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Butchers Apprentice Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Butcher

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $25.40/hr

... Apprentice Program creates a path for aspiring butchers to develop a deep understanding of our Quality Standards, animal welfare, food safety, and our commitment to retail excellence. The program is ...

Butcher

Commack, NY

$20.05 - $35/hr

You are expected to serve as coach and mentor to Butchers and Apprentice Butchers, supervise the entire Meat Team, and place orders when Team Leadership is not available. At Whole Foods Market, we ...

Butcher

Denver, CO

$22.55 - $36.08/hr

You are expected to serve as coach and mentor to Butchers and Apprentice Butchers, supervise the entire Meat Team, and place orders when Team Leadership is not available. At Whole Foods Market, we ...

Butcher

Commack, NY · On-site

$20.05 - $35/hr

You are expected to serve as coach and mentor to Butchers and Apprentice Butchers, supervise the entire Meat Team, and place orders when Team Leadership is not available. At Whole Foods Market, we ...

Butcher

Jericho, NY · On-site

$20.05 - $35/hr

You are expected to serve as coach and mentor to Butchers and Apprentice Butchers, supervise the entire Meat Team, and place orders when Team Leadership is not available. At Whole Foods Market, we ...

You are expected to serve as coach and mentor to Butchers and Apprentice Butchers, supervise the entire Meat Team, and place orders when Team Leadership is not available. At Whole Foods Market, we ...

Join our team- Learn The Art of Butchery! We're a proud, locally owned grocery store serving the Greensburg community. We're currently seeking a motivated MEAT CUTTER APPRENTICE to join our Meat ...

Sustainable Butcher Shop Team

Madison, WI · On-site

$16.75 - $22.25/hr

Butcher's Assistant/Apprentice - Applicant must possess strong work ethic and a desire to learn. Previous experience in butchery is not necessary but the ability to handle a knife confidently is.

Butcher

Dallas, TX · On-site

$16.25 - $21.75/hr

Butcher Classification: Non-exempt Role Description We are looking for a professional Butcher who ... High school diploma or GED or apprenticeship program * Must have current food handler ...

Sustainable Butcher Shop Team

Madison, WI

$16.75 - $22.25/hr

Butcher's Assistant/Apprentice- Applicant must possess strong work ethic and a desire to learn. Previous experience in butchery is not necessary but the ability to handle a knife confidently is. This ...

Following Company Apprentice program to lead to a role of butcher. Team members work safely and adhere to all food safety and sanitation standards in each area of the department to provide customers ...

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Butchers Apprentice information

See salary details

$13

$20

$29

How much do butchers apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for butchers apprentice in the United States is $20.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a Butcher's Apprentice and how can they be overcome?

As a Butcher's Apprentice, one of the most common challenges is mastering proper knife skills and safety techniques, which are crucial for efficiency and injury prevention. Apprentices may also find it challenging to adapt to the fast-paced, physically demanding environment, especially during busy periods. Building endurance, paying attention to detail, and seeking feedback from experienced butchers can help overcome these challenges. Over time, apprentices learn to work more efficiently and confidently, setting a strong foundation for advancement in the meat industry.

What are Butchers Apprentices?

Butchers Apprentices are entry-level workers who assist experienced butchers in preparing, cutting, and packaging meat. They learn how to use various tools and machines, follow food safety guidelines, and develop skills in meat selection and preparation. Apprenticeships typically involve on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction, providing a pathway to becoming a qualified butcher. This role requires attention to detail, good hand-eye coordination, and a willingness to learn about different types of meat and butchery techniques.

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

To thrive as a Butcher's Apprentice, you need basic knowledge of meat cuts, food safety, and handling tools, often obtained through on-the-job training or vocational courses. Familiarity with meat processing equipment, scales, and adherence to health and safety regulations are typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and a willingness to learn are standout soft skills in this position. These skills ensure quality product preparation, maintain safety standards, and support efficient teamwork in a demanding environment.

What is the difference between Butchers Apprentice vs Butcher?

AspectButchers ApprenticeButcher
CredentialsOn-the-job training, minimal certificationsExperience, sometimes certifications in meat cutting
Work EnvironmentLearning environment in retail or wholesale settingsFull responsibility for meat preparation and sales
Job RoleAssists with meat cutting, learns techniquesPerforms meat cutting, butchering, and customer service

In summary, a Butchers Apprentice is in the learning phase, gaining skills and experience under supervision, while a Butcher is a fully qualified professional responsible for meat preparation and customer service.

More about Butchers Apprentice jobs
What cities are hiring for Butchers Apprentice jobs? Cities with the most Butchers Apprentice job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Butchers jobs? The most popular types of Butchers jobs are:
What states have the most Butchers Apprentice jobs? States with the most job openings for Butchers Apprentice jobs include:
Infographic showing various Butchers Apprentice job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $41,951 per year, or $20.2 per hour.
Butcher

$19.50 - $25.40/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Whole Foods Market rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Whole Foods Market

Based on 1,446 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6.1

Company rating compared to similar companies: 6.1 out of 10

Grocery stores average

Based on 49,493 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Whole Foods Market

  • 98%

    98% say they get paid time off

    say they get paid time off

  • 88%

    88% say their health insurance is affordable

    say their health insurance is affordable

  • 86%

    86% say they have respectful managers

    say they have respectful managers

Featured by Whole Foods Market, based on 1446 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees


Job description

A career at Whole Foods Market is more than just the work you do- it's about your personal growth and creating meaningful change. Our purpose is to nourish people and the planet. That means improving how people eat, funding grants for school gardens, providing access to fresh and healthy food to people living within food deserts, alleviating poverty in developing countries, and so much more. Working with us means you are making a difference within your community and beyond. We aren't just a grocery store: we're world-changers. And with your help, we will continue to set the standards of excellence and revolutionize the grocery industry.

As a Butcher Apprentice, explore your purpose and enrich your experience at Whole Foods Market by joining a time-honored profession: the art of butchery. You will learn the techniques required for best-in-class cutting, preparation and merchandising of a variety of species. Apprentices receive culinary training and develop the art and technique to enrich Whole Foods Market’s legacy of butchery. The Butcher Apprentice Program creates a path for aspiring butchers to develop a deep understanding of our Quality Standards, animal welfare, food safety, and our commitment to retail excellence. The program is both hands-on and academic. Explore your purpose and enrich your Whole Foods Market experience by developing both art and technique. At Whole Foods Market, we uphold our Core Values and Leadership Principles by providing courteous, friendly, and efficient service to customers and Team Members at all times. All positions must be performed in accordance with team and store Standard Operating Procedures. Further, Team Members must be prepared and able to perform the duties inherent in other Team Member job descriptions. All positions promote national, regional, and store programs and initiatives, and ensure adherence to all applicable health and safety regulations including Food Safety and regulatory duties required in the department.

Job Responsibilities (Will Do)

  • Under the guidance of an experienced Butcher:
    • Performs Butcher duties, including but not limited to: cutting, plating, and merchandising meat products to achieve margin; preparing specialty meat merchandise; checking product to make sure it meets WFM quality standards; maintaining sampling program; maximizing sales potential; monitoring and assisting in preventing spoilage.
    • Provides excellent customer service, addresses customers’ needs in a timely and effective manner, models suggestive selling techniques, answers phones and pages promptly and courteously
    • Follows and complies, or ensures compliance with established procedures, including Food Safety, Weights and Measures, health and sanitation, and safe work practices.
    • Arrives to workstation on time, appropriately groomed, dressed, and ready to work; works all scheduled shifts and attends required training and meetings.
    • Performs opening, mid, and closing duties as assigned; ensures accuracy of signs and pricing

Job Skills (Must Have)

  • Passion for natural foods, animal welfare, and the mission of Whole Foods Market.
  • Strong communication skills, enthusiasm for work, and demonstrated collaborative work ethic.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a sense of urgency.
  • Ability to deliver information in a clear and respectful manner in all interactions with customers, supplier partners, and fellow Team Members.
  • Respect for proper knife handling and other cutting equipment safety.
  • Ability to follow directions and procedures; effective time management and organization skills.

 
Additional Position Requirements expected for new Apprentice hires effective 11/1/2024 

  • Minimum of six months of tenure at Whole Foods Market or equivalent prior experience in grocery retail*. 
  • Completion of all assigned operational training. 
  • Must be in good standing and have no active final warnings on file. 

*Exceptions may apply for UK 

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions 

  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds. 
  • In an 8-hour work day: standing/walking 6-8 hours. 
  • Hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling. 
  • Work requires the following motions: bending, twisting, squatting and reaching. 
  • Exposure to FDA approved cleaning chemicals. 
  • Exposure to temperatures: <32 degrees Fahrenheit (freezing), 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit (refrigerators), >90 degrees Fahrenheit. 
  • Ability to work in wet and dry conditions. 
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. 
  • Ability to use tools and equipment, including knives, box cutters, electric pallet jacks, and other heavy machinery. 
  • May require use of ladders. 
The wage range for this position is $19.50-$25.40 Hourly, commensurate with experience. Whole Foods Market offers "Whole Benefits". Whole Benefits offers a wide range of benefits for Full and Part-Time Team Members, including eligibility for a store discount, paid time off, financial wellness, health & wellness support programs, and access to other Team Member perks. Eligibility for Whole Benefits is determined under the terms of the applicable Whole Benefits plan at a person’s date of hire and may vary based on work location, length of service, and job type (such as regular or seasonal). Click here for benefit details.
New entry level Team Members who successfully complete their first 90-days of employment and who remain actively employed in an eligible role, may be eligible for a base rate increase after their 90-day anniversary.
At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.
Whole Foods Market works with job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter to promote opportunities at our company. Please be aware that other career sites may not be accurate or up to date and may even be fraudulent. We encourage and recommend all candidates to apply via our site.
More detail about Whole Foods Market part of Whole Foods Market, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/589312-Whole-Foods-Market

Working at Whole Foods Market

Perks for frontline workers

From Whole Foods Market, via Breakroom

  • 20% employee discount

  • Paid time off

  • Flexible scheduling

  • Health insurance with dental & vision

  • Growth opportunities

What to expect from working at Whole Foods Market

From Whole Foods Market

About Whole Foods Market, in their own words

From Whole Foods Market

At Whole Foods Market, we understand that the heart and soul of our organization lies in the remarkable people who make up our team. We're more than a grocer; we're a community of diverse, talented individuals coming together to make a positive impact on the world through food.

Company values

From Whole Foods Market

Our purpose is to nourish people and the planet. We’re a purpose-driven company that aims to set the standards of excellence for food retailers. Quality is a state of mind at Whole Foods Market.

Core Values: (1) We sell the highest quality natural and organic foods (2) We satisfy and delight our customers (3) We promote team member growth and happiness (4) We practice win-win partnerships with our suppliers (5) We create profits and prosperity (6) We care about our community and the environment


What Whole Foods Market employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Whole Foods Market logo

About Whole Foods Market

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Whole Foods Market, Inc., a subsidiary of Amazon, is an American multinational supermarket chain headquartered in Austin, Texas, which sells products free from hydrogenated fats and artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.A USDA Certified Organic grocer in the United States, the chain is popularly known for its organic selections. Whole Foods has 500 stores in North America and seven in the United Kingdom As of March 4, 2019.

Industry

Food and beverage stores and retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Austin, TX, US