ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Chicken Plant Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pilgrim's

Chicken Plant Worker

De Queen, AR

$16.65/hr

Maintain a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner so that you work effectively and cooperatively with customers, clients, co-workers, and leadership teams. • Recognizes ...

Pilgrim's

Chicken Plant Worker

Live Oak, FL

$15.35/hr

Description At Pilgrim's, Safety Is A Condition, which means the safety of our team members comes first - always. Join our production team and play a vital role in delivering safe, high-quality ...

Pilgrim's

Chicken Plant Worker

Russellville, AL · On-site

$18/hr

Description Production Hourly At Pilgrim's, Safety Is A Condition, which means the safety of our team members comes first - always. Join our production team and play a vital role in delivering safe ...

Pilgrim's

Chicken Plant Worker

Nacogdoches, TX · On-site

$15.70/hr

Description Hatchery Labor At Pilgrim's, Safety Is A Condition , which means the safety of our team members comes first - always. Join our Pilgrim's Hatchery Team in Lufkin, Texas and help ensure the ...

Pilgrim's

Chicken Plant Worker

Ellijay, GA

$17.96/hr

Description Production Hourly At Pilgrim's, Safety Is A Condition, which means the safety of our team members comes first - always. Join our production team and play a vital role in delivering safe ...

Pilgrim's

Chicken Plant Worker

Mayfield, KY

$18.25/hr

Description Production Hourly At Pilgrim's, Safety Is A Condition , which means the safety of our team members comes first - always. Join our production team and play a vital role in delivering safe ...

Pilgrim's

Chicken Plant Worker

Nacogdoches, TX

$15.85/hr

Description Production Hourly At Pilgrim's, Safety Is A Condition, which means the safety of our team members comes first - always. Join our production team and play a vital role in delivering safe ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsManufacturing JobsProduct Manufacturing JobsProduction Line Worker JobsChicken Plant Worker Jobs

Chicken Plant Worker information

See salary details

$11

$18

$28

How much do chicken plant worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for chicken plant worker in the United States is $18.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chicken plant worker?

Chicken plant workers are employees in poultry processing facilities who handle the preparation of chickens for commercial distribution. Their duties may include slaughtering, defeathering, cleaning, cutting, packaging, and inspecting chickens to ensure food safety and quality standards are met. These workers often operate machinery, maintain cleanliness, and follow strict safety and hygiene protocols. The work environment can be fast-paced and physically demanding, requiring attention to detail and adherence to regulatory guidelines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chicken plant worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chicken Plant Worker, you need basic knowledge of food safety, physical stamina, and attention to detail, typically with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with meat processing equipment, conveyor systems, and adherence to USDA regulations are important technical requirements. Reliability, teamwork, and the ability to follow instructions help employees excel in fast-paced, repetitive environments. These skills and qualities ensure the safe and efficient processing of poultry products while maintaining high standards of quality and workplace safety.

What are some common challenges faced by chicken plant workers and how can they be managed?

Chicken plant workers often encounter challenges such as working in cold environments, performing repetitive tasks, and handling heavy or awkward loads. To manage these challenges, plants typically provide appropriate personal protective equipment, structured training on safe lifting techniques, and regular breaks to minimize fatigue. Teamwork is also encouraged to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and safely, with supervisors available to address concerns and promote a supportive work environment.

What is the difference between Chicken Plant Worker vs Poultry Processing Technician?

AspectChicken Plant WorkerPoultry Processing Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; specialized training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentProcessing plants, cold and noisy environmentProcessing lines, cold, fast-paced environment
Industry UsageCommonly used in poultry industry for entry-level rolesMore technical, may involve quality control and equipment handling

Chicken Plant Workers perform basic tasks like processing, packaging, and handling poultry products in a cold, fast-paced environment. Poultry Processing Technicians often have additional training and focus on quality control, equipment maintenance, and ensuring safety standards. Both roles are essential in poultry processing but differ in technical requirements and responsibilities.

How much does a chicken plant worker make?

A chicken plant worker typically earns between $12 and $18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and shift. Entry-level positions may start at the minimum wage, while experienced workers or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages. Overtime and shift differentials can also increase overall pay.

How to work at a chicken plant?

To work as a chicken plant worker, applicants typically need to pass a background check and may require a high school diploma or equivalent. The job involves tasks such as processing, packaging, and inspecting poultry, often in a fast-paced environment, with safety training and protective gear provided. Shifts can vary, and physical stamina is important for handling repetitive tasks.

What cities are hiring for Chicken Plant Worker jobs?

Cities with the most Chicken Plant Worker job openings:

What states have the most Chicken Plant Worker jobs?

States with the most job openings for Chicken Plant Worker jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Chicken Plant Worker jobs?

For Chicken Plant Worker jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Chicken Plant Worker job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $38,460 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Chicken Plant Worker

De Queen, AR

Pilgrim's
Animal Farming • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Pilgrim'sexternal

$16.65/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago

Pilgrim's rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 131 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description

Please give us a call after completing an application.
870-584-5324

870-584-5321

De Queen, Arkansas
Poultry Processor-Production Laborer

Pilgrim’s wants YOU to join our hourly production team! Positions start at $16.65 / hour for 1st shift and $18.15 / hour for 2nd shift plus attendance bonus if qualifications are met of $2.75 per hour. We are looking for candidates with good employment history that will fit and grow with our team.

Benefits include:  

  • Medical, dental and vision insurance   
  • 401K contributions   
  • Better Futures Program –2 Year Community College tuition paid for you or your dependents!   
  • Opportunity to grow your career through our Supervisor Development Program

At Pilgrim’s, Safety Is A Condition, which means the safety of our team members comes first - always.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:  


• Processes product using tools (to include knives), manual labor, and equipment provided in accordance with   USDA and Pilgrim’s Company product standards and procedures.
• Process product according to operating procedures and quality/quantity expectations.
• Observes equipment operation, notifying appropriate personnel of any malfunctions and/or safety issues/concerns.
• Clean and organized work area.
• Assist others with the skills and knowledge gained from the position.
• Observes all company personnel, quality, safety, and food safety policies. Maintain a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner so that you work effectively and cooperatively with customers, clients, co-workers, and leadership teams.
• Recognizes and acts on incidents and safety risks. Consistently practices and enforces safe work habits and drives those habits throughout the organization.
• Participates in process improvement and problem solving utilizing continuous improvement and rational thinking methodologies.
• Follow all company animal welfare guidelines.
• Other duties as directed.
BASIC SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Must be able to work safely
• Must be able to work shift assigned days/nights including some Saturdays
• Ability to apply common sense and comprehend simple instructions
• Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Ability to work in cool temperatures (around 40 degrees)
• Ability to stand and use hands for 8-11 hours per day
• Ability to multitask and work quickly
• Must be a team player and be willing to work close to other employees at some stations that are less than 3 feet apart.
• Must have good communication skills.
• Good hand and eye coordination required.
EOE, including disability/vets.   

    

Please give us a call after completing an application.
870-584-5324

870-584-5321
  

What Pilgrim's employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Pilgrim's logo

About Pilgrim's

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pilgrim's is a leading global provider of high-quality food products, including well-recognized brands and value-added premium products. As one of the world's largest poultry producers, Pilgrim's has provided wholesome, quality products to customers and consumers for more than seven decades. It's our passion for excellence that continues to drive us to be the best, and we seek opportunities to diversify and grow.

Industry

Animal farming

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Greeley, CO, US

Year founded

1946

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Pilgrim's Jobs

Apply