Butchers and Meat Cutters Salary in California
In California, butchers and meat cutters earn $44,310 at the median — $21.31 an hour. The range runs from $36K at the entry level to $60K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $44K get you in California?
About butchers and meat cutters
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level butchers and meat cutters (10th percentile) start around $36K. Mid-career wages sit at $44K.Top earners bring in $60K or more - a $24K spread from bottom to top.
Butchers and Meat Cutters pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $50K | +29% | 580 |
| Massachusetts | $48K | +24% | 1,790 |
| Alaska | $48K | +24% | 260 |
| Washington | $48K | +24% | 2,710 |
| District of Columbia | $48K | +23% | 160 |
| Oregon | $47K | +21% | 1,490 |
| Delaware | $47K | +21% | 230 |
| New Hampshire | $47K | +20% | 500 |
| New York | $46K | +19% | 4,800 |
| Maine | $45K | +17% | 560 |
| Minnesota | $44K | +14% | 2,160 |
| California | $44K | +14% | 21,220 |
| Rhode Island | $44K | +12% | 370 |
| Wyoming | $44K | +12% | 150 |
| Utah | $42K | +7% | 1,380 |
Track butchers and meat cutters salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do butchers and meat cutters make in California?
The median is $44,310 a year - that works out to about $21.31 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $35,580, and experienced butchers and meat cutters can clear $59,900. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $44K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,057/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 72% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a butchers and meat cutters salary go in California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median butchers and meat cutters salary is worth about $44,310 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do butchers and meat cutters get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.