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Meat Cutter

Other names for this job

• Butcher

What do meat cutters do?

Meat cutters cut meat, fish and poultry. Poultry is bird meat. For example, chicken, duck and turkey. Meat cutters also prepare sausages and other meat products. They work in grocery stores, meat shops and processing plants.

What is a meat cutter’s work like?

Frank works an 8-hour shift. He starts work at 7 a.m. He works weekdays and some Saturdays. He works with other meat cutters.

Frank stands while he works. He wears warm clothes because he works in a cold room. The meat needs to stay cold.

Frank uses sharp knives and special equipment. He has to work quickly. He has to be careful. He must use safety equipment. For example, he wears special gloves while he works. He doesn't want to cut himself.

Do you want to be a meat cutter?

• You need to be healthy.
• You must be clean. You must keep your work area clean.
• You need to be strong. You have to stand for many hours. You may have to lift or move heavy pieces of meat. The meat can weigh more than 20 kilograms (about 45 pounds).
• You must be good at working with your hands.
• You must have good eyesight. For example, Frank needs to check the colour of the meat. He needs to cut around bones.
• You must be able to follow instructions.
• You must be able to understand customers’ questions. Customers may ask about different kinds of meat.
• You must follow rules. For example, rules about health and safety.
• You need to keep records. For example, you need to write down every time you wash the equipment.
• You must work well alone or with other people.
• Some meat cutters work in processing plants. You have to be quick to see problems. You may have to stop or move quickly. You may need to stop a machine quickly.

What education do meat cutters need?

• Meat cutters often learn on the job.
• Some people take courses in meat cutting or meat processing. They get a certificate.

What can meat cutters do in the future?

Meat cutters can work in meat processing plants, grocery stores, meat markets or delis. A deli, or delicatessen, is a meat store that also sells meals.

Meat cutters in processing plants start out doing simple tasks. Meat cutters with experience may become supervisors or salespersons.

Some meat cutters become meat inspectors. They look at meat to make sure it’s healthy to eat. Others open their own meat shops.

How much does a meat cutter make?

Do you want more information?

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