ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Meat Apprentice Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Super King Market

Meat Cutter Apprentice

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

The Meat Cutter Apprentice will complete the Training Certification course and successfully pass an evaluation within 6- 12 months. The Meat Cutter Apprentice will support the Meat Department by ...

Staff of Life

Meat Cutter

Watsonville, CA

$16 - $21.25/hr

We are looking for a Meat Cutter with experience, or a hardworking employee interested in being an apprentice to an experienced butcher to grow and learn how to be a Meat Cutter. Job duties include ...

Mollie Stone's Markets

Meat Clerk

Greenbrae, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

Mollie Stone's Markets is looking for a Part-Time Apprentice Meat Clerk to work at our Greenbrae location. The perfect candidate will be customer service is driven and flexible working various tasks ...

Sysco Corporation

$10 - $48/hr

US1224 Newport Meat Northern California, Inc. Sales Territory: None Zip Code: 94539 Travel ... apprentice type situation) Skills * Ability to adjust to sudden changes in customer demands or ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMeat Apprentice JobsMeat Apprentice Jobs in California

Meat Apprentice information

See California salary details

$11

$14

$18

How much do meat apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat apprentice in California is $14.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.03 and $16.15 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 are meat apprentices?

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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Meat jobs in California? The most popular types of Meat jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Meat Apprentice jobs? Cities in California with the most Meat Apprentice job openings:
Meat Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Meat Apprentice job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 37% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,162 per year, or $14.5 per hour.
Meat Cutter Apprentice

Meat Cutter Apprentice

Super King Market

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:

To deliver great customer service by providing exceptional product knowledge and creating appealing presentation of meat, poultry and seafood while learning the duties of a Meat Cutter. The Meat Cutter Apprentice will complete the Training Certification course and successfully pass an evaluation within 6- 12 months. The Meat Cutter Apprentice will support the Meat Department by maintaining Company standards when cutting, grinding, slicing, processing, wrapping, rotating and merchandising product in addition to performing other tasks as required by management in an efficient and safe manner, within Company policy.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Works safely at all times and follows all established safety guidelines and procedures.
  • Cuts, trims, bones, ties, and grinds meats, such as beef, pork, poultry, and fish, to prepare meat in cooking form.
  • Weigh and price individual meat products for customers upon request.
  • Maintains a service case appearance that is fresh, full and visually appealing.
  • Clean and sanitize work areas and equipment. Wash, wipe, and clean tools, equipment, and counters. Sweep and/ or hose floor surfaces
  • Prepares special cuts of meat ordered by customers.
  • Maintains acceptable in-stock shelf and case conditions.
  • Receives, inspects, and stores meat upon delivery, to ensure meat quality.
  • Follows proper food safety practices.
  • Perform other duties that may be requested or required by Management.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here 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 the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand, stoop, bend, lift use hands or fingers to handle and/or feel objects. Position requires the ability to lift / handle varying weights up to 50 lbs. occasionally. Employee must ask another employee for assistance when lifting/ handling anything over 50 pounds or any weight that the employee cannot handle alone.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

  • Must possess a strong knowledge of safe food handling and demonstrate safe work habits.
  • Ability to stand/walk for the duration of a scheduled shift.
  • Ability to work in varying temperatures.
  • Ability to work with fresh, dried and/or processed products, spices and powdered substances without negative allergic consequences.
  • Ability to tolerate dust and cleaning agents during routine housekeeping duties.
  • Ability to interact with Customers in a friendly and helpful way.
  • Ability to work cooperatively with others.
  • Ability to work all assigned work schedules and comply with all time and attendance policies.
  • Strong motivation.
  • Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, and accomplish company objectives.
  • Sufficient mathematical proficiency to understand required functions.
  • Ability to perform essential functions, with reasonable accommodation if needed.

Apply