How much does a Butcher make

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  2. Butcher
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Butcher

32 600 kr

Butchers and meat cutters etc.

30 900 - 33 300 kr / month

Women earn 96% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Butcher

Average salary 32 600 kr
Males 32 800 kr
Females 31 400 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 6 Vacant jobs ->

What does a butcher master do? – Tasks and work environment

A butcher master is responsible for cutting, preparation, and handling of meat products in stores, delicatessens, or slaughterhouses. Tasks include everything from deboning and trimming to advising customers on cuts and cooking methods. The profession requires craftsmanship and precision, as hygiene and food safety are crucial parts of daily work. Butcher masters often work in cool environments and handle heavy lifts, which demands good physical condition and endurance.

Salary development over time

The salary for a butcher master has steadily increased over recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,500 SEK per month, which increased to 31 700 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has continued upward and now stands at 32 600 SEK per month, representing a total increase of approximately 7% over three years. This positive trend reflects increased demand for skilled butcher masters and general wage growth within the food industry. Market needs for skilled craftsmen and competition for experienced employees have likely contributed to the salary increase, although regional differences and employer size can influence salary levels.

Butcher master salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 32 600 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 30,900 SEK/month (men), 31,400 SEK/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 33,300 SEK/month (men), 31,400 SEK/month (women)
  • Hourly wage: 196 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 96% of what men do
  • Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on region and employer

Education and qualifications

To work as a butcher master, a high school education in the food program with specialization in charcuterie or slaughtering is usually required. Many employers prefer candidates with practical experience in the industry, and it is common to start as an apprentice or trainee to develop skills. Further training and certifications in food safety and hygiene are often advantageous.

  • High school education: Food program, 3 years
  • Practical training or apprenticeship: Common within the profession
  • Certifications: Hygiene and safety training
  • Prerequisites: Basic education, good physical condition
  • Further training: Possible via vocational college or workplace

Many butcher masters develop expertise over the years in various cuts and can often give creative tips to customers and colleagues on cooking and utilizing the whole animal. This specialized knowledge is highly valued in stores and restaurants where local produce and sustainability are prioritized.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Butcher masters are often offered benefits such as evening and weekend shift allowances, wellness contributions, and discounts on groceries. Some employers also provide work clothing and opportunities for further training within the company. Compensation can vary depending on employment type and collective agreement.

Competition and challenges

The labor market for butcher masters is characterized by a paradox: there are both recruitment difficulties and a relatively high unemployment rate within the profession. Many employers report difficulty finding experienced and qualified butcher masters, while candidates often struggle to find suitable positions. The job requires practical experience and good physical condition, which can deter some. Competition for the best positions is especially fierce in metropolitan areas and larger retail chains, where working conditions are often more attractive.

Tips for those who want to become a butcher master

To succeed as a butcher master, it’s good to combine precision with a willingness to learn the craft from the ground up. Taking advantage of all practical opportunities and being curious about different cutting methods is recommended, as technical skill and accuracy are essential. Good physical endurance helps with heavy lifting and long working days, while a service-oriented attitude facilitates customer and colleague interactions. Flexibility and adaptability are important, as tasks can vary, and a willingness to further educate oneself can open more career opportunities. Personal integrity and a sense of responsibility are also central, especially since hygiene and food safety must always be prioritized. Building networks within the industry and staying updated on new trends can also increase chances for a long and rewarding career.

Key facts about Butcher Masters

  • Education level: High school education (food program, 3 years)
  • Work environment: Cold rooms, grocery stores, and slaughterhouses
  • Common employment form: Full-time, shift work possible
  • Demand: Great opportunities for employment according to Arbetsförmedlingen
  • Special skills: Cutting, hygiene, and customer advice

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a butcher master, driven individuals can advance to supervisory roles, such as department manager or store manager within meat and charcuterie. Some choose to specialize further in cutting or become certified in food safety. According to Arbetsförmedlingen's forecasts, opportunities within the profession of slaughterers and butchers remain strong and are expected to stay stable over the next five years. Despite recruitment challenges, there is a steady demand in the job market, with over 1,400 job openings reported, offering good prospects for those looking to establish themselves in the industry.

Frequently asked questions about Butcher Masters

  • What does a butcher master earn?
    - The average salary for a butcher master is 32 600 SEK per month.
  • How do salary differences between men and women look?
    - Men earn on average 32 800 SEK, women 31,400 SEK, which means women earn 96% of men's salaries.
  • What education is required to become a butcher master?
    - A high school education in the food program with specialization in charcuterie or slaughtering is recommended.
  • How does the job market look for butcher masters?
    - Opportunities for employment are plentiful, with over 1,400 job openings in the profession.
  • What is the highest salary for a butcher master?
    - The highest salary is 33,300 SEK per month for men and 31,400 SEK for women.
  • What does the work involve regarding work environment and hours?
    - The work often occurs in cool environments and may involve shift work, including evenings and weekends.
  • Are there opportunities for further education?
    - Yes, many employers offer further training and specialization within the profession.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-12 08:55:04

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Butcher is 33300 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a high school education, 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 31400 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Butcher is 30900 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 31400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 30100 kr 31900 kr
35-44 31300 kr 33200 kr
45-54 32600 kr 33700 kr
55-64 32000 kr 32700 kr
Snitt 96% 31200 kr 32600 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Butcher has the SSYK code 7611, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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