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Meat Cutter Apprentice Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Meat Cutter

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

The Meat Cutter is responsible for keeping store meat cases stocked and clean during business hours ... Journeyman cutter or apprenticeship program completed preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Butcher

Evanston, IL

$17.50 - $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 ...

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 ...

Butcher

Deerfield, IL

$17.50 - $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 ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

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Meat Cutter Apprentice information

See Illinois salary details

$9

$17

$28

How much do meat cutter apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat cutter apprentice in Illinois is $17.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $18.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

How hard is it to be a meat cutter apprentice?

Becoming a meat cutter apprentice involves learning butchering techniques, safety procedures, and proper handling of tools and meat products. The role requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and the ability to follow safety standards, but with training and experience, skills improve over time. The difficulty varies based on prior experience and the complexity of tasks involved.

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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Meat Cutter jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Meat Cutter jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Meat Cutter Apprentice jobs in Illinois? For Meat Cutter Apprentice jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Meat Cutter Apprentice jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Meat Cutter Apprentice jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Meat Cutter Apprentice jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Meat Cutter Apprentice job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Meat Cutter Apprentice jobs in IL? For Meat Cutter Apprentice jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Meat Cutter Apprentice job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,080 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

(21yrs+ to apply) Apprentice Meat Cutter - Kirkwood

Schnuck Markets

Kirkwood, IL

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Schnuck Markets rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 203 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 122 rated grocery stores


Job description

Job Description

This is an apprenticeship, having some experience in the retail meat department would be needed.

DUTIES:
Provide friendly and courteous service to customers
Know how to use all tools including power tools ( saws, grinder, cubing machine, sealer, wrapper machine Weigh, Wrap, label and price product
Clean all meat equipment and tools.
Know how to perform work in service meat department.
Cut and prepare all cuts of meat including blocking beef, pork, lamb& veal
Grinding meat
Cube steaks & patty steaks
Prepare product for the service meat case
Suggestive selling and product sampling
Receive product from our warehouse
Stock, straighten and rotate product in meat cases and coolers
Read and understand shelf tags
Follow company safety guidelines when using equipment
Provide customers with proper cooking instructions
Check and maintain the proper temperature controls for coolers, freezers and cutting room
Maintain cleanliness of work area, equipment and meat cases following company safety and sanitation guidelines
At closing, pull product from service meat case for proper storage
Other duties may be assigned at the discretion of store management
TRAINING
Training will be provided at store level.
PHYSCIAL DEMANDS
Bending
Stooping
Work in cold wet environment
Must be able to lift up to 125-150 pounds
Working on feet entire shift (8 hours)

Additional Requirements - Internal Candidates:

  • Store/Facility Teammates: minimum of six months employment with Schnucks preferred.
  • Store Support Center Teammates:minimum of one year employment with Schnucks preferred.
  • Must be in good standing (not on a performance improvement plan or active discipline).
  • If invited for an interview, must have manager approval based on performance.

Schnucks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


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