South Dakota Median
$44,290
per year
Hourly Rate
$21.29
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+16% vs US median
US median $38,300
State Rank
#8 of 50
2,080 employed here
How much do Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers make in South Dakota?
Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers in South Dakota take home a median of $44,290 annually — roughly $21.29 an hour — which runs 16% above the national median of $38,300.
Within South Dakota, entry-level pay starts around $35,730 while the top 10% make $48,150 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $44,290 and $46,220 a year.
Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers salary range in South Dakota
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $35,730 | $17.18 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $44,290 | $21.29 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $44,290 | $21.29 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $46,220 | $22.22 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $48,150 | $23.15 |
|
How South Dakota compares
South Dakota ranks 8th out of 50 states and territories for Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers salary in other states
Colorado $50,390Arizona $48,550Kansas $48,080Nebraska $47,580New Hampshire $47,260North Dakota $47,250Michigan $44,430Utah $44,150Minnesota $43,400Wisconsin $43,300Iowa $43,190Washington $43,010Indiana $42,450Missouri $41,890Illinois $40,690Hawaii $40,260Vermont $40,110Georgia $39,330Idaho $39,200Maine $39,170North Carolina $39,170Kentucky $39,150Arkansas $37,980Nevada $37,920Mississippi $37,890Rhode Island $37,740Tennessee $37,590Montana $37,440New York $37,330Alaska $37,180Wyoming $37,040Ohio $37,020West Virginia $36,870California $36,570Massachusetts $36,570Pennsylvania $36,480Oklahoma $36,300Virginia $36,170Oregon $36,060Texas $35,890Delaware $35,500New Jersey $34,930South Carolina $34,790Connecticut $34,780Maryland $32,950New Mexico $31,240Florida $31,160Alabama $31,080Louisiana $27,850
Working as Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers in South Dakota
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 South Dakota pay ($44,290) 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 South Dakota?
The median Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers salary in South Dakota is $44,290 per year, or about $21.29 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $35,730 at the entry level to $48,150 for the top 10% of earners.
How does South Dakota pay compare to the national average?
South Dakota pays Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers about 16% more than the national median of $38,300. South Dakota ranks 8th out of 50 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is South Dakota a good state for Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers?
Yes on pay — South Dakota pays above the national median for this occupation, at $44,290 a year. About 2,080 Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers are employed in South Dakota. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in South Dakota?
The highest-paying occupations in South Dakota include Radiologist ($586,010), Emergency Medicine Physician ($393,870), Obstetricians and Gynecologists ($297,610), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.
← See the national Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers salary report
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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.