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Meat Apprentice Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Crestline Hotels and Resorts

Cook

Louisville, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $18/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 ...

Courtyard Louisville Downtown

Cook

Louisville, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $18/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 ...

Crestline Hotels and Resorts

Cook

Louisville, KY

$13.50 - $18/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 ...

All JobsMeat Apprentice JobsMeat Apprentice Jobs in Kentucky

Meat Apprentice information

See Kentucky salary details

$10

$12

$16

How much do meat apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat apprentice in Kentucky is $12.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.49 and $14.18 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 Kentucky?

The most popular types of Meat jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Meat Apprentice jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Meat Apprentice job openings:

Meat Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Meat Apprentice job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $26,544 per year, or $12.8 per hour.

Cook

Crestline Hotels and Resorts

Louisville, KY • On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Crestline Hotels & Resorts rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 108 rated hotels

Job description

Bring Your Passion for Cooking to Our Hotel Kitchen at Courtyard Louisville Downtown!

Love creating delicious dishes that make people smile?

We’re looking for a Bistro Cook to join our team and help deliver unforgettable dining experiences to our guests.

If you enjoy working with fresh ingredients and take pride in every plate, we’d love to meet you!


Overview:

The Cook will prepare, season, and cook dishes such as soups, meats, vegetables, or desserts for the hotel. 

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Maintain and strictly abide by State sanitation/Health regulations and Hotel requirements.
  • Check the quality of raw or cooked food products to ensure that standards are met.
  • Prepare and cook foods of all types, either on a regular basis or for special guests or functions.
  • Complete opening duties: a) Set up the workstation with tools, equipment, and supplies. b) Inspect the cleanliness and working condition of all tools, equipment, and supplies. c) Check production schedule and pars. d) Establish priority items for the day. e) Transport supplies from the Storeroom and stock in designated areas.
  • Start prep work on items needed for the menu of the day.
  • Inform F&B service staff of 86'd items and the number of available menu specials throughout the meal period.
  • Maintain proper storage procedures as specified by Health Department and Hotel requirements.
  • Closing Duties: a) Return all food items to the proper storage areas. b) Wrap, cover, label, and date all items being put away. c) Straighten up and organize all storage areas. d) Clean up and wipe down food prep areas, reach-ins/walk-ins, shelves. e) Return all unused and clean utensils/equipment to the specified locations. f) Turn off all equipment not needed for the next shift.
  • Ability to perform job functions with attention to detail, speed, and accuracy; prioritize and organize; follow directions thoroughly; work cohesively with co-workers as part of a team; work with minimal supervision.

Education and Experience:

  • High School Graduate or General Education Degree (GED): or Work Equivalent.
  • Experience with food preparation and handling.
  • Certification of Culinary training or apprenticeship is preferred.

Crestline Hotels & Resorts is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, identity, or disability status. 

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