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Meat Apprentice Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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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.

Cook - Plum Lounge

165 Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, LLC

Gary, IN

$14 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Our team members are the key to our company’s success, and their health and well-being, as well as that of their families, is very important to us. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that allows our team members stay healthy, plan for their future and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Benefits may vary with employment status.  To see our fill list of Team Member Benefits please visit our career site: www.gotoworkhappy.com/benefits

Job Description:

POSITION SUMMARY:

The incumbent in this position is responsible for properly preparing any and all foods listed on the respective menu/ n an assigned kitchen outlet/s.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

(These functions are intended as a general illustration of the work performed in this job classification and are not all inclusive for this position)

  • Creates an atmosphere that induces guests to make Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana their choice for gaming entertainment; responsible for actively building and retaining guest relations and acts as a mentor to team members in order to provide superior guest service.
  • Prepares foods that are based on company standards and recipes. Ensures that all plates or pans served are aesthetically appealing and cooked to the specifications of HRCNIN.
  • Keeps workstation neat and clean.
  • Assists co-workers to ensure efficient operation of the kitchen.
  • Ensures cleanliness of working area; reports all equipment for safety failures, hazardous areas and accidents.
  • Ensures the proper storing of any foods, including those from a previous function.
  • Ensures that items are fully stocked, and equipment is in good working condition.
  • Ensures the proper closing down of workstations.
  • Assists with other duties at special events or parties and assisting where necessary to include but not limited to carving, cooking, set up and or teardown stations or work areas or other duties as assigned.
  • Attend and participate in meetings, completing follow-up as assigned.
  • Assist other cooks during the food cooking and assembly process.
  • Clean up before shift ends.
  • Clean and sanitize all work areas based on Food Safety rules and regulations, together with HRCNIN standards
  • Clean up before shift ends.
  • Clean food preparation areas as determined by company policy.
  • Perform work regularly and predictably.
  • Responsible for cleaning and sanitizing work and public spaces.
  • On occasion may perform duties for special events/ parties.
  • Other duties as assigned.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Attend seminars when needed.

EDUCATION AND /OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

(Related education and experience may be interchangeable on a year for year basis)

This knowledge and these abilities are typically acquired through a High School Diploma or Equivalent. A culinary apprenticeship, an associate degree from a culinary institution or an equivalent with some industry experience is preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: (Licenses, Certifications, Testing, etc):

  • Must obtain and maintain all licenses / certifications per Federal, State, and Indiana Gaming Commission.
  • Must successfully pass background check.
  • Must successfully pass drug screening.
  • Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
  • Must be able to work holidays and weekends, as well as flexible shifts.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

  • Food, food product, food preparation, etc.
  • Standard safety and sanitation practices for food and beverage service.
  • How to prepare stocks, soups, mother sauces, and all varieties of meat including veal, pork, beef, lamb, poultry, game, and seafood.

ABILITY TO:

  • Be flexible to work varying shifts and time schedules as needed.
  • Communicate effectively with all levels of employees and guests.
  • Use all equipment associated with the position, including, but not limited to, choppers, slicers, mixers and grinders.