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Meat Apprentice Jobs in Rolla, MO (NOW HIRING)

Line Cook - FT

Saint James, MO · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

... especially high cost meat items. * Keeps refrigeration, storage and working areas in clean ... Culinary or Apprenticeship program preferred. Grooming: All associates must maintain a neat, clean ...

Line Cook - FT

Saint James, MO · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

... especially high cost meat items. * Keeps refrigeration, storage and working areas in clean ... Culinary or Apprenticeship program preferred. Grooming: All associates must maintain a neat, clean ...

Meat Apprentice information

See Rolla, MO salary details

$11

$14

$18

How much do meat apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat apprentice in Rolla, MO is $14.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $16.06 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 Rolla, MO?

The most popular types of Meat jobs in Rolla, MO are:

What cities near Rolla, MO are hiring for Meat Apprentice jobs?

Cities near Rolla, MO with the most Meat Apprentice job openings:

Infographic showing various Meat Apprentice job openings in Rolla, MO 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 $30,047 per year, or $14.4 per hour.

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Position Title: Line Cook

Department: Kitchen

Reports to: Chef, Sous Chef, or Kitchen lead

Status: Non Exempt

This job description is intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in this position. These specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. Management has the right to add or change these duties of the position at any time.

Essential Functions:

The following duties are typical for this position. Employees may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

  • Prepares all foods in accordance to standard recipes and as specified by the guest. Visually inspects, selects and uses only food items of the highest quality in the preparation of all menu items.
  • Checks and controls the proper storage of product and portion control, i.e. especially high cost meat items.
  • Keeps refrigeration, storage and working areas in clean, working condition to comply with health department regulations.
  • Ensures all equipment in working areas is clean and in proper working condition.
  • Prepares requisitions for supplies and food items for production in work station. Reads and employs math skills to appropriately prepare items according to recipes.

Supportive Functions:

  • In addition to performance of the essential functions, this position may be required to perform a combination of the following supportive functions.
  • Performs general cleaning tasks using standard property cleaning products as assigned by your supervisor to adhere to health standards.
  • Keep floors dry and clean to avoid slip/fall accidents.
  • Performs other duties as requested, such as, cross-training, moving supplies and equipment, cleaning up spills, etc.
  • Report any suspicious persons or activity to a supervisor immediately.

Qualifications and Experience

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Specific Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities to be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

  • Good working knowledge of the fundamentals of fry cooking.
  • Good working knowledge of accepted standards of sanitation.
  • Knowledge of operating all kitchen equipment, i.e. stoves, ovens, broilers, slicers, steamers, kettles, etc.
  • Basic mathematical skills necessary to understand recipes, measurements, requisition amounts and portion sizes.
  • Ability to read, write and understand the English language in order to complete requisitions, read recipes and communicate with other associates.
  • Sufficient manual dexterity of hand in order to use all kitchen equipment, i.e... knives, spoons, spatulas, tongs, etc.
  • Hearing and visual ability to observe and detect signs of emergency situations.
  • Ability to grasp, lift and/or carry, or otherwise, move or push goods on a hand cart/truck weighing up to 150 pounds.
  • Ability to perform duties within extreme temperature ranges.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school or other combination of education, training or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the functions of the job. High school diploma preferred. Culinary or Apprenticeship program preferred.

Grooming:

All associates must maintain a neat, clean and well-groomed appearance (specific standards available).

Physical Demands and Working Environment:

These conditions are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment:

Physical:

Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a commercial kitchen setting; to stand for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach,and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull moderate amounts of weight; to operate commercial kitchen equipment, requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of sharp objects, and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

Vision:

See in the normal visual range with or without correction.

Hearing:

Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.