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Entry Level Meat Packing Plant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AURORA PACKING CO INC

Production Worker

North Aurora, IL

$18.40 - $20.15/hr

AURORA PACKING COMPANY INC. INVITES YOU TO JOIN OUR GROWING WORKFORCE TODAY! At Aurora Packing ... For nearly eight decades we have been harvesting and delivering high-quality meat both domestically ...

Applied Plant Science

Packer

Woodland, WA

$18 - $20/hr

The Packer is an entry level position that focuses on the individual's ability to effectively ... general plant responsibilities to best support our daily operations. The overall goal for a ...

In-N-Out Burger

Patty Room Packer

Chino, CA · On-site

$23.75 - $24.50/hr

Stacking and packing the meat patties at the end of the patty line * Prepping meat patty crates ... A minimum of one (1) year experience working in a meat facility, food processing plant, or similar ...

WC Enterprises, Inc.

Meat Clerk - Part-Time - Maumee

Maumee, OH · On-site

$13.25 - $16.25/hr

Safely operate tools (vacuum packers for minors; advanced slicers, saws, and grinders for ages 18 ... Help welcome and train entry-level team members as they join the department. What You Bring to the ...

Shamrock

Machine Operator (Meat Plant)

Commerce City, CO · On-site

$21/hr

... packers, de-palletizers, wrappers and other related equipment within the Meat Plant. (S)he contributes to overall department production goals and maintains a clean and safe work environment. Follow ...

In-N-Out Burgers

Patty Room Packer

Chino, CA · On-site

$23.75 - $24.50/hr

Stacking and packing the meat patties at the end of the patty line * Prepping meat patty crates ... A minimum of one (1) year experience working in a meat facility, food processing plant, or similar ...

Berks Packing Co., Inc.

General Production Labor

Reading, PA · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Berks Packing is a 3rd generation family-owned and operated meat processor facility located in ... Prior experience in a manufacturing plant Solid work history Demonstrated skills in teamwork and ...

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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 23, 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.
More about Entry Level Meat Packing Plant jobs
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What states have the most Entry Level Meat Packing Plant jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Meat Packing Plant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Meat Packing Plant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Meat Packing Plant jobs are:
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.
Production Worker

Production Worker

AURORA PACKING CO INC

North Aurora, IL

$18.40 - $20.15/hr

Other

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Description

We use E-VERIFY!

AURORA PACKING COMPANY INC. INVITES YOU TO JOIN OUR GROWING WORKFORCE TODAY!

At Aurora Packing Company we firmly believe that our employees drive the success of the company. With success in mind as the ultimate goal, we strive to create and provide an environment that offers challenging and rewarding opportunities for all our employees. For nearly eight decades we have been harvesting and delivering high-quality meat both domestically and globally.

Join us and discover a work experience and where you can learn and grow as we look to increase our workforce and production.

We offer competitive wages and benefits: Starting at 18.40 per hour and the opportunity to earn up to $25.40 per hour depending on your performance, PLUS and Union Benefits.

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!

Employee Referral UP TO $900 Bonus *

THE PRODUCTION WORKER position is responsible for entry-level non-skilled general labor while maintaining a safe work environment and adhering to Aurora Packing Company policies and procedures.

Applicants will be considered for any general production type opening in any department that may include, but not limited to:

  • Cuts, and trims meat products using a knife and other machinery.
  • Operates various production equipment in the processing of meat products which includes packaging, deboning, skinning, and grinding.
  • Operates box and lid making machine.
  • Straps, lifts, and stacks processed meat products.
  • Performs quality checks on trimmed meat.
  • Follows the company's Good Manufacturing Practice program to produce safe, quality food.
  • Performs various other production duties as assigned by management.
  • Ability to work in Hot areas where the temperature could range between 60F to 80F and cold areas where the temperature could range between 32F to 42F.
  • Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Routinely perform a variety of tasks that require manual product handling and the use of hand tools, knives, machinery, and other equipment.
  • A variety of arm and hand movements are required in applying force and repetition; grasping, pinching, pulling, lifting, extending, and flexing the hands and arms to perform tasks.
  • Continuously stand and walk for the duration of the shift (normally 7-12-hour shifts), sometimes on wet, slippery surfaces.Lift, carry lower, push and pull heavy objects or loads that can weigh up to 50 lbs.Reach overhead, bend, and twist, climb ladders, steps, stairwells, and walkways.

Requirements


  • Must be open to being cross-trained in multiple areas and/or departments.
  • Must be willing and able to work overtime, including weekends, when scheduled.
  • Must be 18 years of age or older and legally authorized to work in the United States.
  • Must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

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