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Entry Level Meat Packer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

General Labor - 3rd Shift - Zeeland, MI

Zeeland, MI · On-site

$21.45/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... entry level non-skilled general labor while maintaining a safe work environment and adhering to ... These positions could work in any department of this meat processing facility and include ...

General Labor - 2nd Shift - Zeeland, MI

Zeeland, MI · On-site

$21.45/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... entry level non-skilled general labor while maintaining a safe work environment and adhering to ... These positions could work in any department of this meat processing facility and include ...

Extruder Operator ($1,500 Sign-On Bonus!)

Mattoon, IL

$25 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Extruder Operator will be a multi-skilled packing associate who is responsible for achieving ... Understand the meat process * Demonstrates a thorough understanding of all equipment in the area ...

Showing results 41-49

Entry Level Meat Packer information

See salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do entry level meat packer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level meat packer in the United States is $16.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Meat Packer vs Meat Cutter?

AspectEntry Level Meat PackerMeat Cutter
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic food safety trainingSimilar credentials; may require additional certifications or training
Work EnvironmentMeat processing plants, slaughterhousesButcher shops, meat departments in grocery stores
Job DutiesPreparing and packaging meat, operating basic equipmentCutting, trimming, and preparing meat for sale
Industry UsageCommon entry point in meat processing industryMore skilled role, often requiring experience or training

Entry Level Meat Packers typically focus on preparing and packaging meat in processing plants, requiring basic food safety knowledge. Meat Cutters perform more skilled tasks like cutting and trimming meat, often with additional training. While both roles are essential in the meat industry, Meat Cutters usually have more specialized skills and work in retail or butchery settings.

How much do entry level meat packers get paid?

Entry-level meat packers typically earn between $12 and $16 per hour, depending on location and employer. Starting pay may increase with experience, skills, and certifications such as food safety training. Overtime and shift differentials can also affect overall compensation.

Is entry level meat packing a hard job?

Entry level meat packing jobs can be physically demanding and require standing for long periods, handling heavy or sharp tools, and working in cold environments. The job often involves repetitive tasks and safety precautions, but it generally does not require advanced skills or certifications. The difficulty level varies based on individual fitness and experience with manual labor.
More about Entry Level Meat Packer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Meat Packer jobs?

The most popular types of Meat Packer jobs are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Meat Packer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, and 34% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,506 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

General Labor - 3rd Shift - Zeeland, MI

Tyson Foods

Zeeland, MI • On-site

$21.45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Tyson Foods rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 550 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

295th of 438 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Job Details:

If you are looking to make an impact in a meaningful way, join us at Tyson Foods where we feed the world like family! We create quality products in a safe environment for our team members.

Benefits Effective Day 1!

These positions start at$21.45/HR(with $1/HR shift premium for 3rd shift positions)

Job Description:

These positions are responsible for entry level non-skilled general labor while maintaining a safe work environment and adhering to Tyson policies and procedures. These positions could work in any department of this meat processing facility and include sanitizing equipment.

Physical Requirements:The successful candidate(s) must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

  • Must be willing and able to lift up to 50lbs

  • The Team Member will stand, walk, bend, squat, stretch, climb, push, pull and reach as required in all areas

  • The Team Member will stand 8-10 hours on hard floors

  • The Team Member will perform repetitive motions as required in many areas

  • The Team Member will work in a cold environment in the mid 30 degrees Fahrenheit

  • The Team Member and a damp environment

  • The Team Member will work on slippery walking surfaces

Applicants will be considered for Labor level openings.Leveling (pay) is determined based on availability of relevant labor level job.Applicants may choose from any of the roles listed below based on availability.

General Labor positions include Extended Run, Labeling, Packing, Racker, Sanitation, Stocking, Trash Collector, Trimming,Unrackingand Washer.

Candidates who have previously worked for Tyson will have a minimum rehire waiting period of 365 days and are limited to 3 times of employment.

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

No

Work Shift:

3RD SHIFT (United States of America)

Certain roles at Tyson require background checks. If you are offered a position that requires a background check you will be provided additional documentation to complete once an offer has been extended.

Hourly Applicants ONLY -You must complete the task after submitting your application to provide additional information to be considered for employment.


The successful candidate(s) must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.


Tyson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.


We provide our team members and their families with paid time off; 401(k) plans; affordable health, life, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; and more.


If you would like to learn more about your data privacy rights and how you may use that information, please read our Job Applicant Privacy Notice here.


Unsolicited Assistance: Tyson Foods and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited support from external recruitment vendors for open positions within the United States. Any resumes or candidate profiles submitted by recruitment vendors or headhunters to any employee or applicant tracking system at Tyson Foods or its subsidiaries, without a valid written request and search agreement approved by HR, will be considered the property of Tyson Foods. No fees will be paid if the candidate is hired due to an unsolicited referral.


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