Meat classifier

What does a meat classifier do? – Tasks and work environment

A meat classifier works with assessing and classifying meat based on quality, weight, and other defined criteria at slaughterhouses or meat processing facilities. Tasks include visually inspecting carcasses, weighing and measuring them, and documenting classifications according to current standards and regulations. The role requires precision, good physical condition, and the ability to make objective decisions. The work environment is often cool and physically demanding, as assessments are made in a production environment with high tempo and strict hygiene requirements.

Salary development over time

The salary for meat classifiers has been relatively stable in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 32,540 SEK per month, followed by a slight increase to 32 805 SEK 2023. During 2024, the average salary increased to 32 942 SEK per month, which corresponds to a total salary increase of about 1.2 % over three years. The slow growth reflects a labor market with steady demand but limited wage negotiations, likely due to the profession’s specialized but narrow skill base and low workforce turnover. Salary development may also be influenced by many employment contracts being tied to collective agreements, which provide small but regular adjustments rather than large jumps. Overall, the trend indicates a secure but predictable salary development for the profession.

Meat classifier salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 32 942 SEK/month
• Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available
• Hourly wage (average): 198 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: No specific information available
• Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a meat classifier, a high school education in the food program with specialization in slaughter and charcuterie or equivalent experience in the meat industry is usually required. In addition to formal education, internal training or certification in meat classification is often necessary, as the work is governed by national and international standards. Practical experience from slaughterhouses or food production is highly valuable, and some employers may require specific courses or approved tests to ensure competence and objectivity.

• High school education: Food program, slaughter and charcuterie (3 years)
• Internal training: Certification in meat classification via employer
• Practical experience: Previous work in slaughterhouses or meat production
• Prerequisites: Good physical condition and accuracy
• Tips for choosing: Select internships with opportunities for supervision by experienced classifiers

Common benefits and compensations

Meat classifiers are usually covered by collective agreements, which entitle them to occupational pensions, insurance, and holiday pay. Many employers also offer work clothing, wellness allowances, and sometimes subsidized lunches. Shift work may occur, sometimes compensated with overtime pay or additional allowances for inconvenient working hours.

Competition and challenges

The labor market for meat classifiers is characterized by low competition but also a limited number of positions, as the profession is specialized and mainly linked to larger slaughterhouses and meat processing companies. Technical tools and automation have increased, but human assessment remains central, making the profession less susceptible to rationalization than some other roles in the food industry. At the same time, the profession demands high physical endurance, accuracy, and the ability to work in a cool and noisy environment. Those open to working in different locations have good opportunities to find employment, especially in regions with a strong food industry.

Tips for those who want to become a meat classifier

To succeed as a meat classifier, it’s good to have a trained eye for detail and be precise in every step, as small errors can have significant consequences for both quality and pay. Strength and endurance are important qualities, as the work is physically demanding and often performed in cool environments. Being flexible and able to quickly adapt to different tasks and routines also provides advantages, especially since the pace can vary during the day. Accurate documentation and following routines are crucial, so a structured personality is an asset. Practical experience from slaughterhouses or similar facilities is very valuable, so early internships or summer jobs provide a good start. Being open to further education and certifications increases chances for both employment and development. Lastly, good teamwork skills are important, as the work is often done in teams where everyone needs to contribute to consistent high quality.

Key facts about meat classifiers

• Education level: High school education, often supplemented with internal certification
• Work environment: Slaughterhouse or meat processing plant, cool and physically demanding environments
• Typical work arrangement: Full-time, sometimes shift work
• Demand: 1,437 available jobs within the profession according to current database
• Special skills: Classification according to national/international standards

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a meat classifier, there are opportunities to advance to leadership roles such as supervisor or quality manager within the meat industry. Some choose to specialize further, for example in training new classifiers or moving into roles within food inspection. Forecasts from the Employment Service show that the demand for meat classifiers remains stable, with continued demand due to high requirements for quality assurance and traceability in the food chain. However, the profession is niche, and the number of positions depends on the development of the slaughtering industry and regional variations. Automation may change the work content over time, but human expertise is expected to remain central in the foreseeable future.

Frequently asked questions about meat classifiers

• What does a meat classifier earn?
  - The average salary is 32 942 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 198 SEK.
• What education is required to become a meat classifier?
  - High school education in the food program or equivalent experience, often supplemented with internal certification.
• What is the work environment like for meat classifiers?
  - The work environment is usually cool and physically demanding, with high pace and strict hygiene requirements.
• Are there good job opportunities?
  - Yes, there is ongoing demand and over 1400 available positions within the profession according to current statistics.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Accuracy, endurance, flexibility, and teamwork skills are essential.
• What are the future prospects?
  - The profession has stable future prospects thanks to industry requirements for quality assurance.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - No specific information about regional salary differences is available.