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Meat Apprentice Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Albertsons

Meat Cutter

Skokie, IL

$17.25 - $26.75/hr

As a Meat Cutter Apprentice, you'll work side-by-side with experienced meat cutters to learn the craft of cutting, trimming, and preparing a variety of meat products. You'll assist with setting up ...

Albertsons

Meat Cutter

Skokie, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

As a Meat Cutter Apprentice, you'll work side-by-side with experienced meat cutters to learn the craft of cutting, trimming, and preparing a variety of meat products. You'll assist with setting up ...

Albertsons

Meat Cutter

Skokie, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

As a Meat Cutter Apprentice, you'll work side-by-side with experienced meat cutters to learn the craft of cutting, trimming, and preparing a variety of meat products. You'll assist with setting up ...

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

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

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

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

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

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 ...

Whole Foods Market

Butcher - Full Time

Chicago, IL · On-site

Mentors and supports assigned Meat Cutter Trainee(s). * Arrives to work station on time ... Successfully completed WFM Butcher Apprentice Program, or an equivalent training program.* * UK ...

Whole Foods Market

Butcher - Full Time

Northbrook, IL · On-site

Mentors and supports assigned Meat Cutter Trainee(s). * Arrives to work station on time ... Successfully completed WFM Butcher Apprentice Program, or an equivalent training program.* * UK ...

New

Whole Foods Market

Butcher - Full Time

Chicago, IL

$18 - $30.20/hr

Mentors and supports assigned Meat Cutter Trainee(s). * Arrives to work station on time ... Successfully completed WFM Butcher Apprentice Program, or an equivalent training program.* * UK ...

Whole Foods Market

Butcher - Full Time

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $30.20/hr

Mentors and supports assigned Meat Cutter Trainee(s). * Arrives to work station on time ... Successfully completed WFM Butcher Apprentice Program, or an equivalent training program.* * UK ...

New

Whole Foods Market

Butcher

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18 - $30.20/hr

Mentors and supports assigned Meat Cutter Trainee(s). * Arrives to work station on time ... Successfully completed WFM Butcher Apprentice Program, or an equivalent training program.* * UK ...

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All JobsMeat Apprentice JobsMeat Apprentice Jobs in Chicago, IL

Meat Apprentice information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$15

$19

How much do meat apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat apprentice in Chicago, IL is $15.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.61 and $16.83 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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Meat jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Meat Apprentice jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Meat Apprentice job openings:

Meat Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Meat Apprentice job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,483 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

Meat Cutter

Albertsons

Skokie, IL

$17.25 - $26.75/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Albertsons rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 1,171 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 124 rated grocery stores

Job description

A Day in the Life:
As a Meat Cutter Apprentice, you’ll work side-by-side with experienced meat cutters to learn the craft of cutting, trimming, and preparing a variety of meat products. You’ll assist with setting up displays, maintaining cleanliness and food safety standards, and providing excellent customer service. This is a hands-on role in a fast-paced environment, perfect for someone who takes pride in their work, enjoys helping others, and is eager to grow their skills. No prior cutting experience is required—just a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, and a belief that food brings people together.

What you bring to the table:

  • Willingness to Learn: Eagerness to develop meat cutting skills through on-the-job training and mentorship.
  • Work Ethic: Reliable, hardworking, and committed to learning and contributing to the team.
  • Food Safety Awareness: Basic knowledge of sanitation and safe handling practices for raw meat.
  • Customer Service Skills: Friendly and helpful attitude with the ability to assist customers and answer product-related questions.
  • Physical Capability: Comfortable lifting up to 40 lbs., standing for extended periods, and working in refrigerated environments.
  • Attention to Detail: Ability to follow instructions precisely and maintain clean, organized workspaces.
  • Teamwork: Willingness to partner with fellow associates and contribute to a positive store culture.
  • Basic Technical Skills: Familiarity with or willingness to learn how to use meat department tools and equipment.

Why you will choose us:

Albertsons Companies Inc. has always been a people-oriented business, and thoughtful people practices remain a core element of our company’s philosophy. Our goal is to continue to bring people together around the joys of food and to inspire well-being and that starts with people like you bringing your unique self to our company and making it one person stronger and better!

We also provide a variety of benefits including:

  • Inclusive work culture built on belonging
  • Competitive wages paid weekly
  • Access to up to 50% of your earned wages before payday, via our partnership with Stream
  • Flexible work schedules
  • Associate discounts
  • Leaders invested in your training, career growth & development
  • Health and welfare benefits for eligible employees (Medical, Dental, 401k and more!)
  • Vacation / Paid Time Off

Our Values

  • We put people first.
  • We are customer driven.
  • We value different perspectives.
  • We raise the bar.
  • We act as owners.
  • We are one team.
  • We build belonging.
  • We are committed to a healthy future.

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