Shigoto Zukan
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How to become slaughterers and meat packerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$40,130
25th–75th pct. $36,150–$46,870
Top pay (est.)
$66,400
Top 10% $51,090
Pay in 5 years
$46,600est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$54,200est.
$46,600–$62,900
Outlook score
46/100
★★☆☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
31%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
+2.0%
7,700 openings / yr

How to become slaughterers and meat packers

Typical education
No formal educational credential
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Slaughterers and Meat Packers

Key skills

Active Listening
2.2
Operation and Control
2.1
Operations Monitoring
2.0
Quality Control Analysis
2.0
Critical Thinking
1.9
Speaking
1.9
Coordination
1.9
Time Management
1.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Food Production
4.0
Customer and Personal Service
3.6
Production and Processing
3.1
Mathematics
2.6
English Language
2.5
Public Safety and Security
2.3
Law and Government
2.3
Sales and Marketing
2.3

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesControlling Machines and ProcessesCoordinating the Work and Activities of Others

Important abilities

Static StrengthControl PrecisionNear VisionReaction TimeTrunk StrengthFinger Dexterity

Education of workers

High school diploma
61%
Less than high school
29%
Some college
11%

Training before entry

1–2 years
21%
Up to 1 month
20%
6–12 months
15%
None / short demo
9%
1–3 months
4%
4–10 years
1%

Related work experience

None
34%
1–2 years
21%
2–4 years
19%
Up to 1 month
12%
6–12 months
10%
1–3 months
4%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as slaughterers and meat packers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.