Abattoir Knife Hand

An Abattoir Knife Hand performs a range of tasks in an abattoir. You might cut meat from carcasses or trim it to remove fat. Abattoir Knife Hands may prepare meat for packing by removing unnecessary pieces and slicing it into standard cuts. You may also get meat ready for transport and delivery.

Abattoir Knife Hands should be skilled at their trade and able to work as part of a larger team. It’s important that you can follow directions and work to correct procedures at all times. Abattoir Knife Hands should have a strong focus on safety and may have to work irregular hours when required.

Future demand Medium
Average yearly income $54,600
Skill level Beginner

How do I become a abattoir knife hand?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended
AMP30516

Certificate III in Meat Processing (Slaughtering)
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
6 - 48 months
$0 - $4,100
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Meat Inspector Abattoir Knife Hand Apprentice Butcher
Meat Process Worker
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Meat Inspector Abattoir Knife Hand Apprentice Butcher Meat Process Worker + 1 more
AMP30815

Certificate III in Meat Processing (Retail Butcher)
Apprenticeship, Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
3 - 4 years
$0 - $14,610
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Abattoir Knife Hand Butcher Abattoir Labourer
Apprentice Butcher
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Abattoir Knife Hand Butcher Abattoir Labourer Apprentice Butcher + 1 more
AMP30116

Certificate III in Meat Processing (Boning Room)
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
6 - 48 months
$0 - $4,100
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Meat Inspector Meat Process Worker Butcher
Abattoir Knife Hand
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Meat Inspector Meat Process Worker Butcher Abattoir Knife Hand + 1 more
AMP30716

Certificate III in Meat Processing (Quality Assurance)
Traineeship
24 months
$4,500
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Meat Inspector Abattoir Knife Hand
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Meat Inspector Abattoir Knife Hand
AMP20316

Certificate II in Meat Processing (Abattoirs)
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
12 - 24 months
$0 - $3,100
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Quality Assurance (Abattoir) Worker Abattoir Knife Hand
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Quality Assurance (Abattoir) Worker Abattoir Knife Hand
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Meat Inspector

A Meat Inspector ensures that abattoirs and meat processing facilities comply with health standards and industry regulations through inspections and testing.

Avg yearly income $83,200
Skill level Advanced

Abattoir Supervisor

An Abattoir Supervisor oversees operations, ensuring safety and efficiency, while managing staff and coordinating activities across departments.

Avg yearly income $70,200
Skill level Advanced

Abattoir Labourer

An Abattoir Labourer prepares livestock for slaughter, cuts meat, handles cleaning, packaging, and loading tasks, requiring teamwork, safety focus, and flexibility.

Avg yearly income $70,720
Skill level Beginner

Meat Process Worker

A Meat Process Worker prepares livestock, cuts and packages meat, and ensures hygiene and safety in abattoirs or processing facilities.

Avg yearly income $60,580
Skill level Beginner

Quality Assurance (Abattoir) Worker

A Quality Assurance (Abattoir) Worker inspects meat products to ensure quality and compliance with industry standards, requiring attention to detail.

Avg yearly income $72,800
Skill level Beginner

Common questions

How much does an Abattoir Knife Hand earn?

In Australia, a full time Abattoir Knife Hand generally earns $1,050 per week ($54,600 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.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

What are the job opportunities for an Abattoir Knife Hand?

The number of people working in this industry has grown in recent years. There are currently 13,000 people employed as abattoir workers in Australia compared to 9,900 five years ago. Abattoir Knife Hands may find work in regions of Australia where abattoir facilities are located.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

How do I become an Abattoir Knife Hand?

A Certificate III in Meat Processing (Retail Butcher) is an ideal qualification if you’re planning a career as an Abattoir Knife Hand. You’ll learn to use knives and cutting tools, trim and cut different types of meat and poultry and adhere to safety and sanitation issues.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

Choosing a security licence course in Australia: A step-by-step guide for jobseekers

10th November 2023)

Career spotlight: Hospitality professionals

17th September 2019)

What can you do with a Certificate III in Hospitality?

14th December 2020)

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