What qualifications are needed to be a butcher?

Answer 1

Butchers work in a variety of different settings and their main purpose is to provide well-cut and fresh meat to their customers. Most butchers work in grocery stores, however, some own their own butcher shops and actually make a fantastic living cutting and selling good quality meats. Many people rely on butchers more than they even know when they are shopping around the local food market. By properly butchering the meat, you will allow your customers to savor the sheer delight that the plethora of different cuts have to offer. To become a butcher, you should first have a tolerance for blood and you should have a steady hand, since you will be working with knives and other sharp instruments.

Though there are certain courses available that one can attend to become a butcher or learn the trade, many butchers actually learn on the job. Scour your local newspaper for grocery store positions that are hiring entry-level butchers. You will probably just need a high school diploma or GED. In the trade of butchering, you will have to work your way to the top and start out at the bottom. If you are learning from an experienced butcher, he or she will let you know how to properly cut meat and what temperatures are right for certain cuts. More experienced butchers can get better jobs or they may even decide to open their own meat shop.

Butchers who are new to the job and have under four years experience can expect to earn about $25,000 annually. More experienced butchers, those who have more than 6 years experience, can earn about $35,000 a year. This salary range also depends on where you work and which state you live in. You may be required to attend regular safety seminars to keep you abreast of any food sanitation measures that you can use when cutting and preparing meat.

If you love using your hands when working and you enjoy cooking and preparing foods, you may enjoy being a butcher. Because butchers work in areas that have a lot of blood condensation on the floors, they tend to be more at risk for injuries on the job. So whether you decide to work for a grocery store or open your own butcher shop, this career field may be perfect for you.

Answer 2

know how to cut meat