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Entry Level Meat Plant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mars

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

Mattoon, IL · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

... entry level role into the Extrusion/Processing role and will develop capability to perform the ... Perform all of the following duties on a rotational basis in the processing area of the plant. This ...

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Entry Level Meat Plant information

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$11

$18

$28

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

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level meat 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.

What is the difference between Entry Level Meat Plant vs Meat Processing Technician?

AspectEntry Level Meat PlantMeat Processing Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalentHigh school diploma; some roles may require certifications
Work EnvironmentProcessing floors, cold storage, production linesProcessing lines, quality control areas, cold environments
Industry UsageEntry-level roles in meat processing facilitiesSkilled roles focusing on processing and quality assurance

Entry Level Meat Plant roles typically involve basic tasks on processing lines, requiring minimal certifications. Meat Processing Technicians often have more specialized skills and may require certifications, focusing on quality control and processing techniques. Both roles are essential in meat industry operations, but they differ in skill level and responsibilities.

How much do meat packing plants pay?

Entry-level meat plant workers typically earn between $12 and $16 per hour, depending on location, experience, and company. Overtime and shift differentials can increase overall pay, and some positions may require safety certifications or physical stamina.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Entry level meat plant jobs typically do not pay $2000 a day; such high daily earnings are usually associated with specialized roles, high-level management, or skilled trades that require extensive experience or certifications. Most entry-level positions in the meat processing industry offer hourly wages that amount to significantly less than $2000 daily, even with overtime.

What jobs pay $400 an hour?

Entry level meat plant jobs typically do not pay $400 an hour; such high wages are usually associated with specialized roles like surgeons, anesthesiologists, or high-level executives. Most meat processing positions offer hourly wages well below that rate, often in the range of minimum wage to moderate pay, depending on experience and location.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

Entry-level meat plant jobs typically do not pay $10,000 a month; such high earnings usually require advanced skills, experience, or supervisory roles. High-paying jobs without a degree are rare and often involve specialized trades, sales, or entrepreneurship, but most entry-level positions in meat processing pay significantly less.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Meat Plant Worker, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with safety protocols, basic food handling certifications, and the ability to operate cutting or packaging equipment are typically required. Reliability, teamwork, and the ability to follow instructions help you stand out in this fast-paced environment. These skills ensure product quality, workplace safety, and efficient operations in a highly regulated industry.

What are entry level meat plant jobs?

Entry level meat plant jobs are positions in meat processing facilities that require little to no prior experience. These roles typically involve tasks such as cutting, packaging, inspecting, and handling meat products, as well as cleaning equipment and work areas. Entry level workers are trained on safety, sanitation, and proper handling techniques to maintain quality and comply with regulations. These jobs can offer opportunities for advancement within the plant as skills and experience are gained.

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

Entry-level workers in a meat plant often face challenges such as adapting to fast-paced, physically demanding work environments and maintaining strict safety and hygiene standards. It can take time to build the necessary stamina and learn efficient techniques for tasks like cutting, packaging, or operating machinery. New employees are encouraged to ask questions, follow all safety protocols, and seek guidance from experienced coworkers or supervisors. Many plants offer on-the-job training and mentorship to help new hires succeed and adapt quickly.
More about Entry Level Meat Plant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Meat Plant jobs? The most popular types of Meat Plant jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Meat Plant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Meat Plant jobs are:
Entry Level Meat Plant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Meat Plant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,460 per year, or $18.5 per hour.
Dakota City-General Labor Production

Dakota City-General Labor Production

Tyson Foods

Dakota City, NE • On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Tyson Foods rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 515 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

250th of 382 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Job Details:

Dakota City Plant General Production
  • Processing/Harvest
Description: Join our team at Tyson Foods as a General Laborer! This entry-level position is ideal for individuals looking to start their career in a dynamic and supportive environment. You will play a crucial role in maintaining our high standards of safety and quality.

Responsibilities:

  • Perform a variety of tasks in different departments within our Processing/Harvest facility.
  • Handle and move products, including lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying items weighing 40 pounds up to 80 pounds.
  • Work in varying conditions, including extreme cold or hot environments (-10 to 105 degrees) and wet areas.
  • Use knives and specialized hand tools to cut, trim, and process meat products in accordance with production standards.

Requirements:

  • Ability to work 8-10 hours per day.
  • Comfortable working in extreme temperatures and wet conditions.
  • Capability to handle physically demanding tasks.
  • Willingness to use various tools and equipment for processing tasks.

Apply today to join our team and be a part of a company that values safety, quality, and its employees!

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.

Please Select SMS text messaging during application process to be sure you will be contacted in a timely manner. Any Prior Workers that need to update their phone number please call 1-479-290-5000
Candidates who have previously worked for Tyson will have a MINIMUM rehire waiting period of 180 days and a 3 time hire limit.

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

No

Work Shift:

ALL SHIFTS (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.

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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