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Meat Apprentice Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

Whole Foods Market

Butcher - Full Time

Ann Arbor, MI

$16.50 - $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 ...

Whole Foods Market

Butcher

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$16.50 - $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 ...

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All JobsMeat Apprentice JobsMeat Apprentice Jobs in Detroit, MI

Meat Apprentice information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$11

$14

$18

How much do meat apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat apprentice in Detroit, MI is $14.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $16.20 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 Detroit, MI?

The most popular types of Meat jobs in Detroit, MI are:

What cities near Detroit, MI are hiring for Meat Apprentice jobs?

Cities near Detroit, MI with the most Meat Apprentice job openings:

Meat Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Meat Apprentice job openings in Detroit, MI as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $30,255 per year, or $14.5 per hour.

Meat Cutter - Lead - Lake Orion, MI

Lake Orion, MI • On-site

Meijer, Inc.
Retail • 10K+ employees

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 1,645 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 39 rated national retailers

Recommended by students

Paid breaks

Respectful managers

Learn more about Meijer, Inc.external

$14 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

As a family company, we serve people and communities. When you work at Meijer, you're provided with career and community opportunities centered around leadership, personal growth and development. Consider joining our family - take care of your career and your community!
Meijer Rewards
  • Weekly pay
  • Scheduling flexibility
  • Paid parental leave
  • Paid education assistance
  • Team member discount
  • Development programs for advancement and career growth

Please review the job profile below and apply today!
$$$$$$ Start Pay is 18.00/HR or Higher Based On Experience $$$$$$$
Are you someone who thrives on guiding others, setting the tone for excellence, and making a real impact every day? The Meat Cutter Lead role is your opportunity to take that first step into leadership. You'll lead by example-delivering exceptional customer experiences and inspiring your peers to do the same.
Required: Must be an experienced Meat Cutter or Meat Cutter Apprentice.
As an entry-level leader in the Meat Department, you'll support daily operations, guide team members, and help ensure department success. You'll contribute to achieving team goals, maintaining operational standards, and creating a positive, customer-focused environment.
This full-time role offers weekly pay, comprehensive healthcare benefits, a team member discount, and support for continuing education!
What you'll be doing:
  • Engaging peers to provide the best possible shopping experience for our customers including an exceptional checkout experience.
  • Communicating with team members and assigning daily work tasks.
  • Mentoring and coaching other team members to ensure customer service and sales goals are exceeded and the area is maintained to Meijer standards and team members have completed required trainings.
  • Supports training new team members/cross-training high potential talent, providing peer coaching on job responsibilities/standards to positively impact team member productivity.
  • Working with leadership on department schedule writing to focus on team member engagement, improving customer service, store sales and profitability.
  • Ensuring freshness of products by closely monitoring execution of rotation and dating policies.
  • Guiding the team in compliance with food safety standards and regulations and working in a safe manner aligning to 200% accountability.
  • Leading team members to ensure ordering, receiving, stocking, pricing, and product display are completed, where applicable.
  • Actively creating an environment that supports the Meijer culture, including valuing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
  • Operating a register and cash handling when needed.
  • Operating powered equipment, where applicable.
  • Participating in period end inventories, where applicable, to help achieve goals.
  • May be required to act in Lead capacity in other departments throughout the store
  • This job profile is not meant to be all inclusive of the responsibilities of this position. You may perform other duties as assigned or required.

What You Bring with You (Qualifications):
  • Passion for customer service with total engagement that conveys approachability to customers and fellow team members.
  • Initiates interactions with customers and peers.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication
  • Retail or other customer service experience preferred
  • Creative thinking skills
  • Ability to influence others
  • Ability to quickly build rapport and gain customer confidence to create repeat business
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, bend and twist while handling product
  • Experience executing plans
  • Positive influence to create a strong team environment.
  • A commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where all team members and vendors feel valued and supported.
Meijer logo

About Meijer

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Meijer is a family business. We believe in treating each other with dignity and respect. We are committed to strengthening the communities we serve. Retailing is a fast-paced business that demands continuous improvement. Meijer is committed to keeping our competitive spirit strong and staying nimble and flexible to win in the marketplace.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Grand Rapids, MI, US

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What Meijer employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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