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Meat Apprentice Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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Meat Apprentice information

See California salary details

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How much do meat apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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 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 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 Packer

Sysco Corporation

On-site

$10 - $48/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Sysco rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 321 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

121st of 364 rated logistics

Job description

Company:
US1224 Newport Meat Northern California, Inc.
Sales Territory:
None
Zip Code:
94539
Travel Percentage:
0
Compensation Range:
$10.00 - $48.00
The compensation range provided is in compliance with state specific laws. Factors that may be used to determine your actual rate of pay include your specific skills, years of experience and other factors.
You may be eligible to participate in the Company's Incentive Plan.
BENEFITS INFORMATION:
For information on Sysco's Benefits, please visit https://SyscoBenefits.com
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Tasks would include boxing and scanning
  • Assist machine operators in running machines and orders through the machine properly (apprentice type situation)

Skills
  • Ability to adjust to sudden changes in customer demands or operational goals
  • Commitment to work until the job is completed
  • Interacts well with others
  • Good team player
  • Results-oriented and detail-oriented
  • Customer-service oriented
  • Able to work safely with machinery, some heavy lifting required
  • Standing for long periods of time, twisted torso all day long, basic ability to read tickets and special requests, ability to recognize cuts of meat, able to write numbers and basic descriptions, basic math, reading and writing skills, able to work in a cold/wet environment fast-paced environment
  • Ability to work in a paced environment
  • Ability to be trained and learn new skills

Work Environment
  • Heavy lifting activities for this employee
  • Standing, walking and reaching are regular activities for this employee.
  • The ability to touch, feel, manipulate fingers and limbs to operate various processing and material handling equipment is necessary
  • The ability to smell is required, in order to detect levels of wholesomeness and spoilage
  • This position requires the candidate to be in refrigerated processing and warehouse areas. These areas are cold and wet and exposure to moving machinery and sharp surfaces are a regular occurrence.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

OVERVIEW:
Sysco is the global leader in foodservice distribution. With over 71,000 colleagues and a fleet of over 13,000 vehicles, Sysco operates approximately 333 distribution facilities worldwide and serves more than 700,000 customer locations.
We offer our colleagues the opportunity to grow personally and professionally, to contribute to the success of a dynamic organization, and to serve others in a manner that exceeds their expectations. We're looking for talented, hard-working individuals to join our team. Come grow with us and let us show you why Sysco is at the heart of food and service.
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION STATEMENT:
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer, and consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected factor under federal, state or local law.
This opportunity is available through Sysco Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates.

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