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Boning Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$21.89/hr

Cutting, trimming and boning meat. * Using hand tools and operating powered meat cutting equipment. You will receive credit for all relevant qualifying experience (paid and unpaid), including ...

$21.89/hr

Cutting, trimming and boning meat. * Using hand tools and operating powered meat cutting equipment. You will receive credit for all relevant qualifying experience (paid and unpaid), including ...

Showing results 21-40

Boning information

See California salary details

$11

$20

$24

How much do boning jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for boning in California is $20.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $23.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is boning?

Boning refers to the process of removing bones from meat, poultry, or fish. It is a specialized skill performed by boners in meat processing plants, butcher shops, and food production facilities. The goal is to separate the edible meat from the bones efficiently and safely, often using sharp knives and other tools. Proper boning ensures minimal waste and helps prepare the meat for further processing, packaging, or sale.

What are common challenges faced by boning workers, and how can they be addressed?

Boning workers often face challenges such as repetitive motion injuries, maintaining speed and accuracy under tight production schedules, and adhering to strict food safety standards. To address these, many facilities provide ergonomic tools, regular safety training, and encourage frequent breaks to minimize strain. Effective communication with supervisors and team members is also important to ensure workflow remains efficient and issues are quickly resolved. Adapting to the fast-paced environment and staying attentive to detail are key to success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a boning worker, and why are they important?

To succeed as a Boning Worker, you need strong manual dexterity, knowledge of meat cutting techniques, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industry tools like boning knives, safety equipment, and sometimes meat processing machinery is essential. Attention to detail, stamina, and the ability to work efficiently both independently and in teams are standout soft skills. These skills ensure product quality, safety, and productivity in fast-paced meat processing environments.

What is the difference between Boning vs Butcher?

AspectBoningButcher
Primary RoleRemoving bones from meatCutting, trimming, and preparing meat for sale or cooking
Skills & CertificationsMeat processing, knife skills, safety trainingMeat cutting, knife skills, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentMeat processing plants, slaughterhousesButcher shops, grocery stores, meat departments
Industry UsageCommon in meat processing and packingCommon in retail and food service

While both roles involve working with meat, Boning focuses specifically on removing bones from cuts, often in processing plants. Butchers handle a broader range of tasks, including cutting, trimming, and preparing meat for customers. Both roles require knife skills and safety certifications, but their work environments and daily tasks differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Boning jobs in California?

For Boning jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Boning jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Boning jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Boning job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 54% Physical, and 46% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,381 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

$24.92/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist full performance meatcutters by performing simpler tasks such as cutting, trimming, and boning meat.

  • Use hand tools and operate powered meat cutting equipment to prepare meat for sale.

  • Support retail meat department activities including traying, wrapping, and weighing meat for patrons.


Defense Commissary Agency rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 124 rated grocery stores


Job description

Serves as the Meatcutting Worker in a Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) location. The primary purpose of this position is to Assist full performance meatcutters by performing the simpler tasks.
This is an open-continuous announcement with an established initial cut-off date 30 days after the open date of the announcement. Please see the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section for more information.Qualifications:You must meet qualifications and requirements by the closing date. Per the OPM Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupations, how you gained the skill and/or knowledge or the length of time you have spent in this line of work is not as important as what you can do and that you have the required ability or potential to successfully perform the duties of this position. Your resume should show your specific knowledge, skill, and abilities for this position in relation to each of the elements being measured.
Examples of related/qualifying experience:
  • Working in the retail meat department traying, wrapping and weighing meat for sale to patrons.
  • Cutting, trimming and boning meat.
  • Using hand tools and operating powered meat cutting equipment.
You will receive credit for all relevant qualifying experience (paid and unpaid), including volunteer work done through National Service program (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).
Physical requirements: (1) Continuously walk, stand, bend, stoop, stretch, and reach. (2) Lift up to 50 pounds independently and occasionally over 50 pounds with assistance. You will attest to your ability to perform these physical requirements in the Questionnaire.
As part of the online application process, you will respond to a question designed to evaluate what you can do against what the work requires (job element method). This job has one critical element, called the screen-out element (SOE). The SOE addresses the critical knowledge, skill, and abilities essential to satisfactory job performance. Applicants who clearly fail to meet the lowest acceptable requirement in the SOE are rated ineligible and receive no further consideration. The job elements for this job are:
  • Ability to do the Work of the Position Without More than Normal Supervision
Overtime: Occasional
Bargaining Unit Status: Varies by Location
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Nonexempt
Obligated Position: If obligated, you occupying the position is subject to the former incumbent returning. If the former incumbent does not return to the position, your occupancy may become permanent. Tentative job offers identify if the position you are offered is obligated.
Those retired under CSRS or FERS considered: No. DoD criteria not met.
Work environment: May be subject to temperature changes based on opening and closing doors, working on loading docks, outside, and in refrigerated rooms. May be exposed to hot or cold weather, damp conditions, or drafty conditions. There is a danger of minor cuts, scrapes, bruises or heat sealer burns.
Telework eligible: No
Remote work eligible: NoEducation:You may not use education to qualify for this position.Employment Type: OTHER

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