Somewhat Resilient
Last Update: 10/7/2026
AI Resilience Score for Butchers and Meat Cutters:
45.2%
Median Score
Meaningful human contribution
Measures the parts of the occupation that still require a human touch. This score averages data from up to four AI exposure datasets, focusing on the role’s resilience against automation.
Med
Long-term employer demand
Predicts the health of the job market for this role through 2034. Using Bureau of Labor Statistics data, it balances projected annual job openings (60%) with overall employment growth (40%).
Med
Sustained economic opportunity
Measures future earning potential and career flexibility. This score is a blend of total projected labor income (67%) and the role’s inherent ability to adapt to economic and technological shifts (33%).
Low
This reflects the reliability of your score based on the number of data sources available for this career and how closely those sources agree on the outlook. A higher confidence means more consistent evidence from labor experts and AI models.
There are a reasonable number of sources for this result, but there is some disagreement between them.
AI Resilience Report forButchers and Meat Cutters
$40,140 median salary•15,100 annual openings•SOC Code: 51-3021.00
Butchers and Meat Cutters are somewhat less resilient to AI impacts than most occupations, according to our analysis of 7 sources.
Butchery is labeled "Somewhat Resilient" because automation is genuinely changing parts of this work, especially in large meat processing plants where robots now handle heavy lifting, packaging, and standardized cuts, while AI tools like Cargill's CarVe platform monitor cutting performance in real time. The good news is that custom cuts, quality checks, food safety judgment, and customer service in retail shops still depend on skilled human hands and eyes, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics still projects about 16,900 job openings per year through 2034.
Learn more about how you can thrive in this position
This role is somewhat resilient
Butchery is labeled "Somewhat Resilient" because automation is genuinely changing parts of this work, especially in large meat processing plants where robots now handle heavy lifting, packaging, and standardized cuts, while AI tools like Cargill's CarVe platform monitor cutting performance in real time. The good news is that custom cuts, quality checks, food safety judgment, and customer service in retail shops still depend on skilled human hands and eyes, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics still projects about 16,900 job openings per year through 2034.
Read full analysisAnalysis of current AI resilience
Butchers and Meat Cutters
Updated quarterly
How can Butchers and Meat Cutters prepare for AI?
Latest AI news for Butchers and Meat Cutters
These articles highlight how AI and automation are reshaping the meat processing industry, presenting new opportunities for butchers and meat cutters. For instance, "Smart Robots and AI Make the Cut in Meat Processing" emphasizes how automation can enhance precision in cuts, catering to various market demands. Meanwhile, "Will AI Replace Butchers and Meat Cutters in 2026?" reassures that the essential skills of craftsmanship and customer interaction remain irreplaceable. Embracing AI can boost efficiency and safety, ensuring that those in this field can thrive alongside technological advancements.
Will AI Replace Butchers and Meat Cutters in 2026?
aicareerindex.com • 9/20/2026
AI absorbs nothing material in the hands-on craft ; the durable work is the in-person butchery skill, the cut-and-quality judgment, and the customer relationship
AI-Powered BUTCHER-BOTS(vegans, DO NOT WATCH)
www.youtube.com • 9/20/2026
How artificial intelligence is transforming meat processing
jbtmarel.com • 9/20/2026
Jul 8, 2024 — AI systems can analyze data with high accuracy, making precise cuts and identifying optimal processing techniques. This enhances yield and ...
Smart Robots and AI Make the Cut in Meat Processing
www.foodengineeringmag.com • 1/29/2025
With robot automation, processors gain the versatility to accommodate all the preferred cuts for different market segments without the cost...
From AI to robot butchers, automating the meat packing industry is not cut-and-dried
www.cbc.ca • 10/9/2023
Experts say technological advances could help meat-processing sector overcome labour shortages, improve food safety and remain competitive...
More Career Info
Career: Butchers and Meat Cutters
They prepare and cut meat into portions for sale, ensuring it's fresh and ready for customers to buy and cook.
Parent Careers
Employment & Wage Data
Median Wage
$40,140
Jobs (2025)
138,400
Growth (2025-35)
+2.4%
Annual Openings
15,100
Education
No formal educational credential
Experience
None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025-2035
Task-Level AI Resilience Scores
AI-generated estimates of task resilience over the next 3 years
1
Cure, smoke, tenderize, and preserve meat.
2
Shape, lace, and tie roasts, using boning knife, skewer, and twine.
3
Prepare special cuts of meat ordered by customers.
4
Supervise other butchers or meat cutters.
5
Cut, trim, bone, tie, and grind meats, such as beef, pork, poultry, and fish, to prepare in cooking form.
6
Prepare and place meat cuts and products in display counter to appear attractive and catch the shopper's eye.
7
Negotiate with representatives from supply companies to determine order details.
Tasks are ranked by their AI resilience, with the most resilient tasks shown first. Core tasks are essential functions of this occupation, while supplemental tasks provide additional context.
