Also called: Meat Processing Worker, Harvest Floor Worker
Works in meat plants processing cattle, hogs, or poultry into cuts for grocery stores.
Work happens on fast-moving lines in cold rooms, with knives, saws, and protective gear. Each worker does one specific cut, and USDA inspectors are present every shift.
No formal education, about 0 years after high school. No degree needed; trained on the job.
Ways in: On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Growing slowly (about 1% over 10 years). BLS 2025-35 projection band for SOC 51-3023: Slower than average (1% to 2%).
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. Robotic deboning and cutting lines are spreading, especially in poultry; fewer line jobs over the decade.
Age 18+. One way to start: Apply at meat and poultry plants (Tyson, JBS, Cargill); they hire and train on the line
Classes: Agriculture science, Spanish.
Official data: O*NET occupation 51-3023.
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