1

Head Butcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Head Butcher

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$17 - $21/hr

We are currently hiring a butcher for our culinary team. The position requires the candidate to butcher all primal cuts of beef, whole carcass, wild game and whole and filets of fish/shellfish. If ...

Butcher (Meat & Fish Prep)

Miami, FL ยท On-site

$23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Place meat, seafood, and other protein orders when assigned or when the Head Butcher is unavailable. * Follow FIFO procedures and accurately monitor yields, portions, inventory, and product waste.

Butcher (Meat & Fish Prep)

Miami, FL ยท On-site

$23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Place meat, seafood, and other protein orders when assigned or when the Head Butcher is unavailable. * Follow FIFO procedures and accurately monitor yields, portions, inventory, and product waste.

Butcher (Meat & Fish Prep)

Miami, FL ยท On-site

$23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Place meat, seafood, and other protein orders when assigned or when the Head Butcher is unavailable. * Follow FIFO procedures and accurately monitor yields, portions, inventory, and product waste.

Butcher (Meat & Fish Prep)

Miami, FL ยท On-site

$23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Place meat, seafood, and other protein orders when assigned or when the Head Butcher is unavailable. * Follow FIFO procedures and accurately monitor yields, portions, inventory, and product waste.

Butcher

New York, NY ยท On-site

$25 - $28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary butcher station at all times * Monitor product quality ... Occasional lifting above head. * Required to work in cold temperatures due to refrigeration and ...

Bodega - Butcher

Saint Paul, MN ยท On-site

$16 - $20/hr

The Butcher collaborates closely with kitchen staff, including head chefs, to provide precisely cut portions that align with menu requirements and customer expectations. Maintaining strict adherence ...

Bodega - Butcher

Saint Paul, MN ยท On-site

$16 - $20/hr

The Butcher collaborates closely with kitchen staff, including head chefs, to provide precisely cut portions that align with menu requirements and customer expectations. Maintaining strict adherence ...

Meat & Seafood Clerk

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$19.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Takes instruction, direction, and follows procedures provided by our head butcher. * Keep a clean and sanitary work station at all times. Qualifications * 1 year of customer service experience ...

Meat & Seafood Clerk

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$19.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Takes instruction, direction, and follows procedures provided by our head butcher. * Keep a clean and sanitary work station at all times. Qualifications * 1 year of customer service experience ...

Meat & Seafood Clerk

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$19.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Takes instruction, direction, and follows procedures provided by our head butcher. * Keep a clean and sanitary work station at all times. Qualifications * 1 year of customer service experience ...

Dishwasher

Albuquerque, NM ยท On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Head Butcher Position Type: Full or Part-time, Non-exempt Why you'll love it here: At Los Poblanos, you will discover more than just a job. Join a team that values your contributions, fosters ...

Butcher, Lincoln Ristorante

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site

$25 - $28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary butcher station at all times * Monitor product quality ... Occasional lifting above head. * Required to work in cold temperatures due to refrigeration and ...

Dishwasher

Albuquerque, NM ยท On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Head Butcher Position Type: Full or Part-time, Non-exempt Why you'll love it here: At Los Poblanos, you will discover more than just a job. Join a team that values your contributions, fosters ...

Butcher, Lincoln Ristorante

Manhattan, NY

$25 - $28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary butcher station at all times * Monitor product quality ... Occasional lifting above head. * Required to work in cold temperatures due to refrigeration and ...

Butcher, Lincoln Ristorante

Manhattan, NY

$25 - $28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary butcher station at all times * Monitor product quality ... Occasional lifting above head. * Required to work in cold temperatures due to refrigeration and ...

Butcher, Lincoln Ristorante

Manhattan, NY

$25 - $28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary butcher station at all times * Monitor product quality ... Occasional lifting above head. * Required to work in cold temperatures due to refrigeration and ...

Butcher, Lincoln Ristorante

New York, NY ยท On-site

$25 - $28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary butcher station at all times * Monitor product quality ... Occasional lifting above head. * Required to work in cold temperatures due to refrigeration and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Head Butcher information

See salary details

$15

$23

$32

How much do head butcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for head butcher in the United States is $23.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $26.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do head butchers make a lot of money?

Head butchers typically earn a competitive salary that varies by location, experience, and employer. In general, they can make above-average wages compared to other retail or food service roles, especially with specialized skills and certifications. Salary ranges often reflect the level of responsibility and expertise required for managing meat departments and overseeing butchering processes.

What is the difference between Head Butcher vs Butcher?

AspectHead ButcherButcher
CredentialsTypically requires formal culinary or meat-cutting certifications, extensive experienceOften entry-level or apprenticeship, may have basic meat-cutting skills
Work EnvironmentSupervises meat department, manages staff, oversees quality controlPerforms meat cutting, packaging, and customer service in retail or wholesale settings
Industry UsageCommonly found in supermarkets, butcher shops, and meat processing plantsFound in similar environments, often as a frontline worker

The Head Butcher oversees the meat department, manages staff, and ensures quality standards, requiring more experience and leadership skills. The Butcher focuses on meat cutting and customer service, often with less managerial responsibility. Both roles are essential in meat retail and processing industries, but the Head Butcher holds a supervisory position with broader responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a head butcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Head Butcher, you need expert knowledge of meat cuts, food safety standards, and butchery techniques, often supported by formal culinary or meat-cutting training. Familiarity with meat processing equipment, inventory management systems, and HACCP certification is typically required. Strong leadership, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for managing staff and ensuring quality. These skills ensure operational efficiency, product quality, and compliance with health regulations, which are vital for success in this role.

What are some common challenges faced by a head butcher, and how can they be effectively managed?

As a Head Butcher, common challenges include managing inventory to minimize waste, maintaining consistent quality standards, and ensuring strict food safety compliance. Balancing customer demands with available stock and training junior staff in proper cutting techniques are also key responsibilities. Effective management involves clear communication with team members, staying updated on industry best practices, and leveraging technology for inventory and order tracking. These actions help maintain efficiency and uphold the reputation of the butcher shop or department.

What are the responsibilities of a head butcher?

A Head Butcher is responsible for overseeing all aspects of meat preparation and butchery within a store, supermarket, or meat processing facility. This includes managing a team of butchers, ensuring high standards of food safety and hygiene, ordering and maintaining inventory, and cutting, trimming, and preparing various types of meat for sale. The Head Butcher also trains staff, develops new meat products, and may interact with customers to provide expert advice or fulfill special requests.

What is a head butcher job description?

A head butcher is responsible for overseeing meat processing, cutting, and preparation in a butcher shop or meat department. They manage staff, ensure quality and safety standards, and may handle inventory and customer service. Strong knowledge of meat cuts, safety regulations, and knife skills are essential for this role.

What cities are hiring for Head Butcher jobs?

Cities with the most Head Butcher job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Butcher jobs?

The most popular types of Butcher jobs are:

What states have the most Head Butcher jobs?

States with the most job openings for Head Butcher jobs include:

Infographic showing various Head Butcher job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,904 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Head Butcher/ Meat Department Manager

Happy Day Restaurants

Lewiston, ID โ€ข On-site

$50K - $58K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • 401(k) matching

Head Butcher / Meat Department ManagerPosition Summary
Happy Day Restaurants is seeking an experienced Head Butcher to lead our butcher shop operations. This position is responsible for managing all aspects of meat processing, production, inventory, team leadership, food safety, and quality control. The ideal candidate is a skilled craftsman with extensive experience breaking down whole animals and whole-muscle primals while also possessing strong management and forecasting abilities.
This is a hands-on leadership position for someone who takes pride in craftsmanship, efficiency, and developing a high-performing team.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Management
  • Lead, train, coach, and develop butcher shop staff.
  • Create production schedules and assign daily workloads.
  • Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment.
  • Ensure compliance with USDA, state, and local food safety regulations.
  • Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing employee development.
  • Promote a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Butchery & Production
  • Expertly fabricate whole beef carcasses and whole-muscle primals into retail and foodservice cuts.
  • Process pork, lamb, poultry, and specialty meats as required.
  • Maximize yields while minimizing waste.
  • Produce value-added products including steaks, roasts, ground meats, sausages, marinated items, and custom cuts.
  • Maintain the highest standards for knife skills, trimming, portion control, and presentation.
  • Ensure consistent product quality and specifications.
Inventory & Purchasing
  • Manage inventory levels to ensure product availability while controlling shrink.
  • Forecast demand based on historical sales, seasonal trends, and promotional activity.
  • Order products and coordinate with suppliers.
  • Monitor yields, food costs, and production efficiencies.
  • Conduct regular inventory counts and reconcile variances.
Technology & Systems
Experience with inventory and forecasting platforms is required, including the ability to:
  • Forecast production needs.
  • Manage inventory accurately.
  • Analyze sales trends.
  • Generate purchasing recommendations.
  • Utilize Excel and inventory management software.
  • Experience with restaurant ERP or inventory systems is preferred.
Qualifications
Required
  • 5+ years of professional butcher experience.
  • 3+ years of supervisory or management experience.
  • Extensive experience breaking down whole beef carcasses and whole-muscle primals.
  • Thorough understanding of all fabrication techniques and meat-cutting standards.
  • Strong knowledge of meat yields and cost control.
  • Experience with inventory management and demand forecasting software.
  • Strong organizational and leadership skills.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Ability to lift 75 pounds and work in refrigerated environments.
Preferred
  • USDA inspection and HACCP knowledge.
  • Food Safety Manager Certification (or ability to obtain).
  • Experience in high-volume retail, commissary, or restaurant production.
  • Experience training apprentice butchers.
What We're Looking For
The ideal candidate is:
  • Passionate about the craft of butchery.
  • Detail-oriented and quality driven.
  • A proven leader who develops people.
  • Comfortable using technology to improve operations.
  • Focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
  • Able to balance craftsmanship with productivity and profitability.
Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive salary based on experience.
  • 401(k) with company matching.
  • Health and retirement benefits (if applicable).
  • Paid vacation and holidays.
  • Employee meal and company discounts.
  • Opportunities for advancement within Happy Day Restaurants.
Join a team that values craftsmanship, integrity, and excellence while helping build one of the premier butcher operations in the region.