Trends The estimated number of job opportunities from 1996 through 2006 is expected to total 4,470. Employment for Butchers and Meat Cutters is expected to grow considerably slower than the average for all occupations through 2006. Over 80 percent of the job opportunities in this occupation will result from the need to replace workers who leave the occupation or the labor market. County-specific earnings are reported in the Directory of California Local Area Wages published by the Employment Development Department and available on the website referenced at the end of this guide. A 40-hour week is typical for Butchers and Meat Cutters.
Some employers also provide uniforms.
Education and Training Apprentice Butchers or Meat Cutters must first be hired by a company that has signed an agreement with the Joint Apprenticeship Committee. This training is supplemented with a minimum of 144 hours each year of related classroom training. Standards relating to both job performance and classroom work must be met before journey-level status will be granted. Most employers prefer apprentices who have completed high school. Helpful high school courses include mathematics and any shop courses that develop skill in the use of hand and power tools.