Career Profile

Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers

What they do:

Use hands or hand tools to perform routine cutting and trimming of meat, poultry, and seafood.

Also Called:

Beef Trimmer, Breast Trimmer, Chicken Cutter, Deboner, Fish Processor, Meat Cutter, Meat Trimmer, Seafood Processor, Trimmer, Wing Scorer, Beef Trimmer, Breast Trimmer, Chicken Cutter, Deboner, Fish Processor, Meat Cutter, Meat Trimmer, Seafood Processor, Trimmer, Wing Scorer
$23,260
Starting Salary (2025)
$36,070
Median Salary (2025)
5.5%
Projected Job Growth
880
TX Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Inspect meat products for defects, bruises or blemishes and remove them along with any excess fat.
Cut and trim meat to prepare for packing.
Use knives, cleavers, meat saws, bandsaws, or other equipment to perform meat cutting and trimming.
Separate meats and byproducts into specified containers and seal containers.
Weigh meats and tag containers for weight and contents.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Dependability
Attention to Detail
Achievement/Effort
Integrity
Independence
Initiative

What key skills are needed for this job?

Active Listening
Monitoring
Judgment and Decision Making
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Coordination

Expected Knowledge

Production and Processing

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Food Production

Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Public Safety and Security

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Common Activities

Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Handling and Moving Objects

Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 1

Little or No Preparation Needed

Education

Some of these occupations may require a high school diploma or GED certificate.

Experience

Little or no previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few days to a few months of training. Usually, an experienced worker could show you how to do the job.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • Less than high school 62%
  • High school diploma 36%
  • Doctoral degree 1%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

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