Worker Demographic Takeaways
Takeaways are key points detailed and referenced in the Demographics section
Animal Slaughter & Processing
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that in 2023 there were ~546,000 workers in the animal slaughtering and processing industry.
Total worker figures are underestimated by the BLS due to the large number of undocumented workers, refugees, and H-2B visa workers.
According to the BLS, ~34% of workers are foreign-born and ~20% are non-citizens; both figures are undoubtedly underestimated.
Frontline Workers
Although there is no clear-cut definition of frontline workers, our best estimate of those most likely to be working on slaughter lines or using knives and machinery to disassemble carcasses is between between 180,000 and 250,000 workers; a figure of 200,000 is a reasonable estimate.
Average wages for slaughter and processing frontline workers were ~80% of the average wages for all production occupations in 2023.
According to the BLS, of these frontline workers, ~28% are women, ~37% identify as Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish, ~16% are Black or African American, and ~7% are Asian.
Factory Farm Workers
Federal agencies estimate that in 2023 there were ~230,000 workers in farmed animal production. Most of these workers are on factory farms.
Factory farm worker totals are underestimated due to the large number of undocumented workers, those with temporary visas, and workers on farms with fewer than 10 employees who are more likely to be undercounted.
Dairy farms are labor intensive. Compared to other factory farms, they have the largest number of workers as counted by federal agencies, and they appear to have the highest percentage of undocumented and immigrant workers.