Employment of butchers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
The popularity of various meat products such as sausages, cured meats, and specialty cuts is expected to drive employment growth of butchers in retail stores, such as grocery and specialty food stores.
However, meat processing plants continue to consolidate animal slaughtering and meat processing by preparing and packaging meat products in one place. As a result, employment of butchers in these facilities is projected to decline, since fewer workers may be needed to cut, trim, and package meats in these settings.
Job Prospects
Many butcher and meat cutter jobs, particularly those in processing plants, are physically demanding, with difficult working conditions. As a result, job opportunities are expected to be good because of the need to replace workers who leave the occupation each year.
Workers with several years of work experience, including training in various meat cutting techniques, should have the best job prospects as retail butchers.
Butchers
Percent change in employment, projected 2014-24
Total, all occupations
7%
Butchers
5%
Food processing workers
3%
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program