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Entry Level Meat Packing Plant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WC Enterprises, Inc.

Meat Clerk - Perrysburg

Perrysburg, OH · On-site

$13.25 - $16.25/hr

Safely and effectively operate equipment such as knives and the vacuum packer (minors), plus slicers, saws, grinders, and knives (18+) * Assist in training entry-level Meat department employees

Balance Professional

General Labor

Rowena, TX

$15/hr

Cutting meat Packing Materials Stacking Product Strapping Building boxes Qualifications: General ... Experience in a cold storage and or processing plant desired but not required.

Shamrock Foods Company

Packer - Meat Plant

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$18/hr

* Starting compensation: $18.00 per hour * Shift Days: Sunday to Thursday * Shift Hours: 10:00 AM to Finish Unloads and dumps grinding raw materials and products from pallets, skids or trucks in ...

B&G Foods

Plant Technician - Packing

Cincinnati, OH

$37.68/hr

Plant Technician - Packing and Process Cincinnati - Plant Minimum Requirements: * High School ... Salary * Entry level $22.02-$23.60/hour with opportunity to earn $37.68/hour plus shift premium.

B&G Foods

Plant Technician - Packing

Cincinnati, OH

$37.68/hr

Plant Technician - Packing and Process Cincinnati - Plant Minimum Requirements: * High School ... Salary * Entry level $22.02-$23.60/hour with opportunity to earn $37.68/hour plus shift premium.

Baldor Specialty Foods, Inc.

Sanitation Tech

Bronx, NY

$17.25 - $21/hr

Experience in the food processing plant or restaurant kitchen sanitation process is preferred ... Fast-paced meat packing facility. * May be exposed to loud machinery and equipment.

State of Wisconsin

WI · On-site

$29.33 - $33.45/hr

... plant health; a clean environment; and strong agriculture and commerce. To successfully attain ... Qualifications Minimally qualified candidates at the Entry level will have: Experience using ...

PRIME MEATS

Meat Packer (Day Shift) Tucker, GA.

Tucker, GA

$14.25 - $17/hr

Carry out the weighing, packing, and assembly of product boxes according to current regulations and ... plant and production room. * Clean and sanitize continuously your workspace, equipment, and ...

Prime Meats

Meat Packer (Day Shift) Tucker, GA.

Tucker, GA · On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

Carry out the weighing, packing, and assembly of product boxes according to current regulations and ... plant and production room. * Clean and sanitize continuously your workspace, equipment, and ...

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All JobsMeat Packing Plant JobsEntry Level Meat Packing Plant Jobs

Entry Level Meat Packing Plant information

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How much do entry level meat packing plant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level meat packing plant 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.

How much do meatpackers make?

Entry-level meatpacking plant workers typically earn between $12 and $16 per hour, with wages varying by location, experience, and company. Many positions require physical stamina and adherence to safety protocols, and some facilities offer overtime pay for additional hours worked.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level workers in a meat packing plant, and how can they be addressed?

Entry-level workers in meat packing plants often encounter challenges such as adapting to physically demanding tasks, maintaining a fast work pace, and ensuring strict adherence to safety and hygiene protocols. To overcome these challenges, it's important to follow all training and safety guidelines, communicate openly with supervisors about any difficulties, and take scheduled breaks to prevent fatigue. Building strong teamwork skills can also help, as many tasks require close collaboration with coworkers to maintain efficiency and product quality.

Who works in meat packing plants?

Workers in meat packing plants include butchers, meat processors, machine operators, quality control inspectors, and general laborers. These employees often work in cold environments and may need to follow safety protocols and use tools like knives and saws. The roles typically require physical stamina and adherence to hygiene standards.

What is the difference between Entry Level Meat Packing Plant vs Entry Level Butcher?

AspectEntry Level Meat Packing PlantEntry Level Butcher
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic food safety trainingHigh school diploma; may require food safety or knife handling certifications
Work EnvironmentFactories or processing plants; cold, fast-pacedButcher shops or meat departments; similar cold environment, more customer interaction
Industry UsageProcessing and packaging meat productsPreparing and cutting meat for sale
Common Search IntentEntry level meat processing jobsStarting a career as a butcher

While both roles involve working with meat in cold environments, an Entry Level Meat Packing Plant focuses on processing and packaging meat products in a factory setting, often with less direct customer interaction. An Entry Level Butcher typically works in retail settings, preparing meat cuts for customers. Both require basic food safety knowledge, but butchers may need additional knife handling skills and certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Meat Packing Plant Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Meat Packing Plant Worker, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of safety and hygiene protocols, often with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with meat processing equipment, conveyor systems, and personal protective equipment (PPE) is typically required. Reliability, teamwork, and the ability to follow instructions are crucial soft skills in this environment. These skills ensure efficient production, a safe workplace, and adherence to food safety standards.

Who are the Big 4 in the meat industry?

The Big 4 in the meat industry are Tyson Foods, JBS, Cargill, and Smithfield Foods. These companies are among the largest meat producers and often have entry-level positions in meat packing plants, requiring safety training and adherence to food safety standards.

What does an entry level meat packing plant worker do?

An entry level meat packing plant worker is responsible for assisting in the processing, packaging, and preparation of meat products for distribution. Typical tasks include operating machinery, inspecting meat for quality, trimming, weighing, labeling, and ensuring cleanliness and safety standards are maintained. This role often requires standing for long periods, working in refrigerated environments, and following strict hygiene protocols to ensure food safety. Training is usually provided on the job, and safety equipment is supplied by the employer.

Is meat packing a hard job?

Meat packing jobs can be physically demanding, involving repetitive tasks, heavy lifting, and working in cold environments. The work often requires standing for long periods and following safety protocols, but it generally does not require advanced skills or certifications. The difficulty level varies based on individual fitness and experience.
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Entry Level Meat Packing Plant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Meat Packing Plant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,460 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Manufacturing Plant Meat Packing / Production Associate

Shop - Ebels General Store

Falmouth, MI

$15 - $18/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Ebels General Store in Falmouth is currently looking for a Full-Time energetic individual to work in our Little Town Jerky manufacturing area. This position is responsible for processing and preparing meat products for distribution. This role involves working in a fast-paced environment, following strict hygiene and safety protocols, and ensuring the quality of finished products. Ideal candidates will be working in a refrigerated environment with temperatures ranging from 35F to 45F. The use of protective gear, including gloves, aprons, and hairnets is required, along with standing for extended periods and performing repetitive tasks.

Compensation for this position ranges from $15.00 to $18.00 per hour, based on experience, skills, and qualifications.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Perform all work in compliance with company Handbook, Sanitation SOP, and USDA/FSIS rules.
  • Use knives, meat saws, grinders, mixers, or other equipment to perform meat cutting, grinding, & packing.
  • Trim and grind meat, and add seasonings, to produce bacon, jerky, sausage, bologna, bratwurst, and other meat products.
  • Operate, maintain, set-up, and clean food processing equipment.
  • Follow written recipes to proportionally add flavorings using spices, seasonings, & specified additives.
  • Monitor the quantity of output and transport meat product to next step in process.
  • Understand cleanliness & FSIS (sanitation) expectations, & routinely self-initiate related sanitation/clean-up tasks

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