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Meat Apprentice Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Sysco Corporation

Meat Packer

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $19/hr

US1292 Buckhead Meat Midwest Inc.-Illinois Division Sales Territory: None Zip Code: 60140 Travel ... apprentice type situation) Skills * Ability to adjust to sudden changes in customer demands or ...

Sysco Corporation

Meat Packer

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$10 - $48/hr

US1292 Buckhead Meat Midwest Inc.-Illinois Division Sales Territory: None Zip Code: 60140 Travel ... apprentice type situation) Skills * Ability to adjust to sudden changes in customer demands or ...

Sysco Corporation

Meat Packer

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$10 - $48/hr

US1292 Buckhead Meat Midwest Inc.-Illinois Division Sales Territory: None Zip Code: 60140 Travel ... apprentice type situation) Skills * Ability to adjust to sudden changes in customer demands or ...

Pete's Fresh Market

Butcher

New Lenox, IL · On-site

... Meat department processes and procedures. * Journeyman cutter or apprenticeship program completion is strongly preferred. Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities * Must maintain the highest level of ...

Pete's Fresh Market

Butcher

Orland Park, IL · On-site

... Meat department processes and procedures. * Journeyman cutter or apprenticeship program completion is strongly preferred. Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities * Must maintain the highest level of ...

Pete's Fresh Market

Butcher

Glen Ellyn, IL · On-site

... Meat department processes and procedures. * Journeyman cutter or apprenticeship program completion is strongly preferred. Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities * Must maintain the highest level of ...

Pete's Fresh Market

Butcher

Lemont, IL · On-site

... Meat department processes and procedures. * Journeyman cutter or apprenticeship program completion is strongly preferred. Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities * Must maintain the highest level of ...

Pete's Fresh Market

Butcher

Villa Park, IL · On-site

... Meat department processes and procedures. * Journeyman cutter or apprenticeship program completion is strongly preferred. Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities * Must maintain the highest level of ...

Pete's Fresh Market

Butcher

Oak Park, IL · On-site

... Meat department processes and procedures. * Journeyman cutter or apprenticeship program completion is strongly preferred. Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities * Must maintain the highest level of ...

Pete's Fresh Market

Butcher

Villa Park, IL · On-site

... Meat department processes and procedures. * Journeyman cutter or apprenticeship program completion is strongly preferred. Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities * Must maintain the highest level of ...

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All JobsMeat Apprentice JobsMeat Apprentice Jobs in Illinois

Meat Apprentice information

See Illinois salary details

$11

$14

$17

How much do meat apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat apprentice in Illinois is $14.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.79 and $15.82 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. Apprenticeships can last from several months to a few years, providing hands-on experience under supervision.

What are the most commonly searched types of Meat jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Meat jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Meat Apprentice jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Meat Apprentice job openings:

Meat Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Meat Apprentice job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,615 per year, or $14.2 per hour.

(21yrs+ to apply) Apprentice Meat Cutter - Kirkwood

Schnuck Markets

Kirkwood, IL

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Schnuck Markets rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 204 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

52nd of 123 rated grocery stores

Job description

Job Description

This is an apprenticeship, having some experience in the retail meat department would be needed.

DUTIES:
Provide friendly and courteous service to customers
Know how to use all tools including power tools ( saws, grinder, cubing machine, sealer, wrapper machine Weigh, Wrap, label and price product
Clean all meat equipment and tools.
Know how to perform work in service meat department.
Cut and prepare all cuts of meat including blocking beef, pork, lamb& veal
Grinding meat
Cube steaks & patty steaks
Prepare product for the service meat case
Suggestive selling and product sampling
Receive product from our warehouse
Stock, straighten and rotate product in meat cases and coolers
Read and understand shelf tags
Follow company safety guidelines when using equipment
Provide customers with proper cooking instructions
Check and maintain the proper temperature controls for coolers, freezers and cutting room
Maintain cleanliness of work area, equipment and meat cases following company safety and sanitation guidelines
At closing, pull product from service meat case for proper storage
Other duties may be assigned at the discretion of store management
TRAINING
Training will be provided at store level.
PHYSCIAL DEMANDS
Bending
Stooping
Work in cold wet environment
Must be able to lift up to 125-150 pounds
Working on feet entire shift (8 hours)

Additional Requirements - Internal Candidates:

  • Store/Facility Teammates: minimum of six months employment with Schnucks preferred.
  • Store Support Center Teammates:minimum of one year employment with Schnucks preferred.
  • Must be in good standing (not on a performance improvement plan or active discipline).
  • If invited for an interview, must have manager approval based on performance.

Schnucks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

What Schnuck Markets employees say

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