65202 – Meat cutters and fishmongers - retail and wholesale

Lead statement

Meat cutters and fishmongers prepare and package pieces of meat, poultry and fish that are sold by food retailers or wholesalers. They use tools to cut, trim and package meat, poultry and fish on a daily basis.

Main duties

• grind meats and slice cooked meats using powered grinders and slicing machines
• cut, weigh, package, label and price meat, meat products, fish and seafood for sale
• suggest complementary and/or alternative meat or fish products to consumers
• inspect the quality of meat, fish and seafood, expiry dates and ensure proper product rotation
• ensure the maintenance of equipment, displays and work area
• receive and store merchandise in accordance with the company's established standards
• comply with government health and safety standards and occupational health and safety standards.

Employment requirements

• Completion of secondary school may be required.
• On-the-job training in food stores is usually offered to meat cutters and fishmongers for retail sale.
• An apprenticeship program in meat cutting is available but voluntary.
• Trade certification for meat cutter is available, but voluntary, in Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

Example job titles

retail meat cutter · meat cutter - retail or wholesale · meat portion cutter - retail or wholesale · supermarket meat cutter · pork cutter - retail or wholesale · fishmonger · butcher helper - retail and wholesale · fish cutter - retail and wholesale

Wages (per hour)

Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.