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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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

As of Aug 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.

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 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 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.
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:
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% 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.

General Utility (Meat Room 1st shift)

Ajinomoto Foods North America

San Diego, CA

$17.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Position Summary

This entry-level position involves the inspection of pre-cooked or post-cooked food products entering or exiting the cooker, monitoring frozen products in the pack-off area, and stacking finished product cases onto specified pallets.


Position Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Employee Physical Responsibilities:

  • Manually assemble and/or pack product meeting line standards.
  • Lift and move cases weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Check packaging material for damage and notify Lead of any non-compliant products.
  • Perform line sanitations/housekeeping practices and monitor packing equipment for potential issues to be referred to a Lead.
  • Ensure correct pallet label and sticker information is applied, stack cases on pallets, and ensure proper sealing of bags and boxes.
  • Understand different case pack sizes and weight ranges, adjusting tape machine configurations accordingly.
  • Maintain speed and flexibility to adapt to different line speeds and case standards.
  • Performs all other work as assigned.

Employee Communication Responsibilities:

  • Demonstrate consistent respectful communication with all team members.
  • Communicate any production issues to team members, demonstrating understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Sanitation Practices (GSP).
  • Participate in break rotations, write legibly, and collaborate effectively with team members.
  • Inspect products to ensure compliance with quality standards specified by QC, disposing of non-compliant products and communicating with leadership as needed.

Employee Safety Responsibilities:

  • Adhere to company standards and safety regulations.
  • Report all injuries, unsafe conditions and acts
  • Use proper lifting techniques
  • Use mechanical assistance (handjack, forklift, manlift)
  • Use personal assistance (team lift for product above 50lb.)
  • Use handrails
  • Use and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

Temperatures throughout plant average 50 degrees. May be required to wear bump caps, safety glasses, hairnet, smock, boots, ear plugs, gloves, plastic sleeves, and aprons provided by the Company. Need to comply with Food Safety: GMP’S, SSOP, SOP, HACCP, SQF, and Quality requirements.


Position Qualifications
  • Prefer High School Diploma/GED
  • Be able to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Reliable and self-driven
  • Experience in a food manufacturing plant is preferred
  • Good communication skills

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Requirements are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.)

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear.
  • The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, normally at waist level and sometimes at shoulder level.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • Continuously required to stand.
  • Occasional walking, reaching and working above shoulders, body bending, stooping, climbing stairs, body twisting/rotating, and driving a palletjack.
  • Will be exposed to loud industrial type environments commonly found at plants and working with powered equipment.
  • Varied temperatures from hot and humid to very cold.

AAP/EEO STATEMENT

 aq

Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. (AFNA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. AFNA does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis protected by stated, federal, or local law.  All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

Pay rate: $17.75/hr + shift differential 

Qualifications:
  • Prefer High School Diploma/GED
  • Be able to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Reliable and self-driven
  • Experience in a food manufacturing plant is preferred
  • Good communication skills

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Requirements are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.)

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear.
  • The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, normally at waist level and sometimes at shoulder level.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • Continuously required to stand.
  • Occasional walking, reaching and working above shoulders, body bending, stooping, climbing stairs, body twisting/rotating, and driving a palletjack.
  • Will be exposed to loud industrial type environments commonly found at plants and working with powered equipment.
  • Varied temperatures from hot and humid to very cold.

AAP/EEO STATEMENT

 aq

Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. (AFNA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. AFNA does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis protected by stated, federal, or local law.  All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

Pay rate: $17.75/hr + shift differential 

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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