Occupation AtlasButchers and Meat Cutters

O*NET · 51-3021.00

Butchers and Meat Cutters

Cut, trim, or prepare consumer-sized portions of meat for use or sale in retail establishments.

Also called Beef Shoppe Clerk · Blockman · Butcher · Butcher Block Clerk · Cleaver · Halal Butcher · Hotel and Restaurant Butcher · Journeyman Meat Cutter
24 more

Kosher Butcher · Meat Associate · Meat Butcher · Meat Carver · Meat Clerk · Meat Counter Clerk · Meat Counter Worker · Meat Cutter · Meat Dresser · Meat Loiner · Meat Service Team Member · Meat Slicer · Meat Specialist · Meat Team Member · Meat Wrapper · Meatcutter · Meatman · Seafood Associate · Seafood Clerk · Seafood Counter Clerk · Seafood Service Team Member · Service Meat Clerk · Slicer · Small Order Cutter

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCE35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Cooks, Private Household

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCERealistic · Conventional · Enterprising — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic6.26
  • C Conventional3.92
  • E Enterprising2.78
  • S Social1.89
  • A Artistic1.78
  • I Investigative1.41

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma20%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent70%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate2%
  • Some College Courses7%
Related work experience
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (32%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (38%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (34%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • SpeakingbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • MonitoringbasicImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Service OrientationImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • CoordinationImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Complex Problem SolvingImportance 2.9Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 2.9Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • PersuasionImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
Show the other 23
  • NegotiationImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • InstructingImportance 2.6Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.6Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Active LearningbasicImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Operations MonitoringImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • MathematicsbasicImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Operation and ControlImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Systems AnalysisImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Systems EvaluationImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • WritingbasicImportance 2.3Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.3Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • TroubleshootingImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Operations AnalysisImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • RepairingImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Equipment SelectionImportance 1.5Level 0.9
  • Technology DesignImportance 1.4Level 0.5
  • SciencebasicImportance 1.3Level —
  • ProgrammingImportance 1.1Level —
  • InstallationImportance 1.0Level —

Tasks

7 core · 4 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Prepare and place meat cuts and products in display counter to appear attractive and catch the shopper's eye.Importance 4.7
  2. Wrap, weigh, label, and price cuts of meat.Importance 4.6
  3. Cut, trim, bone, tie, and grind meats, such as beef, pork, poultry, and fish, to prepare in cooking form.Importance 4.6
  4. Prepare special cuts of meat ordered by customers.Importance 4.5
  5. Receive, inspect, and store meat upon delivery to ensure meat quality.Importance 4.5
  6. Estimate requirements and order or requisition meat supplies to maintain inventories.Importance 4.3
  7. Shape, lace, and tie roasts, using boning knife, skewer, and twine.Importance 3.9
Show the other 4
  1. Record quantity of meat received and issued to cooks or keep records of meat sales.Importance 4.2
  2. Supervise other butchers or meat cutters.Importance 4.1
  3. Cure, smoke, tenderize, and preserve meat.Importance 4.0
  4. Negotiate with representatives from supply companies to determine order details.Importance 3.9

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.1Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Food ProductionImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Operate a commercial fishing boat
  • Production and ProcessingImportance 3.4Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Sales and MarketingImportance 3.1Level 2.7
  • English LanguageImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Administration and ManagementImportance 2.5Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • MathematicsImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Education and TrainingImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
Show all 33
  • MechanicalImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • AdministrativeImportance 1.9Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Computers and ElectronicsImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • PsychologyImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Economics and AccountingImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Public Safety and SecurityImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Communications and MediaImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • DesignImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Law and GovernmentImportance 1.6Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • BiologyImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • TransportationImportance 1.5Level —
  • ChemistryImportance 1.4Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Foreign LanguageImportance 1.3Level —
  • GeographyImportance 1.3Level —
  • PhysicsImportance 1.3Level —
  • TelecommunicationsImportance 1.3Level —
  • Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.3Level —
  • Building and ConstructionImportance 1.2Level —
  • Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.2Level —
  • Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.2Level —
  • Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.2Level —
  • History and ArcheologyImportance 1.1Level —
  • Fine ArtsImportance 1.0Level —

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Manual DexterityImportance 3.5Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Near VisionImportance 3.5Level 3.3Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Category FlexibilityImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Control PrecisionImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Information OrderingImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Understand a television commercial
  • Oral ExpressionImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
Show all 52
  • Problem SensitivityImportance 3.1Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Finger DexterityImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Speech ClarityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech RecognitionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Trunk StrengthImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Auditory AttentionImportance 2.9Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Far VisionImportance 2.9Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Reaction TimeImportance 2.9Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Static StrengthImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
  • Time SharingImportance 2.9Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • VisualizationImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Written ComprehensionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Deductive ReasoningImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Extent FlexibilityImportance 2.8Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Inductive ReasoningImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.8Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 2.8Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Depth PerceptionImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Number FacilityImportance 2.6Level 2.3Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Rate ControlImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • StaminaImportance 2.6Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Dynamic StrengthImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Response OrientationImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Speed of Limb MovementImportance 2.4Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Speed of ClosureImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • OriginalityImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Written ExpressionImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
  • Gross Body CoordinationImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • MemorizationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Explosive StrengthImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Glare SensitivityImportance 1.5Level 0.6
  • Peripheral VisionImportance 1.5Level 0.6
  • Spatial OrientationImportance 1.5Level 0.6
  • Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.4Level 0.5
  • Night VisionImportance 1.4Level 0.5
  • Sound LocalizationImportance 1.4Level 0.5

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 4.0Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Getting InformationImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 3.7Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 3.7Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 3.7Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 3.6Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
Show all 41
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.6Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.5Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 3.5Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.5Level 2.9
  • Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.4Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.4Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.4Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.3Level 2.9
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.3Level 2.8
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Processing InformationImportance 3.2Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.2Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.1Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Record the weight of a patient during a routine health exam
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.1Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.0Level 2.9
  • Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 2.9Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
  • Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.9Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Thinking CreativelyImportance 2.9Level 2.8
  • Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 2.8Level 2.7
  • Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 2.7Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 2.7Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.6Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.5Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Working with ComputersImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 2.4Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 2.4Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 2.2Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled5.0
  • Spend Time Standing4.9
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.8
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets4.6
  • Contact With Others4.5
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General4.5
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.4
  • Exposed to Hazardous Equipment4.3
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.3
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results4.3

Technology

6 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (4)

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (2)
  • Financial accounting software
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.