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Meat Apprentice Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sysco

$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 ...

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 ...

Sysco

$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 ...

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All JobsMeat Apprentice JobsMeat Apprentice Jobs in California

Meat Apprentice information

See California salary details

$11

$14

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How much do meat apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 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 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.

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 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.

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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $30,162 per year, or $14.5 per hour.

Meat Cutter (Journeyman)- 1631 Lander Avenue, Turlock, CA 95380

Save Mart Supermarkets

Turlock, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Save Mart rating

4.4

Company rating: 4.4 out of 10

Based on 117 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

116th of 122 rated grocery stores

Job description

The Journeyman Meat Cutter is responsible for meeting daily production needs and quality standards in meat cutting and preparation of meat. This position receives, stocks, cuts, grinds, wraps, weighs, prices, and attractively merchandises meat department products. This role also orders and stocks prepackaged deli items and frozen food products that pertain to the meat department. The Journeyman Meat Cutter team member packages, prepares trays, weighs items to properly label, rotates product and removes out of code date products and ensure proper inventory control and product rotation to maximize product freshness and availability, while minimizing waste. This role is heavily relied on by customers to do special requests and answer questions about the products and services. This position cuts and trims meat to size for display or as ordered by customer, using hand tools and power equipment, such as grinder, cubing machine, and power saw.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities: 

         Locate appropriate meat portions in the walk-in freezer/refrigerator, removes the individual pieces from their positions, places them on a 4 or 6 wheel cart, and pushed the cart to the cutting room

         Use knives and occasional band saw to prepare specific cuts of meat from larger portions

         Set machine for proper pricing and labeling of the meat to be wrapped

         Arrange packages on display and removes any out of date or damaged packages from display

         Clean and sanitize work areas and equipment. Wash, wipe, and clean tools, equipment, and counters. Sweep and/ or hose floor surfaces

         Operate an electric tow motor to move pallets from the receiving area to storage areas

         Instruct, supervise and direct Apprentice Meat Cutters as required

         Perform other duties as assigned

Some ofour competitive offerings include generous benefits packages (Health, Dental,Vision, Life and AD&D, 401K), tuition reimbursement and scholarshipopportunities, vacation and personal holidays, and in-store purchase discounts.

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