FAQ
Meat Packer FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a meat packer.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a meat packer: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about meat packers
Do I need experience?
No.
Is the job hard?
Yes, it is physically demanding.
Are there openings?
Yes, many due to turnover.
How much does a meat packer make?
The median annual wage for meat packers was $40,130 ($19.29 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $33,340 and the highest 10% earned more than $51,090.
How long does it take to become a meat packer?
Most people need about A few weeks on the job of training. No formal educational credential is required.
Do you need a degree to be a meat packer?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “no formal educational credential” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Is meat packer a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +2.0% from 2025–35 (slower than average), with about 7,700 openings each year. Upsides include no degree needed; a common challenge is that hard physical work.
What skills does a meat packer need?
Key technical skills include knife skills, saw operation, carcass breaking, and food safety. Employers also value stamina, teamwork, and reliability.
What certifications are available for meat packers?
Common credentials include Food safety training, Knife safety, OSHA 10, and Forklift certification. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Meat Packer fit quiz, compare with Meat Trimmer, or explore Meat Packer training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 51-3023 (Slaughterers and meat packers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Slaughterers and meat packers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.