Butchers and Meat Cutters Salary in Tennessee (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Butchers and Meat Cutters in Tennessee, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Tennessee Median
$39,960
per year
Hourly Rate
$19.21
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+-0% vs US median
US median $40,140
State Rank
#26 of 51
2,650 employed here

How much do Butchers and Meat Cutters make in Tennessee?

Butchers and Meat Cutters in Tennessee take home a median of $39,960 annually — roughly $19.21 an hour — which runs 0% above the national median of $40,140.

Within Tennessee, entry-level pay starts around $26,520 while the top 10% make $47,710 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $35,070 and $45,560 a year.

Butchers and Meat Cutters salary range in Tennessee

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$26,520$12.75
25th percentile (early career)$35,070$16.86
50th percentile (median)$39,960$19.21
75th percentile (experienced)$45,560$21.90
90th percentile (top earners)$47,710$22.94

How Tennessee compares

Tennessee ranks 26th out of 51 states and territories for Butchers and Meat Cutters pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Washington$51,670
2Alaska$50,450
3Hawaii$50,080
4Oregon$49,360
5District of Columbia$48,760

Working as Butchers and Meat Cutters in Tennessee

Nationally, about 136,000 people work as Butchers and Meat Cutters in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare Tennessee pay ($39,960) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much do Butchers and Meat Cutters make in Tennessee?
The median Butchers and Meat Cutters salary in Tennessee is $39,960 per year, or about $19.21 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $26,520 at the entry level to $47,710 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Tennessee pay compare to the national average?
Tennessee pays Butchers and Meat Cutters about 0% more than the national median of $40,140. Tennessee ranks 26th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Tennessee a good state for Butchers and Meat Cutters?
Yes on pay — Tennessee pays above the national median for this occupation, at $39,960 a year. About 2,650 Butchers and Meat Cutters are employed in Tennessee. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Tennessee?
The highest-paying occupations in Tennessee include Cardiologist ($610,080), Dermatologist ($433,630), Surgeon, All Other ($373,510), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Butchers and Meat Cutters salary report

Related salaries

Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers

$41,640
median pay · 14,000 employed

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator

$50,690
median pay · 169,000 employed

Patternmaker, Wood

$49,630
median pay · specialist role

Engine and Other Machine Assemblers

$53,710
median pay · 34,000 employed
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.