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Entry Level Meat Plant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Packaging - 2nd Shift (Ozark Facility)

Ozark, AR · On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

Key Responsibilities Perform varying manual, repetitive tasks to process meat from the turkeys ... Ensure product safety and product defense in the plant. Inspect the birds to ensure maximum quality ...

Packaging - 2nd Shift (Ozark Facility)

Ozark, AR · On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

Key Responsibilities Perform varying manual, repetitive tasks to process meat from the turkeys ... Ensure product safety and product defense in the plant. Inspect the birds to ensure maximum quality ...

Packaging - 2nd Shift (Ozark Facility)

Altus, AR · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Key Responsibilities Perform varying manual, repetitive tasks to process meat from the turkeys ... Ensure product safety and product defense in the plant. Inspect the birds to ensure maximum quality ...

New

Food Production - 2nd Shift

Clarksville, AR · On-site

$12.25 - $14.50/hr

Key Responsibilities Perform varying manual, repetitive tasks to process meat from the turkeys ... Ensure product safety and product defense in the plant. Inspect the birds to ensure maximum quality ...

Food Production - 2nd Shift

Scranton, AR · On-site

$12.25 - $14.50/hr

Key Responsibilities Perform varying manual, repetitive tasks to process meat from the turkeys ... Ensure product safety and product defense in the plant. Inspect the birds to ensure maximum quality ...

Food Production - 2nd Shift

Ozark, AR · On-site

$13.25 - $15.75/hr

Key Responsibilities Perform varying manual, repetitive tasks to process meat from the turkeys ... Ensure product safety and product defense in the plant. Inspect the birds to ensure maximum quality ...

Food Production - 2nd Shift

Hartman, AR · On-site

$12.25 - $14.50/hr

Key Responsibilities Perform varying manual, repetitive tasks to process meat from the turkeys ... Ensure product safety and product defense in the plant. Inspect the birds to ensure maximum quality ...

Packaging - 2nd Shift (Ozark Facility)

Lamar, AR · On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

Key Responsibilities Perform varying manual, repetitive tasks to process meat from the turkeys ... Ensure product safety and product defense in the plant. Inspect the birds to ensure maximum quality ...

New

Food Production - 2nd Shift

Lamar, AR

$12.25 - $14.50/hr

Key Responsibilities Perform varying manual, repetitive tasks to process meat from the turkeys ... Ensure product safety and product defense in the plant. Inspect the birds to ensure maximum quality ...

Food Production - 2nd Shift

Hartman, AR · On-site

$12.25 - $14.50/hr

Key Responsibilities Perform varying manual, repetitive tasks to process meat from the turkeys ... Ensure product safety and product defense in the plant. Inspect the birds to ensure maximum quality ...

Key Responsibilities Perform varying manual, repetitive tasks to process meat from the turkeys ... Ensure product safety and product defense in the plant. Inspect the birds to ensure maximum quality ...

Packaging - 2nd Shift (Ozark Facility)

Ozark, AR · On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

Key Responsibilities Perform varying manual, repetitive tasks to process meat from the turkeys ... Ensure product safety and product defense in the plant. Inspect the birds to ensure maximum quality ...

Showing results 41-60

Entry Level Meat Plant information

See salary details

$11

$18

$28

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

As of Sep 4, 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 an entry level meat plant job?

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level meat plant worker?

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 some common challenges faced by entry level meat plant workers, 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.

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.

More about Entry Level Meat Plant jobs

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Meat Plant jobs?

Cities with the most Entry Level Meat Plant job openings:

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

The most popular types of Meat Plant jobs are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Meat Plant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,460 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Packaging - 2nd Shift (Ozark Facility)

Butterball

Ozark, AR • On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

Other

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Butterball rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

299th of 444 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Job Summary

Responsible for performing numerous repetitive tasks, manual and/or machine-assisted, to produce whole turkey products, turkey parts, ready-to-cook turkey products, and ready-to-eat turkey products, in preparation for secondary and further processing.

Key Responsibilities

Perform varying manual, repetitive tasks to process meat from the turkeys.

Perform repetitive tasks with the assistance of tools, such as knives, scissors, vibrating tools, etc.

Ensure product safety and product defense in the plant.

Inspect the birds to ensure maximum quality and food safety.

Follows all GMP and HACCP procedures that relate to product safety with the facility.

Supports all Food Safety initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications (Educations & Experience)

High School Diploma or related preferred

Entry level does not require previous experience in a Production role

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Self-directed with the ability to work independently as well as with groups.

Ability to effectively plan, organize and prioritize work.

Ability to train, maintain and promote a safe work environment.

Read and understand HACCP along with FDA and OSHA requirements as needed.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Previous experience working in a food manufacturing environment

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, keyboard, and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Working Conditions & Travel Requirements

Work is performed in a food processing plant with a high noise level, storage coolers/facilities.

Position requires working around processing plant equipment.

Must be physically capable of working extended hours if needed and in a wet environment, standing for long periods of time, and operating processing equipment.

This position requires the individual to wear and work in personal protective equipment while in the manufacturing environment.

The noise level of the office environment is usually moderate; the noise level in the manufacturing environment may exceed 85 DBA and require hearing protection.

Disclaimer

We embrace equal opportunity employment. Butterball is committed to the fair and impartial treatment of all employees and applicants for employment without regard to gender, age, race, religion, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, military/veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, or any other status protected by law.

This position is deemed Safety Sensitive for purposes of Butterball’s Drug/Alcohol Screening & Testing Policy. Details will be provided to individuals who receive a conditional job offer, or upon request.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of what is required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not imply or establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.


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About Butterball

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Butterball, LLC, one of America's most iconic brands, helps consumers celebrate Thanksgiving and every day in between. Located in the thriving Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina area, our goal is to provide a diverse array of career opportunities and paths which include our farms, processing facilities and support offices. We are the largest producer of turkey products in the U.S., and we make a lot more than Thanksgiving turkeys. Our company's measurable growth is in no small part due to our team members in North Carolina, Arkansas, Illinois, and Missouri, who each have a seat at the table to contribute to our success

Industry

Food and beverage wholesalers

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Garner, NC, US

Year founded

1954

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