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Meat Apprentice Jobs in Crown Point, IN (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Whole Foods Market

Butcher

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 ...

All JobsMeat Apprentice JobsMeat Apprentice Jobs in Crown Point, IN

Meat Apprentice information

See Crown Point, IN salary details

$11

$13

$17

How much do meat apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat apprentice in Crown Point, IN is $13.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 and $15.53 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 cities near Crown Point, IN are hiring for Meat Apprentice jobs?

Cities near Crown Point, IN with the most Meat Apprentice job openings:

Meat Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Meat Apprentice job openings in Crown Point, IN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, and 35% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $28,998 per year, or $13.9 per hour.

Butcher

Pete's Fresh Market

Orland Park, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Pete's Fresh Market rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Title
Butcher
Pay Grade
Non-Exempt
Major Department
Meat/Seafood
Minor Department
Meat
Reports to
Department Manager, Store Manager
Job Summary: Meat & Seafood Team Members are responsible for providing customers with exceptional service. S/he is responsible for advising and preparing orders for customers at the service counter or for the self-service displays. They are responsible for the highest level of execution in regards to receiving, unloading, storage, rotating, merchandising and building of displays within their department. Acts as a role model and exemplifies Pete's Four Pillars of Value, Aesthetic, Quality, and Customer Service.
Essential Job Responsibilities
  • Stocks meat cases; includes presentation of product, facing, filling, and organization of all product items as set by the Meat Department schematics as well as ensuring tag and pricing accuracy.
  • Ensures cleanliness of meat aisles, storage area, and work area for safety; includes cleaning of shelves and products, keeping floors free of liquid spills or water, removing hazardous debris from floor and sweeping.
  • Monitors the rotation of all meat products paying particular attention to expired stock.
  • Responds positively to customer's inquiries and assists customers with purchases, information and product selection while working the meat counter; requires selling and cross selling of products.
  • Receives, inspects, and logs products for accuracy of shipment, temperature, and quality.
  • Requires operating and using equipment such as knives, scales, wrappers, compactors, garbage disposals, pallet jacks, and hand trucks.
  • Monitors that proper temperatures are being maintained at all stages during the production of meat and seafood items.
  • Cuts, trays, and packages all of the required meat and seafood products required for the day.
  • Maintains the organization, stacking, and rotating of all meat products in the cooler and freezer.
  • Uses knowledge of scales, weight measures, and tares to accurately weigh and label meat products; includes packaging and wrapping product and following the proper dating procedures.
  • Prepares various specialty meat and seafood products using the recipe standards set by Pete's Fresh Market; includes using the appropriate ingredients and proper assembly for product being made.
  • Maintains proper safety practices and care while using all the cutting accessories available in the meat department; complies with the use of mesh gloves while using a knife.
  • Participates in pre-inventory preparation; includes back stock and assuring tags match products.
  • Sustains a high level of product knowledge and product preparation.
  • Walks department regularly to ensure an organized, sanitary, and overall clean appearance at all times.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Education and Certifications
  • High School diploma or equivalency with a minimum of two (2) years professional experience; preferred 2-3 years grocery retail experience in 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 customer service at all times.
  • Ability to adapt to the ever changing high volume retail while working in a cross-functional team environment.
  • Must have the capacity to take initiative when problems arise.
  • Must have advanced attention to detail with the capability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to multitask and have excellent organizational skills is essential.
  • Must be able to support and contribute to team goals
  • Ability to work varied hours/days as business dictates.
  • Must be familiar with Health Department guidelines and regulations as they pertain to a grocery retail environment.
  • Must have basic knowledge of math, weights, and measures.
  • Must have skills working with knives, tenderizers, grinders, and general meat machinery.
  • Must have expert packaging and wrapping skills.
  • Ability to cut and weigh various amounts of meat and seafood.
  • Understands COOL compliance for seafood products; what country the various products are coming from.
  • Must have excellent communication skills in order to communicate effectively with customers, store leadership, and fellow-team members.
  • Must be detail oriented, self-motivated, and able to work independently or in groups.
  • Must have the physical ability to walk and stand for extended periods of time, bend and stoop to grasp objects, withstand frequent temperature changes (ex. coolers and freezers), frequently push and pull up to 100 lbs., frequently lift loads up to 50 lbs., and occasionally lift 75 lbs.

Work Environment/ Physical Demands
  • Must have the physical ability to stand for extended periods of time, bend, climb, balance, stoop to grasp objects, kneel, crouch, crawl, frequently push/pull up to 100 lbs., frequently lift and/or move loads up to 50 lbs., and occasionally lift 75 lbs.
  • Ability to enter the coolers and freezers thereby being subjected to and withstanding frequent temperature changes for extended periods of time.
  • Occasional high stress when dealing with systems/customers/staff.
  • Able to work a flexible schedule with various shifts, including weekends and holidays, as determined by the store/business needs and as required to ensure adequate store staffing.
  • Must have reliable source of transportation.
  • The ability to be reached during/after work hours.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities.
Benefits
-Health Insurance Plan (Medical, Dental, Vision)
-401K with employer match
-Supplemental Insurance Plans (Voluntary Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability Insurance, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance)
-Paid Vacation
-Paid Lunch Break
-Direct Deposit
-Employee Lunch Program and more!
Starting hourly rates will be no less than the local minimum wage and will vary based on things like location, experience, and qualifications. All positions are eligible for Overtime, and some positions will have guaranteed Overtime available.
Hourly rate for Suburban Stores is $15-$20
Hourly rate for City of Chicago Stores is $17.05-$20

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