1

Knife Making Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

BEEF MODERNIZATION SORTER

Plainwell, MI · On-site

$11 - $14/hr

Description Beef Modernization Sorter Essential Job Functions: · Perform precision knife cuts on the harvest floor using a straight knife, making critical decisions based on pathology, product ...

BEEF MODERNIZATION SORTER

Plainwell, MI · On-site

$11 - $14/hr

Beef Modernization Sorter Essential Job Functions: · Perform precision knife cuts on the harvest floor using a straight knife, making critical decisions based on pathology, product presentation, and ...

BEEF MODERNIZATION SORTER

Plainwell, MI · On-site

$11 - $14/hr

Description Position at JBS USA Beef Modernization Sorter Essential Job Functions: • Perform precision knife cuts on the harvest floor using a straight knife, making critical decisions based on ...

BEEF MODERNIZATION SORTER

Plainwell, MI · On-site

$11 - $14/hr

Perform precision knife cuts on the harvest floor using a straight knife, making critical decisions based on pathology, product presentation, and sanitary dressing standards. Observe and identify ...

BEEF MODERNIZATION SORTER

Plainwell, MI · On-site

$11 - $14/hr

Beef Modernization Sorter Essential Job Functions: · Perform precision knife cuts on the harvest floor using a straight knife, making critical decisions based on pathology, product presentation, and ...

Prep Cook / Utility

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

... including proper knife handling. The Prep Cook/Utility will be responsible for receiving and ... Food preparation, chopping vegetables, making salads and putting together entrees * Ensuring food ...

Prep Cook / Utility

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

... including proper knife handling. The Prep Cook/Utility will be responsible for receiving and ... Food preparation, chopping vegetables, making salads and putting together entrees. * Ensuring food ...

Industrial Equipment Operator

Petoskey, MI · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

... making a difference within the hardwood veneer and plywood industry. We have a hardwood face veneer ... lathe, knife grinder, debarker, jointer, splicer and plywood press. You will need to have a ...

Industrial Equipment Operator

Petoskey, MI · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

... making a difference within the hardwood veneer and plywood industry. We have a hardwood face veneer ... lathe, knife grinder, debarker, jointer, splicer and plywood press. You will need to have a ...

Industrial Equipment Operator

Petoskey, MI · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

... making a difference within the hardwood veneer and plywood industry. We have a hardwood face veneer ... lathe, knife grinder, debarker, jointer, splicer and plywood press. You will need to have a ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Knife Making information

See Michigan salary details

$7

$13

$18

How much do knife making jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for knife making in Michigan is $13.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 and $15.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is knife making?

A knife making job involves designing, crafting, and finishing knives using various materials like steel, wood, and composites. Knife makers use techniques such as forging, grinding, and heat-treating to create functional and artistic blades. This profession requires skills in metallurgy, woodworking, and tool handling. Some knife makers work independently, while others are employed by manufacturers or custom blade shops.

What does a typical workday look like for a knife maker?

A typical workday for a knife maker involves designing blade patterns, selecting and preparing raw materials, forging and shaping blades, applying heat treatment processes, and finishing with grinding, polishing, and handle assembly. Most knife makers work independently or in small workshop teams, and may balance custom orders with regular production tasks. Collaboration with suppliers, fellow artisans, or clients is also common, especially when sourcing materials or refining designs. The workday often alternates between hands-on crafting and administrative tasks such as order management, customer communication, or product marketing. Over time, experienced knife makers may expand their role to include teaching, product line development, or managing a larger workshop.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in knife making, and why are they important?

To thrive in knife making, you need expertise in metalworking, heat treatment, forging, grinding, and blade assembly, often gained through apprenticeships, vocational training, or hands-on experience. Familiarity with tools like anvils, grinders, forges, and occasionally CNC or CAD software is essential, and some makers pursue certifications from blacksmithing or bladesmithing guilds. Creativity, precision, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills help a knife maker produce high-quality, functional, and aesthetically pleasing products. These competencies ensure both the safety and satisfaction of customers while maintaining the maker's reputation for craftsmanship.

How much money can I make making knives?

Knife making as a profession can yield varying income levels depending on skill, experience, and market demand. Skilled custom knife makers can earn from a few thousand to over fifty thousand dollars annually, especially when selling high-end or unique pieces. Income often depends on craftsmanship, branding, and sales channels such as craft fairs or online stores.

What are popular job titles related to Knife Making jobs in Michigan?

For Knife Making jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Knife Making jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Knife Making jobs in Michigan are:

Infographic showing various Knife Making job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, and 34% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $28,976 per year, or $13.9 per hour.

BEEF MODERNIZATION SORTER

JBS USA

Plainwell, MI • On-site

$11 - $14/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Description

Beef Modernization Sorter
 
Essential Job Functions:
· Perform precision knife cuts on the harvest floor using a straight knife, making critical decisions based on pathology, product presentation, and sanitary dressing standards.
· Observe and identify anatomical, physiological, and pathological indicators to ensure food safety and product quality.
· Maintain a high level of accuracy while working in a fast-paced production environment.
· Collaborate closely with Supervisor, USDA-FSIS Consumer Safety Inspectors, and other Harvest floor departments.
· Participate in ongoing training and educational sessions to maintain up-to-date knowledge of food safety standards.
· Demonstrate consistent adherence to company policies and food safety procedures.
Experience Required:
· Prior harvest floor knife experience, specifically with a straight knife preferred.
· Experience in food production preferred but not required.
Skills/Abilities Required:
· Ability to sharpen and maintain a sharp knife.
· Strong observational skills and attention to detail.
· Effective verbal and written communication skills in English.
· Physically capable of repetitive lifting, pushing and pulling.
· Self-disciplined and mentally engaged in tasks requiring concentration.
· Willingness to learn anatomy, physiology, and disease processes.
· Strong team orientation and ability to work collaboratively.
 
EOE, INCLUDING DISABILITY/VETS    
 
About JBS 
JBS began in 1953 as a small, family-owned company in Brazil. We have continued to steadily grow and are now the largest animal protein processor in the world. Though our business has grown, our family values remain our foundation. We seek to hire dedicated individuals who are committed to learning and share our desire to be the best. At JBS, our team members are our most important asset and feeding the world is our greatest goal. The Plainwell facility began operations in 1918 under the Murray Packing company. In the 1960's, it was acquired by Murco and in 1998 by Packerland. In 2000, Packerland was acquired by Smithfield. In 2010, the facility joined the JBS USA family.
Plainwell is the only JBS plant with Modified Atmospheric Packaging (MAP), a packaging process that changes oxygen levels to extend shelf-life. The MAP process is a part of the Plainwell ground beef operation. Plainwell is also one of the few plants that produces ground beef patties. Over one million lbs (450,000 kg) of beef are produced each day. The Plainwell facility produces biogas in an anaerobic lagoon and uses it in place of natural gas to heat a portion of the water used in the plant. The facility was recognized by the American Meat Institute as a Tier 3 facility for its accomplishments with ISO 14001. Plainwell recently built a $31 million distribution center (85,000 ft²) with a 55,000 box capacity.
Opportunities 
Investing in our people is a large part of the reason why success at JBS is so achievable. Working in operations gives you the opportunity to contribute to the very core of our business: producing the highest quality products for families around the globe.  At the JBS operations facilities, we offer career growth opportunities for people with all kinds of interests and backgrounds who are interested in working in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.  Additionally, opportunities for those who enjoy working within the production environment and are excited about both leading a team and ensuring we are producing a top quality, safe product for families across the globe.
Benefits 
JBS® values the people who make our company a success. We want to be sure our team members know just how much we appreciate their dedication by ensuring they love working with us. As part of our total compensation package, JBS® and offers comprehensive employee benefits designed to meet the healthcare and financial goals of our team members and their families today, tomorrow and in the future.