The job market for butchers in the United States

There are currently an estimated 131,600 butchers in the United States. The butcher job market is expected to shrink by -1.1% between 2022 and 2032.

How employable are butchers?

CareerExplorer rates butchers with a D employability rating, meaning this career should provide weak employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 5,300 butchers. That number is based on the retirement of 6,800 existing butchers.

Are butchers in demand?

As more people seek the convenience of fresh, pre-cut, and ready-to-cook meat products, butchers and meat cutters will be needed to prepare them. Demand in the field may shift from retail stores to meat processing plants, as these plants continue to consolidate animal slaughtering and meat processing by preparing and packaging meats at one location. In addition, new automated cutting and packaging equipment may reduce the need for experienced butchers and present employment opportunities for less skilled workers. Imports of pre-packaged and less expensive meat from abroad may negatively impact overall demand for butchers. The physically demanding nature of positions in processing plants may result in job opportunities created by butchers who leave the occupation.

What’s the supply of butchers?

The butcher industry is concentrated in California, Texas, Florida

Butcher job market by state