Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers
Meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers use hand tools and knives to cut, trim, and portion raw meat, poultry, and seafood. They work in meat processing plants, grocery stores, butcher shops, and fish markets, following food safety standards and quality specifications throughout their shifts.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical shift involves standing at a workstation, using sharp knives and saws to break down carcasses, remove bones and skin, and portion products into retail cuts or bulk orders. Workers monitor product quality, maintain clean workstations, and may operate equipment like band saws or grinders. Tasks repeat throughout the day, with output tracked to meet production targets.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to prefer hands-on, structured work with clear procedures and measurable results. You're detail-oriented and comfortable with routine tasks performed the same way consistently, and you value straightforward work that doesn't require extensive formal education or ongoing training.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold no formal education requirement.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $49,320 | $50,390 | $57,280 | 2,470 |
| Arizona | $39,620 | $48,550 | $48,550 | 620 |
| Kansas | $43,680 | $48,080 | $49,110 | 5,000 |
| Nebraska | $47,110 | $47,580 | $52,670 | 8,340 |
| New Hampshire | $37,330 | $47,260 | $49,560 | — |
| North Dakota | $40,500 | $47,250 | $47,250 | 390 |
| Michigan | $37,940 | $44,430 | $44,430 | 920 |
| South Dakota | $44,290 | $44,290 | $46,220 | 2,080 |
| Utah | $44,030 | $44,150 | $44,760 | 1,080 |
| Minnesota | $36,700 | $43,400 | $45,810 | 3,790 |
| Wisconsin | $37,920 | $43,300 | $45,160 | 2,040 |
| Iowa | $41,250 | $43,190 | $43,730 | 3,970 |
All 50 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- AMSA Meat Evaluation Certification — American Meat Science Association
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 51-3022.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.