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Butcher Apprentice Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

E.W. James and Sons

Meat Cutter (Butcher)

Mckenzie, TN · On-site

$12 - $16/hr

Provide training to butcher apprentices. Wraps raw meat and chicken products. Assist customers with specific needs. Cleans and sanitizes meat preparation room. Ensures meat and seafood counters ...

E.W. James and Sons

Meat Cutter (Butcher)

Union City, TN

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

Provide training to butcher apprentices. Wraps raw meat and chicken products. Assist customers with specific needs. Cleans and sanitizes meat preparation room. Ensures meat and seafood counters ...

E.W. James & Sons

Meat Cutter (Butcher)

Union City, TN · On-site

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

... to butcher apprentices. • Wraps raw meat and chicken products. • Assist customers with specific needs. • Cleans and sanitizes meat preparation room. • Ensures meat and seafood counters ...

E.W. James & Sons

Meat Cutter (Butcher)

Mckenzie, TN · On-site

$12 - $16/hr

... to butcher apprentices. • Wraps raw meat and chicken products. • Assist customers with specific needs. • Cleans and sanitizes meat preparation room. • Ensures meat and seafood counters ...

E.W. James & Sons

Traveling Meat Cutter

Union City, TN · On-site

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

... to butcher apprentices. • Wraps raw meat and chicken products. • Assist customers with specific needs. • Cleans and sanitizes meat preparation room. • Ensures meat and seafood counters ...

E.W. James and Sons

Traveling Meat Cutter

Union City, TN

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

Provide training to butcher apprentices. Wraps raw meat and chicken products. Assist customers with specific needs. Cleans and sanitizes meat preparation room. Ensures meat and seafood counters ...

White Lodging Careers

Lead Line Cook

Nashville, TN · On-site

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

Mentor and collaborate with Entry Level Cooks, Line Cooks, culinary apprentices, and stewards while ... Demonstrated proficiency in sautéing, broiling, frying, roasting, butchery, garde manger, pantry ...

All JobsButcher Apprentice JobsButcher Apprentice Jobs in Tennessee

Butcher Apprentice information

See Tennessee salary details

$10

$13

$16

How much do butcher apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for butcher apprentice in Tennessee is $13.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $14.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges a Butcher Apprentice might face during their training, and how can they overcome them?

As a Butcher Apprentice, you may encounter challenges such as mastering precise knife skills, learning to identify different cuts of meat, and adhering to strict safety and hygiene standards. The fast-paced environment and physical demands of the role can also be an adjustment. Overcoming these challenges involves seeking mentorship from experienced butchers, practicing techniques regularly, and staying attentive to feedback. Building a strong foundation in food safety and maintaining a positive attitude toward continual learning will help you succeed and progress in the trade.

What Does a Butcher Apprentice Do?

Butcher apprentices train with professional butchers to learn about the tools and techniques of the trade. You find these apprenticeships at meat preparation and packing plants, retail stores and supermarkets, and some restaurants that prepare their own meats. As a butcher apprentice, you start by observing experienced butchers, learning how to use the various cutting and packaging tools and the different butchering techniques required to cut or grind the meat to specifications. You also learn how to wrap meat properly to preserve freshness, tenderize cuts of meat, stock display cases, and provide customer service at meat counters or in butcher shops. Even while training as a butcher apprentice, you need to adhere to food safety practices for handling and disposing of meat. These apprenticeships often lead to full-time jobs.

What is the difference between Butcher Apprentice vs Meat Cutter?

AspectButcher ApprenticeMeat Cutter
CredentialsOn-the-job training, sometimes certifications in food safetyHigh school diploma, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentMeat shops, grocery stores, butcheriesGrocery stores, supermarkets, meat markets
Job RoleLearning butchering skills, assisting in meat preparationCutting, trimming, and preparing meat for sale
Industry UsageCommonly used during training stagesFull-time role in meat departments

While both roles involve working with meat, a Butcher Apprentice is in training to become a skilled butcher, focusing on learning techniques and skills. A Meat Cutter is a more experienced worker responsible for cutting and preparing meat for customers. The apprentice role is often a stepping stone towards becoming a Meat Cutter.

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

To thrive as a Butcher Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of meat cuts, food safety practices, and a willingness to learn on the job, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with knives, saws, grinders, and safety equipment is important, as is knowledge of sanitation standards and possible completion of food handling certification. Attention to detail, strong communication, and good physical stamina are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure safe, efficient meat processing and excellent customer service, which are crucial for success in the industry.

What does a butcher apprentice do?

A butcher apprentice works under the supervision of experienced butchers to learn the skills needed for cutting, trimming, and preparing meat for sale or further processing. Their duties often include assisting with receiving and inspecting meat deliveries, cleaning and maintaining equipment, and learning how to break down carcasses and portion meat cuts. They also help ensure that all food safety and hygiene standards are followed. Over time, apprentices gain hands-on experience in knife skills, customer service, and inventory management. This role is essential for those wishing to advance to a full butcher position.
More about Butcher Apprentice jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Butcher jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Butcher jobs in Tennessee are:
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What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Butcher Apprentice jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Butcher Apprentice job openings:
Butcher Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Butcher Apprentice job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $27,739 per year, or $13.3 per hour.

Meat Cutter (Butcher)

E.W. James and Sons

Mckenzie, TN • On-site

$12 - $16/hr

Other

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Position Summary: The Meat Cutter is responsible for ensuring the meat cases are consistently stocked with fresh, high-quality meat and poultry products. Key duties include receiving and stocking items, cutting, grinding, wrapping, weighing, pricing, and merchandising meat department products. Meat Cutters are expected to assist customers with special requests, answer questions about meat products and services, and perform various other tasks as needed. Proficiency with equipment such as meat saws, slicers, grinders, wrapping machines, and knives is required. Responsibilities also include helping with truck unloading and maintaining a clean and safe work area. Adherence to safety protocols with all equipment and in all operational areas is essential.


Key Responsibilities: (Responsibilities may vary depending on assignment.)

        Provide outstanding customer service.

        Regularly cutting all meat products.

        Provide training to butcher apprentices.

        Wraps raw meat and chicken products.

        Assist customers with specific needs.

        Cleans and sanitizes meat preparation room.

        Ensures meat and seafood counters, shelves, and freezers are well stocked and up to cleanliness standards.

        Operates grinder to prepare ground beef for packaging.

        Ensures proper rotation of all fresh meat and seafood products.

        Follows safety and security procedures.

        Check in vendors and unload product.

        Regularly operate saws, grinder, knives, and slicers.

        Maintains excellent personal hygiene habits.

        May assist on front-end with cashier and carryout duties as needed.

        Any other responsibilities as assigned by manager. 

Work Environment:

  • May be exposed to all weather conditions (hot, cold, rain, snow, ice and wind) as well as, inside work with variations in heat, cold, dust, and humidity.
  • Must be able to perform work inside of walk-in cooler and freezer. This role also requires one to be able to perform work inside of a preparation room which is kept at a cooler temperature than room temperature.
  • Fast paced retail environment.

Physical Requirements:

  • Frequently moves, lifts, and carries merchandise and supplies weighing less than or equal to 80 pounds without assistance. Occassioanlly moves, lifts, and carries merchandise and supplies weighing less than or equal to 100 pounds.
  • Occasionally reaches overhead and below the knees, including pushing, pulling, squatting, kneeling, bending, stooping, crouching, and twisting with or without bearing weight. Occasionally required to climb and/or crawl.
  • Stands or walks continuously throughout the shift.

Qualifications & Other Job Requirements:

        Previous experience in a retail or grocery environment with meat cutting experience required.

        Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

        Minimum age requirement = 18 years old.

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