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Meat Cutter Apprentice Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Harris Teeter

Full Time Apprentice Meatcutter

Columbia, MD · On-site

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

Your Purpose Responsible for efficiently cutting and processing the complete variety of meat ... Job Title: Apprentice Meat Cutter Job Code: 033 Department: Meat Reports To: Market Manager ...

RETAIL

Full Time Apprentice Meatcutter

Columbia, MD · On-site

$16.40 - $24.50/hr

Your Purpose Responsible for efficiently cutting and processing the complete variety of meat ... Job Title: Apprentice Meat Cutter Job Code: 033 Department: Meat Reports To: Market Manager ...

Whole Foods Market

Butcher

Gaithersburg, MD

$19 - $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 ...

RETAIL

Full Time Apprentice Meatcutter

Washington, DC

$18.80 - $25/hr

Responsible for efficiently cutting and processing the complete variety of meat products to achieve maximum yield and gross profit according to Meat Standards, cleaning work areas, providing customer ...

RETAIL

Full Time Apprentice Meatcutter

Washington, DC · On-site

$18.80 - $25/hr

Responsible for efficiently cutting and processing the complete variety of meat products to achieve maximum yield and gross profit according to Meat Standards, cleaning work areas, providing customer ...

All JobsMeat Cutter Apprentice JobsMeat Cutter Apprentice Jobs in Washington

Meat Cutter Apprentice information

See Washington salary details

$11

$20

$33

How much do meat cutter apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat cutter apprentice in Washington is $20.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $21.78 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.

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 highest paying apprenticeship trade?

Among apprenticeship trades, skilled trades such as elevator installers, power plant operators, and nuclear technicians tend to have the highest wages. These roles often require specialized training, certifications, and sometimes longer apprenticeship periods, but they offer higher earning potential compared to other trades like meat cutting apprenticeships.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Meat Cutter Apprentice, and why are they important?

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 does a meat cutter apprentice do?

A meat cutter apprentice assists experienced butchers by learning to cut, trim, and prepare meat products according to safety and quality standards. They gain skills in using knives, saws, and other tools, often working in a retail or wholesale meat environment under supervision. The role typically involves following safety protocols and may require basic knowledge of meat cuts and hygiene practices.

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.

Is 27 too old for an apprenticeship?

There is no age limit for a Meat Cutter Apprentice, and many programs welcome individuals of various ages. Age should not be a barrier if you are interested in learning the skills required for meat cutting, which include knowledge of safety, tools, and meat processing. Employers often value experience and commitment over age, making 27 a suitable age to start an apprenticeship in this field.

How much does a meat cutter apprentice make at Publix?

A meat cutter apprentice at Publix typically earns around $10 to $14 per hour, depending on experience and location. As an apprentice, they often receive on-the-job training while working under supervision in the store's meat department.
More about Meat Cutter Apprentice jobs
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Meat Cutter Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Meat Cutter Apprentice job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,171 per year, or $20.3 per hour.
Full Time Apprentice Meatcutter

Full Time Apprentice Meatcutter

Harris Teeter

Columbia, MD • On-site

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Harris Teeter rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 863 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 121 rated grocery stores

Job description

Your Purpose
Responsible for efficiently cutting and processing the complete variety of meat products to achieve maximum yield and gross profit according to Meat Standards, cleaning work areas, providing customer service unloading stock, and reloading salvage.
What You'll Do
  • Responsibilities may include interviewing and training associates.
  • Planning, assigning, and directing work.
  • Assist in appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining associates.
  • Addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Supporting Leadership Through the 5 Es
  • As an associate, you are a key part of our success. You represent our values every day and help bring our purpose to life. Through the 5Es, you can lead from any role by showing up with care, pride, and a commitment to doing your best work-for your team, our customers, and the company.
    • Envision: Understand how your job makes a difference. Know the "why" behind your tasks and how they support your team and store goals. Ask questions if something doesn't make sense and speak up with ideas to help things run better.
    • Energize: Bring a positive attitude and energy to work every day. Greet others with kindness, support your teammates, and celebrate wins-big or small. Stay focused, even during busy times, and help lift others up when things get tough.
    • Enroll: Be a team player. Listen, share your ideas, and ask how you can help. Get to know your coworkers and learn what they do. Make sure everyone feels welcome and included by showing respect and care.
    • Enable: Take pride in learning and growing. Ask for help when you need it and look for ways to get better every day. Use the tools and resources available to you. Offer to help train new associates or show someone how to do something the right way.
    • Execute: Do your job well and take ownership of your work. Be on time, follow through, and ask questions if you're unsure. Pay attention to detail, follow safety and quality standards, and take pride in doing things the right way the first time.

What You Bring
  • Associates must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Commitment to unparalleled customer service; excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Willingness to participate in and successfully complete required training and to work with the team to increase customer satisfaction and sales.
  • Complete Company's training including but not limited to new hire orientation, food sanitation, customer service network, safety, food safety, and product knowledge.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the associate is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The associate is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The associate must regularly lift and/or move up to 60 pounds and reaches from 6-72 inches. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color, and depth perception.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an associate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the associate constantly works in a cool environment with an average temperature range of 34-36 degrees Fahrenheit and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and moving mechanical parts. The associate is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and is frequently exposed to extreme cold. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
Job Title: Apprentice Meat Cutter
Job Code: 033
Department: Meat
Reports To: Market Manager
Supervises: N/A
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Location: Retail Store Locations
Created/Updated Date: January 2026

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