Manufacturing & Production

Meat Boner and Slicer

SOC 51-3021.00 · ESCO 7511 · OSCA 831231

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Role snapshot

Overview

Uses specialised knives and machinery to separate meat from bone and slice it into retail or wholesale cuts. This role requires precision, speed, and strict adherence to hygiene and safety standards within a meat processing environment.

Ensures the efficient and hygienic preparation of meat products, contributing directly to the food supply chain and consumer safety by providing high-quality, properly portioned cuts.

On the job

  • Debone various types of meat, including beef, pork, and poultry, using specialized knives.
  • Operate and maintain meat cutting machinery such as band saws and slicers.
  • Slice and portion meat into specific retail or wholesale cuts according to customer orders or production specifications.
  • Adhere strictly to all food safety, hygiene, and sanitation regulations.
  • Inspect meat for quality and freshness, and prepare products for packaging and labeling.
Meat Boner and Slicer at work

Tools & technology

Boning knifeSlicing machineBand sawProtective gear (e.g., cut-resistant gloves, aprons)Sharpening steel

Average salary

$45K
MEDIAN SALARY Annual · USD
$30K Bottom 10%
$60K Top 10%

Job outlook

Stable

Demand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.

Education & training

Vocational training, apprenticeship, or relevant certifications in meat processing and food safety.

Career pathways

WHERE YOU COULD GO

Meat Department Supervisor
Apprentice Butcher

CURRENT ROLE

Meat Boner and Slicer

Manufacturing & Production

ADJACENT MOVES

Quality Control Inspector (Food)
Meat Packer
Food Production Worker
Butchery Apprentice

STARTING POINTS

Who thrives here

Interest profile

R

realistic · RCE

People who enjoy practical, hands-on work with tools, following established procedures, and working efficiently to meet production goals tend to thrive in this role.

Personality characteristics

Diligent

Consistently adheres to hygiene protocols and cutting specifications, ensuring high-quality output.

Practical

Prefers hands-on tasks and working with physical tools and materials to achieve tangible results.

Focused

Can concentrate on repetitive tasks for extended periods while maintaining precision and speed.

Cooperative

Works effectively as part of a production team to ensure smooth workflow and meet collective targets.

Resilient

Handles the demands of a fast-paced, physically rigorous environment without undue stress.

Best for

  • People who enjoy working with their hands and specialized equipment in a production setting.
  • Individuals who value precision, efficiency, and adherence to high standards in their work.

Watch out for

  • The work can be physically demanding and repetitive, requiring sustained stamina and focus.
  • Strict hygiene and safety protocols must always be followed, leaving little room for improvisation.

A week in the life

A representative working week for a Meat Boner and Slicer — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.

8am9am10am11am12pm1pm2pm3pm4pm5pm6pm
Mon
Equipment setup and sanitation
Boning and primary cuts
Team brief on daily targets
Slicing and portioning
Tue
Boning and primary cuts
Mid-shift equipment cleaning
Slicing and packaging
Wed
Special order processing
Quality check and labeling
Boning and slicing
Thu
Bulk processing for large orders
Inventory verification
Slicing and retail preparation
Fri
Final production run
End-of-week sanitation
Team debrief and planning
Tool maintenance and sharpening
Deep work Meeting External Social Admin

FREE ASSESSMENT

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