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How much do meat and poultry inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat and poultry inspector in the United States is $22.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Meat and Poultry Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Meat and Poultry Inspector, you need a thorough understanding of food safety regulations, inspection procedures, and relevant scientific principles, usually supported by a high school diploma or higher education in food science or a related field. Familiarity with inspection tools, laboratory testing equipment, and USDA or FSIS regulatory systems is essential. Attention to detail, integrity, and strong communication skills help inspectors effectively identify issues and interact with facility staff. These competencies are crucial to ensure public health by maintaining safety and quality standards in meat and poultry production.

What are Meat and Poultry Inspectors?

Meat and Poultry Inspectors are professionals responsible for ensuring that meat, poultry, and related products are safe, wholesome, and properly labeled according to government regulations. They examine animals before and after slaughter to check for signs of disease and contamination. Inspectors also monitor processing plants to ensure sanitary conditions, proper handling, and adherence to safety standards. Their work helps protect public health by preventing unsafe meat and poultry products from reaching consumers.

What is the difference between Meat And Poultry Inspector vs Meat Processing Worker?

AspectMeat And Poultry InspectorMeat Processing Worker
CredentialsFood safety certifications, state or federal inspection trainingMinimal certifications, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentInspection stations, processing plants, regulatory settingsProcessing lines, slaughterhouses, packaging areas
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, meat processing companies

Meat And Poultry Inspectors focus on ensuring meat safety and compliance with regulations, often working in inspection roles within processing plants or government agencies. Meat Processing Workers handle the physical tasks of processing meat products, working directly on the production line. While both roles are essential in the meat industry, they differ mainly in responsibilities, certifications, and work environment.

What are some common challenges faced by Meat and Poultry Inspectors on the job?

Meat and Poultry Inspectors frequently encounter challenges such as maintaining strict compliance with evolving food safety regulations and managing high-volume production environments. They must remain vigilant for potential hazards while working in cold, loud, and fast-paced facilities. Additionally, inspectors often navigate difficult conversations when enforcing standards with plant staff, requiring strong communication and conflict-resolution skills. The role demands both attention to detail and the ability to stay current with industry best practices.
More about Meat And Poultry Inspector jobs
What states have the most Meat And Poultry Inspector jobs? States with the most job openings for Meat And Poultry Inspector jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Meat And Poultry Inspector jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Meat And Poultry Inspector jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Meat And Poultry Inspector jobs? For Meat And Poultry Inspector jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Meat And Poultry Inspector jobs near you
Meat & Poultry Inspector Trainee - Circuit 3-3 - Iroquois Co.

Meat & Poultry Inspector Trainee - Circuit 3-3 - Iroquois Co.

State of Illinois

Springfield, IL • On-site

$4.3K - $5.7K/mo

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

State Of Illinois rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 73 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 50 rated states

Job description

Job Requisition ID: 56009 
Opening Date: 06/09/2026
Closing Date: 06/23/2026
Agency: Department of Agriculture
Class Title: MEAT & POULTRY INSP TRAINEE - 26075 
Skill Option: None 
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary (Effective 7/1/26) $4373 a month; Full Range $4373 - $5703 a month
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Iroquois; Champaign; Ford; Kankakee; Livingston; Vermilion
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC029 Paraprofessional Investigatory & Law Enforcement Employees, Meat and Poultry Inspectors, and Meat and Poultry Inspector Trainees, IFPE. The RC-033 bargaining unit merged into RC-029 bargaining unit effective May 15, 2014.
Merit Comp Code: 

This position serves in a regional capacity. Persons serving in this role are required to assume residency in one of the Counties identified under the Conditions of Employment section which includes Iroquois, Kankakee, Ford, Livingston, Vermillion or Champaign County, and will be required to work from their home location as a base of daily operational headquarters to service their designated worksites.

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

 

 

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you're helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you're part of something bigger-something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you're looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule-flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Department of Agriculture is seeking to hire a Meat and Poultry Inspector Trainee for Iroquois County.  Meat and Poultry Inspectors are essential employees on the front lines of protecting our food production system.  Candidates for this trainee position will complete a training program of up to 12 months. We invite qualified applicants to apply for this position to help the Department of Agriculture ensure the production of safe and wholesome meat and poultry products. 

The Department of Agriculture is seeking to hire a Meat and Poultry Inspector Trainee for Iroquois County.  Meat and Poultry Inspectors are essential employees on the front lines of protecting our food production system.  Candidates for this trainee position will complete a training program of up to 12 months. We invite qualified applicants to apply for this position to help the Department of Agriculture ensure the production of safe and wholesome meat and poultry products. 

Essential Functions
  • Under direct supervision, participates in an agency sponsored training program for a period of six to twelve months; receives orientation, classroom instruction and on-the-job training in slaughter of animals and poultry and processing of meat and poultry products; acquires knowledge of techniques and procedures utilized in meat and poultry inspection to maintain state and federal standards; receives controlled assignments under the close supervision of veterinary and supervisory personnel. Travels to sites to perform inspections.
  • Under close supervision, performs antemortem inspection of live animals and/or poultry prior to slaughter for the presence of conditions indicative of abnormalities or diseases.
  • Successfully completes the Employee Development Guide for basic meat inspection and State of Illinois Department of Agriculture's slaughter and processing training courses to become familiar with provisions of food inspection laws, regulations, manuals and inspection procedures.
  • Travels to, attends, and participates in workshops, meetings, institutes, and other activities which will provide meaningful learning experiences for use in meat and poultry inspection.
  • Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to high school, preferably with courses in algebra, biology or chemistry.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Prefers knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of education beyond high school in the following order: Associate degree, Bachelor's degree, Advanced degree.
  • Prefers completion of education beyond high school with a bachelor's or advanced degree in the fields of science or agriculture.
  • Prefers experience in the butchering, slaughtering, and/or processing of animals for food.
  • Prefers experience observing the postmortem exam of animals.
  • Prefers working knowledge of the principles of Hazard Analysis - Critical Control Point Plans (HACCP).
  • Prefers experience filling out HACCP records. 
  • Prefers working knowledge of Sanitation and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP).
  • Prefers elementary knowledge of disease or abnormal conditions of animals, poultry, carcasses, or meat and poultry products.
  • Prefers elementary knowledge of how to identify adulterated product.
Conditions of Employment
  1. Requires completion of a name-based background screening and self-disclosure of criminal history.
  2. Requires the ability to successfully pass a preemployment physical
  3. Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties. Requires appropriate, valid driver's license.
  4. Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This requires the ability to work evenings and weekends.
  5. This position is considered light work as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor (20 CFR 404.1567(b)). Light work involves lifting no more than 20 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds. This job may require a good deal of walking or standing or involves sitting most of the time with some pushing and pulling of arm or leg controls.
  6. This position requires residency in one of the following counties: Iroquois, Ford, Kankakee, Livingston, Vermillion or Champaign County.
  7. Requires ability to tolerate exposure to unpleasant odors in slaughterhouses and in meat preparation areas, to extreme cold in meat lockers and heat in processing areas.
  8. Requires ability to use safety practices around dangerous meat cutting and processing machinery.
  9. The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

Work Hours: 7:00 am - 3:30 pm daily work hours may vary
Headquarter Location: 801 E Sangamon Ave, Springfield, Illinois, 62702
Work County: Iroquois
Agency Contact: Bureau of Human Resources
Email: AGR.HumanResources@illinois.gov
Phone #: 217-785-5099
Posting Group: Legal, Audit & Compliance

The Illinois Department of Agriculture administers an annual budget of approximately $200 million and employs more than 400 people statewide, with several hundred more seasonal employees hired during the summer to support the Illinois State Fair and Du Quoin State Fair.  Separate bureaus administer programs and services directed at conserving the State's land and water resources; protecting the health and welfare of livestock and companion animals; overseeing state and county fairs; regulating seed, feed, and fertilizer products; ensuring the financial stability of grain dealers and warehouses; promoting Illinois food and agricultural products; and operating the State's horse racing programs.

AGR values employees with different backgrounds, life experiences, and talents.  

AGR offers a robust benefit package including; 

  • Monday-Friday work schedule
  • Flexible work schedules in many program areas
  • Health, life, vision, and dental insurance
  • 12 Weeks paid maternity/paternity leave
  • Pension Plan
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness
  • Deferred Compensation, and other pre-tax benefit programs
  • Employees earn twelve (12) paid sick days annually
  • Ten to twenty-five (10-25) paid vacation days based on years of service
  • Employees earn three (3) paid personal days pro-rated based on start date
  • Thirteen - Fourteen (13-14) paid state holidays annually

If this opportunity appeals to you, please apply today!

This position DOES NOT contain "Specialized Skills" (as that term is used in CBAs).

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the "Apply" button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.

If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so. 

State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees - a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. 

Non-State employees should log in on the using the "View Profile" link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.  If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:

State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com - click "Application Procedures" in the footer of every page of the website.

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your "junk mail", "spam", or "other" folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

  • donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
  • systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com

This position DOES NOT contain "Specialized Skills" (as that term is used in CBAs).

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About State of Illinois

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Illinois is not a traditional company, but rather a governmental entity encompassing diverse agencies and departments that serve the constituents of Illinois. Based in Illinois, United States, this governmental body communicates with its citizens through the official website illinois.gov. The website is a one-stop resource for Illinois residents to access information about the state's services, including education, healthcare, transportation, and public safety, among others.

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Springfield, IL, US

Year founded

2009

Social media

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