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Butcher Meat Cutter Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Bodega - Butcher

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

The Butcher plays a critical role in the food services industry by expertly preparing and cutting meat products to meet quality and safety standards. This position ensures that all meat is processed ...

Bodega - Butcher

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

The Butcher plays a critical role in the food services industry by expertly preparing and cutting meat products to meet quality and safety standards. This position ensures that all meat is processed ...

Butcher Meat Cutter information

See Minnesota salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do butcher meat cutter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for butcher meat cutter in Minnesota is $17.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.38 and $19.09 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.
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Infographic showing various Butcher Meat Cutter job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,455 per year, or $17 per hour.

Retail / Wholesale Butcher & Processor

Ye Olde Butcher Shop

Rochester, MN

$16 - $21.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Ye Olde Butcher Shoppe is now employee owned! Ye Olde Butcher Shoppe opened in 1974 as a very small retail meat business. Over the last 50 years, we have become a well-known and reputable business that has grown into wholesale distribution. Ye Olde Butcher Shoppe strives to supply our customers with the highest quality meats and products at the right price with exceptional customer service.

Job description

ABOUT US & THE ROLE:

Are you an aspiring butcher looking for an immediate opportunity to showcase your skills – and learn more? Do you thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, enjoy helping customers navigate and select quality meats, and like active variety in your daily workflow? If so, we have the perfect job for you!

Ye Olde Butcher Shoppe is the go-to legacy quality butcher shop in Rochester, MN – and is now employee owned! We are seeking a skilled and passionate Retail Butcher / Meat Cutter to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of meat cuts and the butchery craft. Experience is highly desired but not required - for the right candidate hands-on cutting and butchering learning on the job will be available.

You will be responsible for the precise cutting, trimming, and preparation of meats according to our company's high standards. This role requires a combination of skill, dedication, and a deep appreciation for the culinary arts.

Why You Should Apply:

  • Flexible schedule

  • Paid time off

  • Health insurance

  • Dental insurance

  • Vision insurance

  • 401k

  • Employee discount

  • Become an employee-owner / profit sharing

Key Responsibilities:

  • Cut, trim, bone, tie, and grind meats such as beef, pork, and poultry

  • Use knives, cleavers, meat saws, bandsaws, or other equipment to perform meat cutting and trimming.

  • Clean, trim, slice, and section primal or other large cuts for future processing.

  • Ensure that the display cases are stocked with fresh, high-quality meat products, working with the GM and other butchers to vary the fresh cut selections.

  • Maintain a safe and clean work environment by adhering to sanitation standards anD health regulations.

  • Accurately weigh and label meat products.

  • Receive and store incoming vendor orders.

  • Package YOBS house-made products using machine roller & vacuum sealer

  • Operate and maintain equipment in a safe manner, and report any equipment malfunctions.

  • Continuously learn about new cuts and preparation methods.

When working with customers:

o Smile and greets customers in a friendly manner when they enter the store or engage with them on the sales floor.

o Take retail orders by phone.

o Provide quick, efficient, and friendly customer service both in person and on the phone.

o Make an effort to learn customers’ names and to address them by name whenever possible.

o Handle and satisfy customer issues.

o Provide the top-shelf and engaging customer service for which Ye Olde has been known for over 50 years.

  • Maintain a positive attitude; creates an atmosphere of friendliness and fun through flexibility and teamwork.

  • Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age.

  • Proven experience as a butcher/meat cutter is highly desired, but not required.

  • In-depth knowledge of meat preparation techniques and cuts.

  • Strong understanding of food safety and sanitation guidelines .

  • Ability to work in a cold environment and handle raw meat.

  • Excellent hand-eye coordination and attention to detail.

  • Good communication skills for interacting with customers and staff.

Working Conditions:

  • Must be able to work in a refrigerated environment.

  • Flexible availability Monday – Sunday.

  • Ability to work on your feet for hours at a time.

  • Must be physically able to exert up to 100 pounds of force (shared team lifting) occasionally; exert up to 50 pounds of force frequently; and exert up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Location: 902 7th Street NW Rochester, MN 55901

If you are a motivated and talented butcher (or aspiring butcher!) who is passionate about providing high-quality meat products, don't miss this opportunity to join our team at Ye Olde Butcher Shoppe. Apply now and be a part of our employee-owned success story!