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Meat Cutter Apprentice Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Whole Foods

Butcher - Part Time

South Lake Tahoe, CA

$18.50 - $30.20/hr

Performs duties relating to the cutting, preparation, display, and selling of meat products. All ... Successfully completed WFM Butcher Apprentice Program, or an equivalent training program.* * UK ...

Whole Foods Market

Butcher - Full Time

Roseville, CA

$18.50 - $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 - Full Time

La Jolla, CA · 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

Napa, CA

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

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $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 - Full Time

Berkeley, CA · 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

Los Altos, CA

$19.50 - $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 - Full Time

Palm Desert, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $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 - Full Time

Roseville, CA · 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

Berkeley, CA

$20.50 - $31.50/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

Napa, CA

$19.50 - $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 - Full Time

San Mateo, CA

$19.50 - $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 ...

Good Food Holdings

Meat Manager

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$22 - $35/hr

... cutting, trimming, deboning, and cleaning meats and poultry. Also trains on all opening and closing procedures for department. * Responsible for training and follow-up for Meat Apprentice Program.

New Leaf Community Markets

Meat Manager

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$60 - $90/hr

... cutting, trimming, deboning, and cleaning meats and poultry. Also trains on all opening and closing procedures for department. * Responsible for training and follow-up for Meat Apprentice Program.

Whole Foods Market

Butcher

South Lake Tahoe, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $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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Meat Cutter Apprentice information

See California salary details

$9

$17

$29

How much do meat cutter apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat cutter apprentice in California is $17.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a meat cutter apprentice?

A Meat Cutter Apprentice is an entry-level worker who is learning the skills necessary to become a professional meat cutter or butcher. Apprentices typically work under the supervision of experienced meat cutters, assisting with tasks such as cutting, trimming, deboning, and packaging meat products. They also learn about food safety regulations, proper tool usage, and customer service. The apprenticeship period provides hands-on training and can last from several months to a few years, depending on the employer and local regulations.

What are the duties of a meat cutter apprentice?

As a meat cutter apprentice, your duties are to assist a butcher with daily tasks in the butcher’s department of a grocery store, restaurant, or specialty shop. Your responsibilities are to weigh each package to ensure customers receive the right orders, prepare the workspace, and confirm that all equipment (such as slicers and knives) are in proper working order. You also check that you have an inventory of butcher’s paper or wrapping for the day.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a meat cutter apprentice?

To thrive as a Meat Cutter Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of meat products, knife handling, and food safety, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with meat cutting tools, band saws, grinders, and compliance with food safety standards like HACCP is essential. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and teamwork are important soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure safe, efficient meat preparation and contribute to customer satisfaction and workplace safety.

What are some common challenges faced by meat cutter apprentices when learning the trade?

As a Meat Cutter Apprentice, one common challenge is mastering knife skills and safely handling sharp equipment, which requires both practice and attention to detail. Apprentices also need to quickly learn different meat cuts and understand proper storage and sanitation procedures to ensure food safety. Adapting to the fast-paced environment of a butcher shop or grocery store, especially during busy hours, can be demanding. However, with hands-on training and guidance from experienced meat cutters, apprentices typically gain confidence and proficiency over time.

What is the difference between Meat Cutter Apprentice vs Meat Cutter?

AspectMeat Cutter ApprenticeMeat Cutter
CredentialsOn-the-job training, sometimes certification in food safetyExperience, possibly certification in meat cutting or food safety
Work EnvironmentLearning environment, supervised by experienced cuttersFull responsibility for meat cutting tasks in retail or wholesale settings
Employer UsageEntry-level position in grocery stores or butcher shopsSkilled worker performing meat preparation and cutting

The main difference is that a Meat Cutter Apprentice is in training and gaining skills under supervision, while a Meat Cutter is a trained professional responsible for meat preparation. Apprenticeship focuses on learning, whereas the Meat Cutter role involves independent work and expertise.

More about Meat Cutter Apprentice jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Meat Cutter jobs in California?

The most popular types of Meat Cutter jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Meat Cutter Apprentice jobs in California?

For Meat Cutter Apprentice jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Meat Cutter Apprentice jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Meat Cutter Apprentice jobs?

Cities in California with the most Meat Cutter Apprentice job openings:

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Meat Cutter Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Meat Cutter Apprentice job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,746 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Butcher - Part Time

Whole Foods

South Lake Tahoe, CA

$18.50 - $30.20/hr

Part-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Whole Foods Market rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Whole Foods Market

Based on 1,476 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6.1

Company rating compared to similar companies: 6.1 out of 10

Grocery stores average

Based on 50,546 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Whole Foods Market

  • 98%

    98% say they get paid time off

    say they get paid time off

  • 90%

    90% say their health insurance is affordable

    say their health insurance is affordable

  • 89%

    89% say they have respectful managers

    say they have respectful managers

Featured by Whole Foods Market, based on 1476 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees

Job description

Performs duties relating to the cutting, preparation, display, and selling of meat products. All Whole Foods Market Retail jobs require ensuring a positive company image by providing courteous, friendly, and efficient service to customers and Team Members at all times. All positions must be performed in accordance with team and store Standard Operating Procedures. Further, Team Members must be prepared and able to perform the duties inherent in other Team Member job descriptions. All positions must strive to support WFM core values and goals, promote national, regional, and store programs and initiatives, and ensure adherence to all applicable health and safety regulations including Food Safety and regulatory duties required in the department.
Job Responsibilities
  • Cuts, platters, and merchandises products (beef, pork, lamb, veal, poultry).
  • Prepares specialty meat merchandise (i.e. sausage, oven ready products, and cured meats).
  • Checks product to make sure it meets WFM quality standards.
  • Maintains sampling program.
  • Monitors and assists in preventing spoilage.
  • Mentors and supports assigned Meat Cutter Trainee(s).
  • Arrives to work station on time, appropriately groomed, dressed and ready to work; works all scheduled shifts and attends required trainings and meetings.
  • Provides excellent customer service, addresses needs of customers in a timely and effective manner and models suggestive selling techniques; answers phones and pages promptly and courteously.
  • Maximizes sales potential through effective and proper procedures for prepping, storing, rotating, stocking, and merchandising product.
  • Follows and complies, or ensures compliance, with established procedures, including Weights and Measures, health and sanitation, and safe work practices.
  • Maintains, or ensures maintenance of, a clean and sanitary w orking and shopping environment; maintains equipment in accordance with WFM cleanliness and safety standards.
  • Performs opening, mid, and closing duties as assigned; ensures accuracy of signs and pricing.
  • Immediately reports safety hazards and violations.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by store, regional, or national leadership.
Job Skills
  • Working understanding of Meat team processes and procedures.
  • Excellent cutting skills with the ability to bread product down into sub-primal and retail cuts.
  • Extensive knowledge of different cuts and cooking techniques of meat and seafood.
  • Ability to visually examine products for quality and freshness.
  • Capable of accessing information about market conditions and communicating this information to customers.
  • Strong to excellent communication skills and willingness to work as part of a team.
  • Ability to deliver information in a clear and respectable manner to fellow Team Members , customers , and vendors .
  • Ability to meet customer service expectations and standards in all interactions with customers, vendors, and Team Members.
  • Ability to f ollow directions and procedures; effective time management and organization skills.
  • Passion for natural foods and the mission of Whole Foods Market.
  • Strong work ethic and a bility to work in a fast-paced environment with a sense of urgency.
  • Understanding of and compliance with WFM quality goals.
Experience
  • 14+ months retail experience.
  • Successfully completed WFM Butcher Apprentice Program, or an equivalent training program.*
    * UK Exceptions may apply
Physical Requirements/Working Conditions
  • Must be able to lift 5 0 pounds.
  • In an 8-hour work day: standing/walking 6-8 hours.
  • Hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling.
  • Work requires the following motions: bending, twisting, squatting and reaching.
  • Exposure to FDA approved cleaning chemicals.
  • Exposure to temperatures: 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Ability to work in a wet and cold environment .
  • Ability to handle knives and other cutting equipment.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed .
  • Ability to use tools and equipment, including box cutters, electric pallet jacks, and other heavy machinery .
Note : The purpose of this document is to provide a general summary of essential responsibilities for the position and is not meant as an exhaustive list. This document does not reflect all job duties or requirements for every position . Requirements build as one progresses through the job levels, so any job duties required at a lower level may be required at the higher level in addition to the duties listed for that higher level. Duties, assignments, and other responsibilities may differ for similar positions based on business conditions, departmental or geographic location, and/or needs for the particular position. An individual must demonstrate successful performance in their current position before being considered for promotion. In addition, in order to promote into a higher-level position, a business need for the promotion must exist and the candidate must be considered the most qualified person for the new position. Completion of certain milestones such as obtaining an advanced degree or certification, time in current position, or developing skills to perform at the higher-level role do not guarantee a promotion.
                                                                                      The wage range for this position is $18.50-$30.20 Hourly, commensurate with experience. Whole Foods Market offers \"Whole Benefits\". Whole Benefits offers a wide range of benefits for Full and Part-Time Team Members, including eligibility for a store discount, paid time off, financial wellness, health & wellness support programs, and access to other Team Member perks. Eligibility for Whole Benefits is determined under the terms of the applicable Whole Benefits plan at a person's date of hire and may vary based on work location, length of service, and job type (such as regular or seasonal). Click here for benefit details.
                                                                                      At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.
                                                                                      Whole Foods Market works with job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter to promote opportunities at our company. Please be aware that other career sites may not be accurate or up to date and may even be fraudulent. We encourage and recommend all candidates to apply via our site.

                                                                                      Working at Whole Foods Market

                                                                                      Perks for frontline workers

                                                                                      From Whole Foods Market, via Breakroom

                                                                                      • 20% employee discount

                                                                                      • Paid time off

                                                                                      • Flexible scheduling

                                                                                      • Health insurance with dental & vision

                                                                                      • Growth opportunities

                                                                                      What to expect from working at Whole Foods Market

                                                                                      From Whole Foods Market

                                                                                      About Whole Foods Market, in their own words

                                                                                      From Whole Foods Market

                                                                                      At Whole Foods Market, we understand that the heart and soul of our organization lies in the remarkable people who make up our team. We're more than a grocer; we're a community of diverse, talented individuals coming together to make a positive impact on the world through food.

                                                                                      Company values

                                                                                      From Whole Foods Market

                                                                                      Our purpose is to nourish people and the planet. We’re a purpose-driven company that aims to set the standards of excellence for food retailers. Quality is a state of mind at Whole Foods Market.

                                                                                      Core Values: (1) We sell the highest quality natural and organic foods (2) We satisfy and delight our customers (3) We promote team member growth and happiness (4) We practice win-win partnerships with our suppliers (5) We create profits and prosperity (6) We care about our community and the environment

                                                                                      What Whole Foods Market employees say

                                                                                      Pay

                                                                                      Benefits

                                                                                      Hours and flexibility

                                                                                      Workplace

                                                                                      Get the full story on Breakroom

                                                                                      Whole Foods Market logo

                                                                                      About Whole Foods Market

                                                                                      Sourced by ZipRecruiter

                                                                                      Whole Foods Market, Inc., a subsidiary of Amazon, is an American multinational supermarket chain headquartered in Austin, Texas, which sells products free from hydrogenated fats and artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.A USDA Certified Organic grocer in the United States, the chain is popularly known for its organic selections. Whole Foods has 500 stores in North America and seven in the United Kingdom As of March 4, 2019.

                                                                                      Industry

                                                                                      Food and beverage stores and retail

                                                                                      Company size

                                                                                      10,000+ Employees

                                                                                      Headquarters location

                                                                                      Austin, TX, US

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