Meat Cutter and Trimmer
SOC 51-3023.00 · ESCO 7511 · OSCA 831131
Role snapshot
Overview
Meat Cutters and Trimmers are skilled professionals responsible for preparing various types of meat for sale or further processing. They break down animal carcasses and large meat sections into smaller, retail-ready cuts, following specific customer or packaging specifications. This role requires precision with knives, saws, and grinding equipment, as well as strict adherence to hygiene, food safety, and workplace safety standards in a processing plant or retail environment.
Contributes to the food supply chain by preparing safe, high-quality, and appropriately portioned meat products for consumers and other food businesses.
On the job
- Cut, trim, and bone meat into specific cuts (e.g., steaks, roasts, chops, ground meat) according to established standards
- Operate and maintain specialized equipment such as band saws, meat grinders, slicers, and power cutters
- Weigh, package, and label meat products accurately for retail sale or further processing
- Ensure strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, and hygiene protocols at all times
- Inspect meat for quality, freshness, and proper trimming, removing any undesirable parts
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
StableDemand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Education & training
High school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by vocational training or an apprenticeship in meat cutting or butchery.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
Meat Cutter and Trimmer
Manufacturing & Production
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
realistic · RCI
Individuals who enjoy hands-on, practical tasks, working with tools and machinery, and maintaining high standards of precision and order in their work environment tend to thrive in this role.
Personality characteristics
Practical
Enjoys hands-on work and using specialized tools to produce tangible, high-quality results.
Detail-oriented
Maintains precision in cutting and trimming, ensuring adherence to specific product specifications and safety standards.
Methodical
Follows established procedures for meat processing, hygiene, and equipment maintenance consistently.
Resilient
Capable of working efficiently in a cold, physically demanding, and fast-paced production environment.
Observant
Carefully inspects meat for quality, freshness, and any defects, ensuring only the best product is processed.
Best for
- Individuals who prefer structured tasks and derive satisfaction from mastering a skilled trade.
- Those who are meticulous, disciplined, and committed to maintaining high standards of quality and cleanliness in food production.
Watch out for
- The work environment can be physically demanding, cold, and requires prolonged standing and repetitive motions.
- Strict adherence to safety and hygiene protocols is non-negotiable, with little room for deviation or creative interpretation.
A week in the life
A representative working week for a Meat Cutter and Trimmer — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
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