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Production & Manufacturing · California

How to Become a Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers in California

Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers in California earn a median salary of $36,790/year, which is 2% below the national average. California has a state income tax of ~1.8%. After taxes and rent, a meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers takes home approximately $1,167/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$37K
Median salary in California
-2%
vs. national average
1.8%
State income tax
7,740
Employed in California

What a meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers can afford in California

Gross annual salary$36,790
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 1.8% state tax)$2,579/mo
Median 2BR rent (California)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home54.7% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$36,790/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,167/mo

Becoming a meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers in California

1

Meet education requirements

Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers positions in California typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

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

3

Obtain California licensure or certification

California may require specific licensing or professional certification for meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmerss. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in California

California employs 7,740 meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers. The highest concentrations are in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and Santa Rosa-Petaluma.

Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers salary by metro area in California

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara$42K$20.42/hr310
Santa Rosa-Petaluma$42K$20.38/hr110
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont$41K$19.72/hr690
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad$39K$18.85/hr210
Stockton-Lodi$38K$18.49/hr90
Vallejo$38K$18.48/hr50
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario$38K$18.45/hr560
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom$38K$18.35/hr250
Salinas$37K$17.78/hr50
Modesto$37K$17.67/hr220
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim$37K$17.56/hr3,940
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara$36K$17.43/hr60
Redding$35K$16.98/hr30
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura$35K$16.78/hr170
Bakersfield-Delano$34K$16.58/hr50

Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers salary range in California

10th percentile (entry)
$35K
25th percentile
$36K
Median (50th)
$37K
75th percentile
$43K
90th percentile (senior)
$46K
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Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers make in California?

The median meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers salary in California is $36,790 per year ($17.69/hr). This is 2% below the national median of $37,700. Salaries range from $35,210 to $46,310.

What are the requirements to become a meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers in California?

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

Can a meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers afford to live in California?

At the median salary of $36,790, a meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers in California would take home approximately $2,579/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 54.7% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers in California?

The highest paying metro areas for meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers in California are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($42,470), Santa Rosa-Petaluma ($42,390), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($41,020). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does California have state income tax for meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers?

Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 1.8%. On a $36,790 salary, this means roughly $652/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.