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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cutter in Illinois is $41,188 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.
However, a Cutter's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Cutter Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $44,406 | $3,700 | $854 | $21 |
| Average | $41,188 | $3,432 | $792 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,488 | $3,124 | $721 | $18 |
Costco Wholesale Corporation - Plainfield, IL
Costco Wholesale Corporation - Loves Park, IL
Costco Wholesale Corporation - East Peoria, IL
viaPhoton - Naperville, IL
A Cutter's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Cutter's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Cutter | $41,342 |
| Intermediate Level Cutter | $42,058 |
| Senior Level Cutter | $43,457 |
| Specialist Level Cutter | $43,607 |
| Expert Level Cutter | $43,706 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Cutters. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Cutter roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Media and MFG Nondurable sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Cutter positions in MFG Durable or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cutter as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media | $49,425 | $24.0 | 20% |
| MFG Nondurable | $45,307 | $22.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Cutter's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $44,406 | $3,700 | $854 | $21 |
| Average | $41,188 | $3,432 | $792 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,488 | $3,124 | $721 | $18 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Cutter job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Golden Corral
Effingham, IL
Golden Corral | Effingham, IL
Golden Corral - Effingham/Springfield Il Meat Cutter. Our franchise organization, Golden Corral - Effingham/Springfield IL, is currently seeking energetic,... more
7 Days Ago
viaPhoton
Aurora, IL
viaPhoton | Aurora, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Location. Naperville, IL. Schedule. Mon–Fri 1st Shift: 6:00 AM – 3:30 PM, 2nd Shift: 3:30 PM – 1:00 AM. Compensation. $18... more
8 Days Ago
SG360°
Wheeling, IL
SG360° | Wheeling, IL
DescriptionAbout sg360sg360 partners with Fortune 1000 brands to pursue unmatched direct marketing performance. We leave no stone unturned in our efforts t... more
9 Days Ago
The Fresh Market
Chicago, IL
The Fresh Market | Chicago, IL
The Fresh Market - - Responsibilities: Cut, trim, and prepare meat and seafood according to The Fresh Market standards and guest requests. Assist with depa... more
10 Days Ago
Golden Corral
Algonquin, IL
Golden Corral | Algonquin, IL
Meat Cutter Position. Our franchise organization, Mohave GC, LLC dba Golden Corral, is currently seeking energetic, friendly individuals to join our team. ... more
11 Days Ago
Costco Wholesale Corporation
Champaign, IL
Costco Wholesale Corporation | Champaign, IL
Meat Cutter. Cuts and trims and prepares raw meat for sale using saws, knives, grinder, and tenderizer. Provides a high level of member service. Job Duties... more
11 Days Ago
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