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Chicken Plant Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Chicken Plant Worker information

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$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 - Pilgrim's Pride

Nacogdoches, TX

Pilgrim's
Animal Farming • 10K+ employees

$15.85/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 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

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, high-quality poultry products to customers. In this hands-on position, you’ll work on the processing line performing tasks such as cutting, trimming, packaging, and/or inspecting products to meet strict food safety and quality standards. You’ll operate equipment, maintain a clean work area, and follow all safety and biosecurity guidelines. This is a fast-paced environment where attention to detail and teamwork are key. If you’re dependable, willing to learn, and ready to grow with a company committed to excellence, this is your opportunity to make an impact!

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Process poultry products using tools, manual labor, and equipment according to USDA and Pilgrim’s standards.
  • Monitor equipment operation and report malfunctions or safety concerns promptly.
  • Maintain a clean, organized work area and follow all safety, food safety, and animal welfare guidelines.
  • Support team members by sharing skills and knowledge while promoting a positive work atmosphere.
  • Participate in continuous improvement and problem-solving initiatives.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to meet production and quality goals.
  • Demonstrate flexibility by performing tasks in different areas of production as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned.

What You’ll Need:

  • Education: High School Diploma/GED preferred.
  • Experience: Poultry or food industry experience is a plus.
  • Skills: Ability to multitask and work quickly, have good communication skills, ability to comprehend simple instructions and apply common sense, and must be a team player and be willing to work close to other employees at some stations. (Less than 3 feet apart.)
  • Physical requirements: Ability to work in cool temperatures (around 40 degrees), ability to stand and use hands for 8-11 hours per day and lift 50 bs or more.

Why Work for Pilgrim’s?

  • Schedule: Monday-Friday with some weekend work required;
  • Benefits: Vision, Medical, and Dental coverage begin after 60 days of employment;
  • Paid Time Off: Sick leave, vacation, company observed holidays or, any other statutorily required paid leave;
  • 401(k): company match begins after the first year of service and follows the company vesting schedule;
  • Base hourly salary rate of $15.85 with a $1.00 shift differential for 2nd and 3rd shift;
  • Perfect attendance incentive of $1.00 extra per hour for perfect attendance;
  • Career Development: Our company is dedicated to supporting professional growth by offering continuous learning opportunities and a focus on career growth through various learning and development programs;
  • Better Futures

The Company is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our team members and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct drug, alcohol, and background checks for all new team members post-offer and prior to the start of employment. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work. 

About us: Pilgrim’s is a leading global food company with more than 62,000 team members worldwide. The company processes, prepares, packages, and delivers fresh, frozen, and value-added food products for customers in more than 100 countries. Pilgrim’s operates protein processing plants and prepared foods facilities in 14 states, Puerto Rico, Mexico, the U.K, the Republic of Ireland and continental Europe.

Our mission: To be the best in all that we do, completely focused on our business, ensuring the best products and services to our customers, a relationship of trust with our suppliers, profitability for our shareholders and the opportunity of a better future for all of our team members.

Our core values are Availability, Determination, Discipline, Humility, Ownership, Simplicity, Sincerity

EOE, including disability/vets

Unsolicited Assistance: JBS and its companies do not accept unsolicited assistance from any recruitment vendors for any of our open jobs. All resumes or candidate profiles submitted by recruitment vendors or headhunters to any employee at JBS and its companies or via the applicant tracking system, in any form without a valid written request and search agreement previously approved by HR, will be solely owned by JBS and its companies. No fees will be paid should the candidate be hired by JBS and its companies because of an unsolicited referral.

 
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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

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