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Meat Cutter Apprentice Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

E.W. James & Sons

Traveling Meat Cutter

Union City, TN · On-site

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

... butcher apprentices. • Wraps raw meat and chicken products. • Assist customers with specific ... meat cutting experience required. • Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings ...

E.W. James & Sons

Meat Cutter (Butcher)

Union City, TN · On-site

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

... butcher apprentices. • Wraps raw meat and chicken products. • Assist customers with specific ... meat cutting experience required. • Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings ...

E.W. James & Sons

Meat Cutter (Butcher)

Mckenzie, TN · On-site

$12 - $16/hr

... butcher apprentices. • Wraps raw meat and chicken products. • Assist customers with specific ... meat cutting experience required. • Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings ...

All JobsMeat Cutter Apprentice JobsMeat Cutter Apprentice Jobs in Tennessee

Meat Cutter Apprentice information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$16

$27

How much do meat cutter apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat cutter apprentice in Tennessee is $16.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $17.45 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.

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Meat Cutter Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Meat Cutter Apprentice job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,794 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Traveling Meat Cutter

Union City, TN • On-site

E.W. James & Sons
201 - 500 employees
Learn more about E.W. James & Sonsexternal

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

**This position is a traditional meat cutter but will not be stationed at one store. The associate will work at multiple locations to meet business needs.
Locations include but are not limited to Union City, TN., Troy, TN., Martin, TN.
The Meat Cutter is responsible for ensuring the meat cases are consistently
stocked with fresh, high-quality meat and poultry products. Key duties include receiving and
stocking items, cutting, grinding, wrapping, weighing, pricing, and merchandising meat department
products. Meat Cutters are expected to assist customers with special requests, answer questions
about meat products and services, and perform various other tasks as needed. Proficiency with
equipment such as meat saws, slicers, grinders, wrapping machines, and knives is required.
Responsibilities also include helping with truck unloading and maintaining a clean and safe work
area. Adherence to safety protocols with all equipment and in all operational areas is essential.
Key Responsibilities: (Responsibilities may vary depending on assignment.)
• Provide outstanding customer service.
• Regularly cutting all meat products.
• Provide training to butcher apprentices.
• Wraps raw meat and chicken products.
• Assist customers with specific needs.
• Cleans and sanitizes meat preparation room.
• Ensures meat and seafood counters, shelves, and freezers are well stocked and up to cleanliness
standards.
• Operates grinder to prepare ground beef for packaging.
• Ensures proper rotation of all fresh meat and seafood products.
• Follows safety and security procedures.
• Check in vendors and unload product.
• Regularly operate saws, grinder, knives, and slicers.
• Maintains excellent personal hygiene habits.
• May assist on front-end with cashier and carryout duties as needed.
• Any other responsibilities as assigned by manager.
Work Environment:
• May be exposed to all weather conditions (hot, cold, rain, snow, ice and wind) as well as,
inside work with variations in heat, cold, dust, and humidity.
• Must be able to perform work inside of walk-in cooler and freezer. This role also requires one
to be able to perform work inside of a preparation room which is kept at a cooler temperature than
room temperature.
• Fast paced retail environment.
Physical Requirements:
• Frequently moves, lifts, and carries merchandise and supplies weighing less than or equal to 80
pounds without assistance. Occasionally moves, lifts, and carries merchandise and supplies
weighing less than or equal to 100 pounds.
• Occasionally reaches overhead and below the knees, including pushing, pulling, squatting,
kneeling, bending, stooping, crouching, and twisting with or without bearing weight. Occasionally
required to climb and/or crawl.
• Stands or walks continuously throughout the shift.
Qualifications & Other Job Requirements:
• Previous experience in a retail or grocery environment with meat cutting experience
required.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays as
needed.
• Minimum age requirement = 18 years old.

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