Meat Cutting: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Prepared for a career in professional meat processing, this program equips students with the technical expertise and regulatory knowledge needed to excel as licensed butchers in retail, wholesale, and food service environments. Emphasis is placed on precision, safety, and product integrity across all stages of meat handling—from receiving and inspection to cutting, packaging, and display.
- Meat Product Recognition: Learn to identify and evaluate various animal proteins, including beef, veal, lamb, pork, poultry, and specialty items like smoked or cured meats, based on quality, origin, and cut suitability.
- Retail and Wholesale Cutting Techniques: Develop proficiency in both retail-scale and large-volume cutting methods, including the creation of premium and specialty cuts tailored to customer demand and market trends.
- Professional Packaging and Display: Master modern packaging systems and counter presentation strategies that enhance product appeal, extend shelf life, and meet branding and safety standards.
- Food Safety and Sanitation Protocols: Understand critical hygiene practices, contamination prevention, and sanitation procedures essential for maintaining compliance with health regulations and protecting consumer well-being.
- Storage, Rotation, and Inventory Management: Gain hands-on experience with proper cold storage, FIFO (first in, first out) practices, and inventory control to ensure freshness, reduce waste, and maintain operational efficiency.
- Quality Control and Inspection Standards: Learn to assess meat for tenderness, marbling, color, and overall condition, applying industry benchmarks to ensure consistent product excellence.
- Regulatory Compliance and Legal Requirements: Study federal, state, and local laws governing meat handling, labeling, labeling, and licensing, ensuring adherence to legal and ethical industry standards.
- Customer Service and Retail Engagement: Cultivate communication and service skills essential for interacting with customers, offering expert advice, and building trust in a fast-paced retail environment.
Meat Cutting Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Meat Cutting Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Meat Cutting degrees, including Slaughterers and Meat Packers and Butchers and Meat Cutters. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 207,540 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slaughterers and Meat Packers 51-3023 | $39,790 | $31,470 - $49,460 | 67,500 | $19.13 |
| Butchers and Meat Cutters 51-3021 | $38,960 | $28,850 - $57,130 | 140,040 | $18.73 |
Meat Cutting Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $25,090 in West Virginia to $48,240 in Alaska—a 92% difference. The highest-paying states include Alaska, District of Columbia, and Washington. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 207,540 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Meat Cutting by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 12 institutions offering Meat Cutting programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Meat Cutting is found at Bridgerland Technical College (BTECH) (10 graduates), Ridgewater College (9 graduates), Madison Area Technical College (9 graduates), Central Lakes College (CLC), Brainerd (8 graduates), and Eastern Oklahoma State College (EOSC) (6 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 60 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgerland Technical College (BTECH) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
10 | Logan, Utah | Public | btech.edu |
| Ridgewater College |
Other Award
|
9 | Willmar, Minnesota | Public | ridgewater.edu |
| Madison Area Technical College |
Other Award
|
9 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | madisoncollege.edu |
| Central Lakes College (CLC) |
Other Award
|
8 | Brainerd, Minnesota | Public | clcmn.edu |
| Eastern Oklahoma State College (EOSC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
6 | Wilburton, Oklahoma | Public | eosc.edu |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology |
Other Award
|
6 | Elizabethton, Tennessee | Public | tcatelizabethton.edu |
| Hinds Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
4 | Raymond, Mississippi | Public | hindscc.edu |
| Western Dakota Technical College (WDTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
4 | Rapid City, South Dakota | Public | wdt.edu |
| North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Wahpeton, North Dakota | Public | ndscs.edu |
| Walters State Community College (WSCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Morristown, Tennessee | Public | ws.edu |
| Central Wyoming College (CWC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Riverton, Wyoming | Public | cwc.edu |
| GateWay Community College |
Other Award
|
1 | Phoenix, Arizona | Public | gatewaycc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Meat Cutting programs
How much can I earn with a Meat Cutting degree?
Salaries for Meat Cutting graduates vary by role and location. Slaughterers and Meat Packers earn a median of $39,790 annually, while Butchers and Meat Cutters earn around $38,960. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Alaska average $48,240 compared to $25,090 in West Virginia. Approximately 207,540 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Meat Cutting programs?
Currently 12 accredited institutions offer Meat Cutting degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Bridgerland Technical College (BTECH) (10 graduates), Ridgewater College (9 graduates), and Madison Area Technical College (9 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Meat Cutting growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 41 in 2010 to 60 in 2023-24. This represents a 46% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Meat Cutting degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Slaughterers and Meat Packers, Butchers and Meat Cutters, . Related occupations employ approximately 207,540 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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