Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers Salary in Iowa (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers in Iowa, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Iowa Median
$43,190
per year
Hourly Rate
$20.76
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+13% vs US median
US median $38,300
State Rank
#12 of 50
3,970 employed here

How much do Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers make in Iowa?

Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers working in Iowa earn a median salary of $43,190 per year, or about $20.76 per hour. That is 13% above the national median of $38,300 for this occupation.

Within Iowa, entry-level pay starts around $39,170 while the top 10% make $46,220 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $41,250 and $43,730 a year.

Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers salary range in Iowa

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$39,170$18.83
25th percentile (early career)$41,250$19.83
50th percentile (median)$43,190$20.76
75th percentile (experienced)$43,730$21.02
90th percentile (top earners)$46,220$22.22

How Iowa compares

Iowa ranks 12th out of 50 states and territories for Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Colorado$50,390
2Arizona$48,550
3Kansas$48,080
4Nebraska$47,580
5New Hampshire$47,260

Working as Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers in Iowa

Nationally, about 146,000 people work as Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare Iowa pay ($43,190) 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 Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers make in Iowa?
The median Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers salary in Iowa is $43,190 per year, or about $20.76 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $39,170 at the entry level to $46,220 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Iowa pay compare to the national average?
Iowa pays Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers about 13% more than the national median of $38,300. Iowa ranks 12th out of 50 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Iowa a good state for Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers?
Yes on pay — Iowa pays above the national median for this occupation, at $43,190 a year. About 3,970 Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers are employed in Iowa. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Iowa?
The highest-paying occupations in Iowa include Emergency Medicine Physician ($429,050), Dermatologist ($424,970), Radiologist ($405,220), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers salary report

Related salaries

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.