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Butcher Meat Cutter Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Butcher

San Diego, CA

$20.75 - $27/hr

The butcher/meat cutter positions are one of the most important positions we have in executing accurate prep with consistency and quality control to ensure that every guest has a memorable meal. As a ...

MeatCutter

Selma, CA · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

As a Butcher / Meat Cutter, you'll play a key role in ensuring every steak we serve meets our exacting standards for quality, consistency, and presentation. What You'll Do * Receive, inspect, and ...

BUTCHER

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Butcher Position Overview: The Butcher is responsible for preparing various cuts of meat, poultry ... Meat Cutting and Preparation: * Cut, trim, and prepare meat and poultry for use in the kitchen or ...

Position Summary We are looking to employ 2 meat cutters to join our team in Long Beach, California ... The successful candidates will have had prior experience working as a butcher. Job responsibilities ...

New

Meat Cutter

Watsonville, CA

$16 - $21.25/hr

We are looking for a Meat Cutter with experience, or a hardworking employee interested in being an apprentice to an experienced butcher to grow and learn how to be a Meat Cutter. Job duties include ...

Butcher

San Diego, CA

$21.55 - $35/hr

As an Expert Butcher, you are expected to showcase high levels of knowledge and proficiency ... Performs all aspects of meat cutting including achieving margin and preventing shrink; prepares ...

Marisella Butcher

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Butcher Department: BOH Reports To: Executive Chef FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Hourly Job Type ... As a Meat Cutter, you will play a crucial role in providing fresh, high-quality meat products to ...

Job Summary All meat cutters work under close supervision to cut, trim, and prepare consumer-sized portions of beef for use or sale to Hotels, Country Clubs, Resorts, Restaurants and Distributors.

Job Summary All meat cutters work under close supervision to cut, trim, and prepare consumer-sized portions of beef for use or sale to Hotels, Country Clubs, Resorts, Restaurants and Distributors.

Butcher

Napa, CA

$19.50 - $30.20/hr

Mentors and supports assigned Meat Cutter Trainee(s). * Arrives to work station on time ... Successfully completed WFM Butcher Apprentice Program, or an equivalent training program.* * UK ...

Butcher

Upland, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $30.20/hr

Mentors and supports assigned Meat Cutter Trainee(s). * Arrives to work station on time ... Successfully completed WFM Butcher Apprentice Program, or an equivalent training program.* * UK ...

Butcher

Roseville, CA

$18.50 - $30.20/hr

Mentors and supports assigned Meat Cutter Trainee(s). * Arrives to work station on time ... Successfully completed WFM Butcher Apprentice Program, or an equivalent training program.* * UK ...

Butcher

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $30.20/hr

Mentors and supports assigned Meat Cutter Trainee(s). * Arrives to work station on time ... Successfully completed WFM Butcher Apprentice Program, or an equivalent training program.* * UK ...

Showing results 21-40

Butcher Meat Cutter information

See California salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do butcher meat cutter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for butcher meat cutter in California is $17.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Where do butcher meat cutters get paid the most?

Butcher meat cutters tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and strong retail or wholesale food industries, such as urban areas or states with a significant meat processing sector. Salaries can also increase with experience, certifications, and working in larger supermarkets or specialty meat shops.

How hard is it to be a butcher meat cutter?

Being a butcher meat cutter requires physical strength, attention to detail, and knowledge of meat cutting techniques. The job involves working with sharp tools and handling heavy loads, often in a fast-paced environment, which can be physically demanding and requires safety awareness. Experience and training are important for efficiency and safety in this role.

What does a butcher meat cutter do?

A butcher meat cutter is responsible for preparing, cutting, trimming, and packaging various types of meat for sale or consumption. They use knives, saws, and other tools to portion meat according to customer specifications or store requirements. Butcher meat cutters also ensure that meat products are stored and handled safely, maintain cleanliness in their work area, and may assist customers with selecting and preparing different cuts of meat.

What is the difference between Butcher Meat Cutter vs Meat Processing Technician?

AspectButcher Meat CutterMeat Processing Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job training, food safety certificationsHigh school diploma, food safety certifications, specialized training
Work EnvironmentButcher shops, grocery stores, meat marketsMeat processing plants, slaughterhouses, processing facilities
Industry UsageRetail and wholesale meat salesMeat processing and packaging
Job FocusCutting, trimming, and preparing meat for saleProcessing, grinding, and preparing meat products

The main difference between a Butcher Meat Cutter and a Meat Processing Technician lies in their work environment and focus. Butcher Meat Cutters primarily work in retail settings, preparing meat for sale, while Meat Processing Technicians work in processing plants, handling larger-scale meat processing tasks. Both roles require food safety certifications and involve meat handling, but their daily tasks and work settings differ significantly.

How much does a butcher meat cutter get paid?

A butcher meat cutter typically earns between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Experienced cutters with specialized skills or certifications may earn higher wages, and some work full-time in retail or wholesale settings with benefits.

What are the typical challenges faced by a butcher meat cutter, and how can they be managed effectively?

Butcher Meat Cutters often face challenges such as maintaining strict food safety standards, working efficiently during busy hours, and handling physically demanding tasks like lifting heavy pieces of meat. Effective time management and attention to cleanliness are crucial to prevent contamination and meet customer expectations. Many butchers find that developing strong knife skills and staying organized in the workspace help them work safely and efficiently. Team collaboration is also essential, as butchers typically coordinate with other staff to ensure smooth operations and timely product availability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a butcher meat cutter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Butcher Meat Cutter, you need strong knife skills, knowledge of meat cuts, food safety understanding, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with meat processing equipment, scales, and safety certifications like ServSafe is typically required. Attention to detail, physical stamina, and customer service skills help you stand out in this role. These abilities are vital for ensuring quality products, workplace safety, and excellent customer satisfaction in meat processing and retail environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Butcher Meat Cutter jobs in California? The most popular types of Butcher Meat Cutter jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Butcher Meat Cutter jobs in California? For Butcher Meat Cutter jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities in California are hiring for Butcher Meat Cutter jobs? Cities in California with the most Butcher Meat Cutter job openings:
Infographic showing various Butcher Meat Cutter job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $35,726 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

$20.75 - $27/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description


Located across the street from the San Diego Convention Center and nestled underneath the iconic entrance to the Gaslamp Quarter, Lou & Mickey’s has been Downtown San Diego’s favorite steakhouse for over a decade. The restaurant was recently renovated, yet still magically transports you to another time.

Competitive hourly rate $20.75 - $27 / hour depending on experience.

We keep it reel! Free shift meals, premium benefits, an amazing culinary family, growth opportunities, and more! Are you hooked yet?

What do we bring to the table?

  • Growth Opportunities
  • Great training and commitment to promotions from within!
  • Teamwork / Flexible Hours
  • Education Reimbursement
  • Generous Dining Discount
  • Professionalism
  • Productive Environment
  • Strong company culture
  • Delicious food in a beautiful restaurant!

The butcher/meat cutter positions are one of the most important positions we have in executing accurate prep with consistency and quality control to ensure that every guest has a memorable meal. As a butcher, you will be executing the portioning and breaking down sub-primals into various cuts of meats. You will also be involved in creating charcuterie trays and producing custom sausages.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Minimum of 18 years of age.
  • Ability to satisfactorily communicate verbal and written English with Guests, management and co-workers.
  • Ability to maintain complete knowledge of the following:
    • All cutting techniques which are required.
    • All menu and special items, their preparation method/time, all ingredients and quality standards, taste, appearance, texture, temperature, garnish and method of presentation.
    • Correct maintenance and use of food serving and preparation equipment.
  • 2 years experience as a butcher.
  • Food Handlers Card

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Sharpen and adjust cutting equipment
  • Receive, inspect, and store meat upon delivery
  • Cut, bone, or grind pieces of meat
  • Weigh, wrap, and display cuts of meat
  • Cut or prepare meats to specification or customer’s orders
  • Store meats in refrigerators or freezers at the required temperature
  • Keep inventory of meat sales and order meat supplies
  • Twice daily checking of dry age room humidity and room temperature
  • Rotation of dry aged products and detailed logging of product
  • Logging of weights of product along with tracking of waste and portioning
  • Clean equipment and work areas to maintain health and sanitation standards:
  • Complete opening and closing duties as assigned, including the following:
    • Set up physical aspect of station.
    • Make preparation list of necessary food items.
    • Requisition all listed food items and transport from walk-in, etc. to assigned station.
    • Check quality and quantity of all stock and supplies.
    • Ensure cleanliness and condition of assigned station.
  • Follow supervisor’s instruction.
  • Follow maintenance program and cleaning schedule.
  • Alert Chef or Sous Chef as to any deficiencies of food items.
  • Notify management of any pertinent information related to shift activities.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High School graduate.
  • Any previous culinary training.
  • Certification in sanitation requirements.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS:

  • Ability to understand co-workers service needs.
  • Ability to be well organized, maintain concentration and think clearly when providing service to co-workers.
  • Ability to focus attention to performance of tasks despite frequent, stressful or unusual interruptions.
  • Ability to assemble and disassemble food preparation and cooking equipment to restaurant standards.
  • Ability to comprehend food orders.
  • Ability to converse calmly with irate co-workers and supervisors in sometimes tense, emotional situations.

Equal Opportunity Employer