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Production & Manufacturing · Tennessee

How to Become a Butchers and Meat Cutters in Tennessee

Butchers and Meat Cutters in Tennessee earn a median salary of $37,630/year, which is 3% below the national average. Tennessee has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a butchers and meat cutters takes home approximately $1,278/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$38K
Median salary in Tennessee
-3%
vs. national average
None
State income tax
2,280
Employed in Tennessee

What a butchers and meat cutters can afford in Tennessee

Gross annual salary$37,630
Est. monthly take-home (no state tax)$2,690/mo
Median 2BR rent (Tennessee)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home52.5% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$37,630/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,278/mo

Becoming a butchers and meat cutters in Tennessee

1

Meet education requirements

Butchers and Meat Cutters positions in Tennessee typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Tennessee. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many butchers and meat cutters positions in Tennessee require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Tennessee licensure or certification

Tennessee may require specific licensing or professional certification for butchers and meat cutterss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Tennessee Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Tennessee

Tennessee employs 2,280 butchers and meat cutters. The highest concentrations are in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin and Clarksville.

Butchers and Meat Cutters salary by metro area in Tennessee

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin$46K$22.21/hr660
Clarksville$38K$18.5/hr110
Chattanooga$37K$17.87/hr190
Knoxville$36K$17.48/hr290
Memphis$36K$17.37/hr470
Johnson City$35K$16.74/hr70
Kingsport-Bristol$34K$16.58/hr100
Jackson$32K$15.33/hr70
Morristown$32K$15.24/hr40

Butchers and Meat Cutters salary range in Tennessee

10th percentile (entry)
$24K
25th percentile
$31K
Median (50th)
$38K
75th percentile
$45K
90th percentile (senior)
$48K
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a butchers and meat cutters make in Tennessee?

The median butchers and meat cutters salary in Tennessee is $37,630 per year ($18.09/hr). This is 3% below the national median of $38,960. Salaries range from $23,670 to $47,620.

What are the requirements to become a butchers and meat cutters in Tennessee?

Butchers and Meat Cutters positions in Tennessee typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Tennessee may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Tennessee licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a butchers and meat cutters afford to live in Tennessee?

At the median salary of $37,630, a butchers and meat cutters in Tennessee would take home approximately $2,690/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 52.5% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for butchers and meat cutters in Tennessee?

The highest paying metro areas for butchers and meat cutters in Tennessee are Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin ($46,200), Clarksville ($38,490), Chattanooga ($37,160). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Tennessee have state income tax for butchers and meat cutters?

No, Tennessee does not have a state income tax. This means butchers and meat cutters keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.