1

Certified Meat Cutter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Meat Cutter

Hardin, TX · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

High school diploma or GED certificate preferred * Prior meat cutting experience or training strongly preferred * Knife skills * Basic math skills * Knowledgeable about various cuts of meat and ...

Meat Cutter

Leawood, KS

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Meat Cutter Precision. Pride. Freshness - Delivered Daily at McKeever's Price Chopper! McKeever ... Food safety certified or willing to obtain (McKeever's will assist) * Reliable, professional, and ...

Meat Cutter

Leawood, KS

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Meat Cutter Precision. Pride. Freshness - Delivered Daily at McKeever's Price Chopper! McKeever ... Food safety certified or willing to obtain (McKeever's will assist) * Reliable, professional, and ...

Meat Cutter

Leawood, KS · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Meat Cutter Precision. Pride. Freshness -- Delivered Daily at McKeever's Price Chopper! McKeever ... Food safety certified or willing to obtain (McKeever's will assist) * Reliable, professional, and ...

Certified Meat Cutter EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE * Ability to read, write, and perform basic math functions * Possess basic computer skills * Possess strong communication skills PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS ...

Meat Cutter

Grand Forks, ND

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Required Education: - High school diploma or GED Preferred Education: - Technical training or coursework in meat cutting, butchery, or food service - Food safety certification (as required by local ...

Meat Cutter

Leawood, KS · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Meat Cutter Precision. Pride. Freshness - Delivered Daily at McKeever's Price Chopper! McKeever ... Food safety certified or willing to obtain (McKeever's will assist) * Reliable, professional, and ...

Meat Cutter

Grand Forks, ND · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Required Education: - High school diploma or GED Preferred Education: - Technical training or coursework in meat cutting, butchery, or food service - Food safety certification (as required by local ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Certified Meat Cutter information

See salary details

$9

$17

$24

How much do certified meat cutter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for certified meat cutter in the United States is $17.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a certified meat cutter?

To thrive as a Certified Meat Cutter, you need expertise in meat selection, cutting techniques, and food safety, often supported by a high school diploma and industry certification. Familiarity with commercial meat-cutting equipment, band saws, and safety protocols is crucial. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and strong customer service skills help you stand out in this role. These abilities ensure product quality, workplace safety, and excellent customer satisfaction in a fast-paced retail or processing environment.

What is a certified meat cutter?

Certified Meat Cutters are skilled professionals trained in the safe and efficient processing, cutting, and preparation of meat products for retail or food service. They are knowledgeable in meat grading, portion control, food safety standards, and the operation of specialized equipment. Certification typically indicates that the individual has completed training and passed assessments on proper butchery techniques and safety protocols. Meat cutters may work in grocery stores, butcher shops, or meat processing facilities. Their expertise helps ensure customers receive high-quality, properly prepared meat products.

How to become a certified meat cutter?

To become a certified meat cutter, individuals typically complete on-the-job training or attend a meat cutting or culinary program, gaining skills in meat selection, butchering, and safety procedures. Certification may be obtained through industry organizations or state agencies that set standards for meat cutting and food safety, and some employers may require or prefer certification to demonstrate proficiency.

How hard is it to be a certified meat cutter?

Becoming a certified meat cutter involves completing a training program or apprenticeship, gaining knowledge of meat cutting techniques, and passing a certification exam. It requires physical stamina, attention to safety standards, and familiarity with tools like knives and saws. The process can take several months but is manageable with proper training and experience.

What is the difference between Certified Meat Cutter vs Butcher?

AspectCertified Meat CutterButcher
CertificationsRequires certification from a recognized organizationMay or may not have formal certification
Work EnvironmentSupermarkets, meat processing plants, specialty shopsButcher shops, grocery stores, meat markets
Skills & TrainingFormal training, knowledge of meat cutting, safety standardsPractical experience, traditional skills
Industry UsageCommonly used in retail and commercial settingsTraditional term, often used interchangeably with meat cutter

While both roles involve cutting and preparing meat, a Certified Meat Cutter has formal certification and training, ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards. A butcher may have practical experience but might not hold formal certification. The Certified Meat Cutter role emphasizes standardized skills, often in retail or commercial environments, whereas butchers may work in traditional shops with a focus on craftsmanship.

Where do certified meat cutters get paid the most?

Certified meat cutters tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for skilled butchers, such as urban areas or states with a strong retail or food processing industry. Salaries can also increase with experience, certifications, and working in large supermarkets or specialty meat shops.

What are some common challenges certified meat cutters face when working in a busy retail or grocery environment?

Certified Meat Cutters in retail or grocery settings often juggle high customer demand, strict food safety standards, and the need for precise cuts to minimize waste. Balancing speed with accuracy, especially during peak hours, can be challenging. Additionally, they frequently collaborate with butchers, deli staff, and managers to maintain inventory levels and ensure displays are well-stocked and visually appealing. Staying updated on proper equipment use and adhering to safety protocols is also crucial for success in this role.
More about Certified Meat Cutter jobs

What cities are hiring for Certified Meat Cutter jobs?

Cities with the most Certified Meat Cutter job openings:

What states have the most Certified Meat Cutter jobs?

States with the most job openings for Certified Meat Cutter jobs include:

Infographic showing various Certified Meat Cutter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,201 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Meat Cutter

JOHNSONS MEAT & SEAFOOD MARKET

Jacksonville, FL • On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 hours ago


Job description

Journeyman Meat Cutter Job Description

Position
Journeyman Meat Cutter
Location
Jacksonville, Florida
Reports To
Meat Manager / Store Manager
Position Type
Full-Time
Position Summary
Johnson's Meat & Seafood Market Inc. is seeking an experienced Journeyman Meat Cutter to provide exceptional meat cutting, merchandising, and customer service while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and cleanliness.
Primary Responsibilities
• Cut, trim, bone, grind, and portion beef, pork, poultry, lamb, and other meats.
 • Fabricate primal and sub-primal cuts.
 • Prepare family packs and value-added products.
 • Operate commercial meat equipment.
 • Maintain displays and FIFO rotation.
 • Provide custom cuts and excellent customer service.
 • Follow HACCP and sanitation standards.
Required Qualifications
• Minimum five (5) to ten (10) years of journeyman-level meat cutting experience in a retail grocery store or supermarket environment.
 • Expert meat fabrication skills.
 • Experience operating commercial meat department equipment.
 • Knowledge of merchandising, shrink control, and food safety.
 • Ability to lift 75 pounds.
 • Weekend and holiday availability.
Preferred Qualifications
• ServSafe Certification
 • HACCP Certification
 • Experience mentoring apprentice meat cutte