SalaryNode

Average Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers Salary in North Carolina

In North Carolina, Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers earn an average annual salary of $35,610. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,640, suggesting that regional economic factors and market demand specific to the Tar Heel State influence compensation for this skilled trade. Understanding these local dynamics is crucial for professionals in this sector.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $35,610 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.3% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $40,920.
  • Outlook: North Carolina boasts a substantial workforce of 9,420 individuals in the Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers sector. With a Location Quotient of 2.1, the state exhibits a concentration of these roles more than double the national average, indicating a robust and potentially growing demand for these specialized skills within the state's economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$35,610

The average Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers in North Carolina earns-7.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.1

Weekly

$685

Monthly

$2,968

Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers Salary Distribution in North Carolina

Career progression for Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers in North Carolina typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with advanced skills and supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries, with percentile gaps clearly signifying opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$28,560$13.7
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$26,708$12.8
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$36,650$17.6
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$44,513$21.4
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$40,920$19.7

Detailed Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$35,610

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$37,524

Adjusted for COL (94.9)

The average annual salary of $35,610 in North Carolina presents a favorable financial picture when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 94.9. This index is slightly below the national average of 100, meaning that the nominal salary earned by Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers in North Carolina may offer a slightly better purchasing power compared to the national average, despite the lower nominal wage.

Job Market Context

9,420

Total Jobs

1.923

Per 1K Jobs

2.1

Location Quotient

Major Hub

North Carolina has 2.1x the national concentration of Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

North Carolina's Location Quotient of 2.1 for Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers signifies a significant concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This high quotient suggests that the job market in North Carolina is particularly favorable and abundant for these professionals, offering more opportunities and a potentially more competitive environment for employers seeking skilled workers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers

Comparing salaries near North Carolina

Hiring Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers make in North Carolina?

The median annual salary for a Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers in North Carolina is $35,610. This typically ranges from $28,560 for entry-level positions to $40,920 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in North Carolina is 7.8% lower than the national median of $38,640.

Is North Carolina a lucrative place for Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers?

Yes, with a caveat.While the average salary is below the national average, North Carolina's lower cost of living and high concentration of jobs mean that earnings can offer good purchasing power. The strong presence of these roles indicates ample job opportunities.

Is North Carolina a good place to live for Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers?

With a Cost of Living Index of 94.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near North Carolina?

Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($31,760) and others.

How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?

North Carolina has 1.923 jobs per 1,000 workers for Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers, which is higher than the national average, reinforcing the strong presence of this occupation in the state.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role in North Carolina?

An LQ of 2.1 means that North Carolina has more than twice the national average concentration of Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers jobs, indicating a specialized and robust market for these professionals.

How does the cost of living affect the real value of a Meat Cutter's salary in North Carolina?

With a Cost of Living Index of 94.9, slightly below the national average, the $35,610 salary in North Carolina likely provides a slightly higher real purchasing power than the national average salary in a higher cost-of-living area.

Are there many job opportunities for Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers in North Carolina?

Yes, the substantial workforce size of 9,420 and a high Location Quotient of 2.1 strongly suggest a significant number of job opportunities are available for skilled individuals in this field within North Carolina.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 9,420 employees in the North Carolina area with a job density of 1.923 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.