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Butchers Apprentice Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Meat Cutter (Butcher)

Union City, TN · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Traveling Meat Cutter

Union City, TN · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

Butchers Apprentice information

What is a butchers apprentice?

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 butchers 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 are some common challenges faced by a butchers 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 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.

How much does a butcher apprentice make?

A butcher apprentice typically earns between $10 and $15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Apprentices often receive on-the-job training while working under the supervision of experienced butchers, and wages may increase as skills improve.

How to become a butcher's apprentice?

To become a butcher's apprentice, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and an interest in meat cutting and food preparation. Many apprenticeships are offered through retail butchers or grocery stores and involve on-the-job training, sometimes combined with vocational courses in meat cutting or food safety. Gaining basic skills in knife handling, sanitation, and customer service can improve your chances of securing an apprenticeship.

What are popular job titles related to Butchers Apprentice jobs in Tennessee?

For Butchers Apprentice jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Butchers Apprentice jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Butchers Apprentice job openings:

Infographic showing various Butchers Apprentice job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Meat Cutter (Butcher)

E.W. James and Sons

Union City, TN • On-site

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 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.