How do I become a butcher
Get qualified to work as a butcher with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Butcher.
Common questions
In Australia, a full time Butcher generally earns $1,250 per week ($65,000 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
Courses.com.au Team
This industry has seen stable employment numbers in recent years. There are currently 17,300 people employed as a Butcher in Australia, and the same number were employed in this industry five years ago. Butchers may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
Courses.com.au Team
If you’re interested in a career as a Butcher, consider enrolling in a Certificate III in Meat Processing (Retail Butcher). This course covers a range of topics including using knives and cutting tools and trimming and cutting different types of meat and poultry. You’ll also learn about personal safety, selling meat to customers and cleaning and sanitation.
Courses.com.au Team
Further reading
What can you do with a Certificate III in Retail?
13th October 2020
Career spotlight: Hospitality professionals
17th September 2019All butcher courses
Butcher careers
A Butcher produces meat to sell in a butchery, supermarket or other specialty store. You might cut meat to size, prepare marinades, crumbs and other seasonings or remove fat and bones. Butchers might prepare special orders for customers or prepare other meat-based products for sale. Butchers liaise with customers and suppliers and ensure stock is available when required.
Butchers should have strong technical skills and be able to work as part of a team. You’ll need to have good attention to detail and should be able to manage your time well. Butchers require good customer service skills and should be excellent communicators. It’s important that you are organised and can prioritise your tasks.
