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Meat Apprentice Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

Butcher

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$19.05 - $33.20/hr

You are expected to serve as coach and mentor to Butchers and Apprentice Butchers, supervise the entire Meat Team, and place orders when Team Leadership is not available. At Whole Foods Market, we ...

Cook

Hot Springs, AR · On-site

$11.50 - $15.25/hr

Overview: The Cook will prepare, season, and cook dishes such as soups, meats, vegetables, or ... Certification of Culinary training or apprenticeship is preferred. Crestline Hotels & Resorts is an ...

Cook

Hot Springs, AR · On-site

$11.50 - $15.25/hr

Overview: The Cook will prepare, season, and cook dishes such as soups, meats, vegetables, or ... Certification of Culinary training or apprenticeship is preferred. Crestline Hotels & Resorts is an ...

Meat Apprentice information

See Arkansas salary details

$9

$12

$15

How much do meat apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat apprentice in Arkansas is $12.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.91 and $13.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by meat apprentices during their training period?

Meat Apprentices often encounter challenges such as mastering the safe and efficient use of cutting tools, learning to identify different cuts of meat, and maintaining strict hygiene standards in a fast-paced environment. Adapting to early or long shifts, especially in large grocery stores or butcher shops, can also be demanding. However, with guidance from experienced butchers and a willingness to learn, most apprentices quickly build confidence and proficiency in their skills.

What is the difference between Meat Apprentice vs Butcher Trainee?

AspectMeat ApprenticeButcher Trainee
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, some vocational courses
Work EnvironmentMeat processing plants, butcher shopsButcher shops, supermarkets, meat markets
Employer & Industry UsageMeat processing companies, retail butchersGrocery stores, specialty meat shops
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Meat Apprentice and Butcher Trainee roles are similar entry-level positions focused on learning meat cutting and processing skills. Both typically require on-the-job training and are found in meat processing plants or retail environments. The main difference lies in terminology used by employers and regions, but both serve as foundational steps toward becoming a skilled butcher.

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

To thrive as a Meat Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of meat cuts, food safety, and proper handling techniques, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with equipment such as band saws, grinders, and scales, as well as knowledge of safety standards like HACCP, is typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong communication skills help you excel in a team-oriented, customer-facing environment. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure product quality, maintain safety standards, and support effective customer service in a meat department.

What is a meat apprentice?

Meat apprentices are entry-level workers who learn the skills and techniques necessary to become professional butchers. They work under the supervision of experienced butchers, learning how to cut, trim, and prepare various types of meat. Meat apprentices also gain knowledge about food safety, proper handling of tools, and customer service within a meat department or butcher shop. This role is typically the first step toward a career as a certified butcher.

How to become a meat apprentice?

To become a meat apprentice, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must apply to a butcher shop or meat processing facility. On-the-job training is common, and developing skills in meat cutting, safety, and sanitation is essential; some programs may also require relevant certifications or licenses. Apprenticeship durations vary but often last from several months to a year.
What are the most commonly searched types of Meat jobs in Arkansas? The most popular types of Meat jobs in Arkansas are:
What cities in Arkansas are hiring for Meat Apprentice jobs? Cities in Arkansas with the most Meat Apprentice job openings:
Infographic showing various Meat Apprentice job openings in Arkansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, and 35% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $25,272 per year, or $12.2 per hour.

Dark Meat Debone Tech SS- Nights

Simmons Foods

Gentry, AR • On-site

Full-time

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


Simmons Foods rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

154th of 436 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

To be fluent in all dark meat debone production work on a rotation basis. These include the following jobs: hanger, trimmers, styler, bone trimmer, box liner, scale operator, CVP operator, labeler, stackers.

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Performs the above positions in the dark meat department.

Participates as a member of the Team. Participates in the ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization.

Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons’ established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position’s role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas.

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the person in this position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person as to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describes all the work that may be required of the person in this position.

Physical Activities: Occasional bending of the neck, lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds. Frequent bending of the waist, twisting at the neck. Constant standing up to 10 hours per shift, twisting at the waist, simple grasping, power grasping, pushing/pulling, reaching above, at and below shoulder level, repetitive motion of the shoulders, arms and hands, use of vision. Work Environment: Inside line work that may be around ingredients that contain allergens with strong odor; around loud equipment/machinery; walking around drains, footbaths, hoses; wet; cold environment that ranges between 34*-40* degrees.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Hearing protection, protective eyewear, hair net/beard net, liners, smock, gloves, slip-resistant footwear and other protective equipment as needed or required.

Travel: NA

Technical Experience: Preferred experience working around machinery.

Industry Experience: To work knowledge of a food processing facility.

We value military experience and welcome veterans to join our team.


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About Simmons Foods

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Simmons Foods, headquartered in Siloam Springs, AR, US, is an established player in the global food processing industry. The company was founded in 1949 by Bill Simmons, and over the decades, it has grown to become a world leader in poultry, pet, and animal nutrition industries. Through its official website (simmonsfoods.com), the company has consistently communicated its commitment to quality, reliable partnerships, and innovative solutions. It specializes in the production and distribution of chicken, pet foods, and specialty pet snacks. Their mission is to be at the forefront of innovation in food products and to provide quality and value to customers and consumers.

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Siloam Springs, AR, US

Year founded

1949

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