employers may offer higher salaries to certified professionals. Third, working in high-demand areas or during peak times can lead to more hours and higher pay. This includes busy periods like holidays or weekends when meat sales typically increase. Fourth, seeking promotions to supervisory roles can also increase income. Managers and supervisors often earn more than entry-level Meat Cutters. Lastly, exploring opportunities in higher-end grocery stores or specialty meat shops can lead to better pay. These establishments often offer higher wages to attract skilled Meat Cutters.
By focusing on these factors, Meat Cutters can enhance their earning potential and advance their careers.
- Gain experience and expertise
- Obtain certifications
- Work in high-demand areas or during peak times
- Seek promotions to supervisory roles
- Explore opportunities in higher-end grocery stores or specialty meat shops