Meat Cutter Salaries

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
Position
Salary

How much does a Meat Cutter make?

The average salary for a Meat Cutter is $37,384 per year in the US.

A Meat Cutter plays a vital role in grocery stores and supermarkets. They prepare and package meat for customers. This job requires attention to detail and the ability to work quickly and efficiently. The average salary for a Meat Cutter is around $37,384 per year. This can vary based on experience and location.

Meat Cutters often start with a lower salary. With more experience, they can earn more. Here are some average salaries for different experience levels:

  • Entry-level: $25,700
  • Mid-level: $32,120
  • Senior-level: $49,240

View Meat Cutter jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Meat Cutter?

Meat cutters can find some of the best pay in cities like San Francisco, Seattle, and Honolulu. These cities offer higher wages due to the cost of living and local demand. Job seekers should consider these locations for better earning potential.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Meat Cutter jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $47,218 and Grand Rapids, MI with the lowest at $42,105.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $47,218
    In San Francisco, a city known for its diverse food scene, you can find many opportunities to work in the meat industry. With prominent companies like Whole Foods and local butcher shops, you can gain valuable experience. The city's vibrant culture and high demand for fresh, quality meat make it a great place to start or advance your career.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $46,211
    Seattle offers a unique blend of urban and natural environments, making it an exciting place to work as a meat cutter. With companies like Costco and local markets, you can find steady employment. The city's love for fresh, local produce means there is always a need for skilled meat cutters.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. Honolulu, HI
    Average Salary: $44,449
    In Honolulu, the demand for fresh meat is high, especially in the tourism industry. Working at places like local grocery stores or hotels can provide a steady income. The city's diverse food culture offers many opportunities to learn and grow in your career.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Honolulu, HI


  4. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $44,085
    Sacramento, the capital of California, has a growing market for fresh meat. With companies like Safeway and local butcher shops, you can find good job opportunities. The city's expanding food industry means there are plenty of chances to advance your skills and career.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Sacramento, CA


  5. Buffalo, NY
    Average Salary: $43,740
    Buffalo is famous for its love of meat, especially in the form of wings and burgers. Working at local markets or restaurants can offer a rewarding experience. The city's strong food culture provides many opportunities to learn and grow in your career.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Buffalo, NY


  6. Reno, NV
    Average Salary: $43,351
    Reno offers a mix of urban and outdoor lifestyles, making it a great place to work in the meat industry. With companies like Smith's and local butcher shops, you can find steady employment. The city's growing food scene means there are plenty of opportunities to advance your career.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Reno, NV


  7. Riverside, CA
    Average Salary: $43,340
    Riverside provides a warm climate and a growing food industry, making it an ideal place to work as a meat cutter. With companies like Vons and local markets, you can find good job opportunities. The city's expanding food culture offers many chances to learn and grow in your career.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Riverside, CA


  8. Kansas City, MO
    Average Salary: $43,281
    Kansas City is famous for its barbecue and love of meat. Working at local restaurants or markets can offer a rewarding experience. The city's strong food culture provides many opportunities to advance your skills and career.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Kansas City, MO


  9. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $42,202
    San Jose, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, offers a mix of tech and food industries. With companies like Trader Joe's and local butcher shops, you can find good job opportunities. The city's diverse food scene means there are plenty of chances to learn and grow in your career.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in San Jose, CA


  10. Grand Rapids, MI
    Average Salary: $42,105
    Grand Rapids offers a mix of urban and natural environments, making it an exciting place to work in the meat industry. With companies like Meijer and local markets, you can find steady employment. The city's strong food culture provides many opportunities to advance your skills and career.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Grand Rapids, MI

What are the best companies a Meat Cutter can work for?

Meat cutters can find top-paying jobs at Mollie Stone's Markets, with an average salary of $55,673. Raley's / Bel Air / Nob Hill offers a competitive salary of $51,942. Wakefern Food Corporation also provides a good salary of $51,581. These companies value skilled meat cutters and offer attractive compensation packages. Job seekers should consider these employers for better pay and career growth.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Meat Cutter jobs, highlighting Mollie Stone's Markets with the highest at $55,673 and Quality Food Centers (QFC) with the lowest at $45,016.
  1. Mollie Stone's Markets
    Average Salary: $55,673
    Mollie Stone's Markets offers competitive salaries for Meat Cutters. They operate in California, providing opportunities in various locations. Their focus on quality and customer service makes it a great place to work.


  2. Raley's / Bel Air / Nob Hill
    Average Salary: $51,942
    Raley's, including Bel Air and Nob Hill, offers Meat Cutter positions with a solid average salary. They serve customers in California, emphasizing a friendly and professional work environment.


  3. Wakefern Food Corporation
    Average Salary: $51,581
    Wakefern Food Corporation provides Meat Cutter jobs with a good average salary. They operate in the Northeast, offering a variety of locations for potential employment.


  4. Costco Wholesale
    Average Salary: $49,153
    Costco Wholesale offers Meat Cutter positions with a competitive salary. They have locations across the United States, providing a dynamic and rewarding work experience.


  5. The Save Mart Companies
    Average Salary: $49,133
    The Save Mart Companies provide Meat Cutter jobs with a solid average salary. They operate in California, offering a range of locations for job seekers.


  6. Whole Foods Market
    Average Salary: $46,682
    Whole Foods Market offers Meat Cutter positions with a good average salary. They have locations nationwide, focusing on quality and sustainability.


  7. Tops Friendly Markets
    Average Salary: $46,575
    Tops Friendly Markets provides Meat Cutter jobs with a competitive salary. They operate in the Northeast, offering a variety of locations for potential employment.


  8. Nugget Market
    Average Salary: $46,048
    Nugget Market offers Meat Cutter positions with a solid average salary. They serve customers in the West, providing a friendly and professional work environment.


  9. Bristol Farms
    Average Salary: $45,704
    Bristol Farms provides Meat Cutter jobs with a good average salary. They operate in California, offering a range of locations for job seekers.


  10. Quality Food Centers (QFC)
    Average Salary: $45,016
    Quality Food Centers (QFC) offers Meat Cutter positions with a competitive salary. They serve customers in the Northwest, providing a dynamic and rewarding work experience.

How to earn more as a Meat Cutter?

A meat cutter can find many ways to increase their earnings. This skilled profession involves more than just slicing meat. It requires attention to detail, speed, and knowledge of different cuts. By focusing on certain areas, a meat cutter can boost their income.

First, gaining experience is key. The more time a meat cutter spends in the industry, the better they become. Experienced cutters can work faster and with more precision. This leads to higher productivity and more sales. Second, learning to use advanced tools and equipment can make a big difference. Machines that slice and portion meat quickly can help a cutter handle more work. Third, mastering the art of presentation can attract more customers. Cutting meat into attractive shapes and sizes can make products more appealing. Fourth, developing strong customer service skills can lead to repeat business. Friendly and helpful interactions can turn customers into loyal clients. Lastly, seeking opportunities for advancement can open up higher-paying positions. Moving into roles like supervisor or manager can lead to significant pay increases.

By focusing on these areas, a meat cutter can improve their skills and increase their earnings. Each step taken towards mastery and efficiency can lead to better opportunities and higher pay.

  1. Gain experience to improve speed and precision.
  2. Learn to use advanced tools and equipment.
  3. Master the art of presentation to attract customers.
  4. Develop strong customer service skills.
  5. Seek opportunities for advancement into higher-paying roles.

Currently 1,456 Meat Cutter job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Meat Cutter in the US?

Learn what a Meat Cutter does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Meat Cutter today.
Position
Overview
Meat Cutter
1,456 Job Openings