How much does a Meat Cutter make?
Meat cutters earn a respectable living in the food industry. On average, they make about $41,068 a year. This job involves cutting meat and trimming off fat to prepare it for sale. It can be physically demanding, but many find it rewarding.
The earnings of meat cutters can vary based on experience and location. Here is a look at how salaries can range:
- The lowest 10% earn around $26,102.
- The next 10% earn up to $29,133.
- After that, earnings increase to $32,164 for the 20th percentile.
- As experience grows, so do the salaries, reaching up to $59,440 for the highest 10%.
What are the highest paying cities for a Meat Cutter?

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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $48,370
In Sacramento, this role offers a great chance to work in bustling markets and grocery stores. Companies like Raley's and Food 4 Less provide ample opportunities for career growth.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $48,367
Seattle's diverse market scene makes it an exciting place to work as a meat cutter. Stores like Costco and Haggen give access to top-quality training and advancement.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $46,615
Santa Rosa offers a chance to work in scenic locations with a community focus. Businesses such as Smith's Food and Drug provide a welcoming environment.
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Honolulu, HI
Average Salary: $46,111
In Honolulu, this job combines the beauty of Hawaii with the chance to work in local markets. Companies like Longs Drugs offer a unique work experience.
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St. Louis, MO
Average Salary: $45,245
St. Louis provides a rich cultural backdrop for this career. With companies like Schnucks, job seekers will find a supportive work environment.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $45,089
San Francisco's vibrant food scene makes this job exciting. Working at places like Safeway offers great opportunities to connect with the community.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $44,831
San Jose's tech-driven culture brings innovation to this role. Companies like Albertsons offer a modern setting to develop new skills.
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Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $44,795
Stockton offers a friendly, community-focused work environment. Stores such as Vons provide a solid foundation for career growth.
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Buffalo, NY
Average Salary: $44,510
Buffalo's strong food culture makes this job rewarding. Companies like Wegmans offer a professional setting for development.
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Reno, NV
Average Salary: $44,057
Reno's growing market scene provides a dynamic work environment. Companies such as Smith's Food and Drug offer great opportunities for growth.
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What are the best companies a Meat Cutter can work for?

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Wakefern Food Corporation
Average Salary: $56,363
Wakefern Food Corporation is a well-known grocery chain with multiple locations across New Jersey. They offer competitive salaries and benefits for Meat Cutters. Positions are available in various supermarkets under their brands.
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Raley's / Bel Air / Nob Hill
Average Salary: $55,568
Raley's operates several stores in Northern and Central California. Bel Air and Nob Hill are part of this group. Meat Cutters here enjoy a good work environment and reasonable pay.
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Whole Foods Market
Average Salary: $51,227
Whole Foods Market is a popular grocery chain known for its high standards. Meat Cutters at Whole Foods earn a competitive salary. Stores are located in many cities across the U.S.
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The Save Mart Companies
Average Salary: $50,303
The Save Mart Companies operates Save Mart Supermarkets and Lucky Supermarkets in California and Nevada. Meat Cutters here benefit from a supportive work culture and good compensation.
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Town and Country foods
Average Salary: $48,727
Town and Country Foods is a family-owned grocery chain in the Midwest. They provide stable employment for Meat Cutters. Their stores are located in Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota.
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WinCo Foods
Average Salary: $46,760
WinCo Foods is a popular grocery chain with stores in the Northwest and California. They offer a fair salary to their Meat Cutters. Employees enjoy a positive work environment.
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Bristol Farms
Average Salary: $46,622
Bristol Farms operates in Southern California. Meat Cutters here work in a well-respected company with good pay. The company values employee satisfaction.
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Quality Food Centers (QFC)
Average Salary: $46,205
Quality Food Centers (QFC) has stores in Washington and Oregon. Meat Cutters here benefit from a supportive workplace and competitive salaries. The company focuses on customer service.
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New Seasons Market
Average Salary: $45,772
New Seasons Market is a local favorite in Oregon. Meat Cutters here earn a decent salary. The company promotes a healthy work-life balance and community involvement.
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Fred Meyer
Average Salary: $45,586
Fred Meyer is a well-known grocery chain in the Northwest. Meat Cutters here receive a solid salary. The company offers various opportunities for career growth and development.
How to earn more as a Meat Cutter?
Earning more as a meat cutter involves several key strategies. Focusing on these areas can lead to better opportunities and higher pay. Prioritize gaining experience in different areas of meat cutting to become a versatile worker. This skill set can make job seekers more valuable. Build strong relationships with customers and colleagues. A friendly demeanor and ability to work well with others can create a positive work environment. This can lead to more job opportunities and higher salaries.
Pursuing additional certifications can also increase earning potential. Certifications from recognized organizations can demonstrate a higher level of skill and knowledge. This can make job seekers more attractive to employers. Seeking roles in higher-end grocery stores or specialty meat shops can offer better pay. These places often need skilled meat cutters who can handle premium products. Continuous learning and staying updated on industry trends will keep job seekers competitive. This approach can lead to promotions and better-paying positions.
Gaining experience and expertise will open doors to higher-paying jobs. Here are five factors to consider:
- Gain experience in various meat cutting techniques
- Build strong customer service skills
- Get additional certifications
- Seek employment at higher-end stores
- Stay updated with industry trends



