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Meat Cutter Apprentice Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Piggly Wiggly

Meat Cutter - Paid Weekly

Oconomowoc, WI · On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

Previous experience in meat cutting operations and/or willingness to go through Fox Bros. apprenticeship. * Able to work with meat and fish products. * Due to nature of direct contact with and ...

Sendik's

Daytime Produce Cutter

West Bend, WI · On-site

Role Title Produce Cutter Manager Produce Manager Job Summary As a part of the Sendik's team, the Produce Cutter will be responsible for modeling and promoting Sendik's culture by consistently ...

Saint John's On The Lake

Server

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

Some additional training in culinary arts (vocational program apprenticeship or junior college ... separate cutting board for meat, produce and ready to eat items to avoid cross-contamination ...

All JobsMeat Cutter Apprentice JobsMeat Cutter Apprentice Jobs in Wisconsin

Meat Cutter Apprentice information

See Wisconsin salary details

$9

$18

$30

How much do meat cutter apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat cutter apprentice in Wisconsin is $18.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $19.42 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 is top pay for a meat cutter at Costco?

The top pay for a meat cutter apprentice at Costco typically ranges from $20 to $25 per hour, depending on experience and location. Experienced meat cutters can earn higher wages, especially with additional skills in butchery and customer service.

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 involves understanding meat cuts, sanitation practices, and safety regulations.

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.

Who pays the most for meat cutters?

The highest wages for meat cutters are typically found in large retail chains, specialty butcher shops, and supermarkets in regions with a high cost of living. Experienced meat cutters with certifications and skills in meat processing often earn higher salaries, especially in areas with strong demand for skilled labor.
More about Meat Cutter Apprentice jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Meat Cutter jobs in Wisconsin? The most popular types of Meat Cutter jobs in Wisconsin are:
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What job categories do people searching Meat Cutter Apprentice jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Meat Cutter Apprentice jobs in Wisconsin are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Meat Cutter Apprentice jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Meat Cutter Apprentice job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Meat Cutter Apprentice jobs in WI? For Meat Cutter Apprentice jobs in WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Meat Cutter Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Meat Cutter Apprentice job openings in Wisconsin as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 49% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,582 per year, or $18.1 per hour.
Meat Cutter Apprentice - Warehouse

Meat Cutter Apprentice - Warehouse

Performance Foodservice

West Salem, WI

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Performance Food Group rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 48 rated food wholesalers

Job description

Job Description:

Position Details:

  • Work Schedule: Monday - Friday (No Weekends) 
  • Start Time: Between 6am to 7am until job is complete
  • Pay Rate: From $18 per hour based on experience
  • Work Location: 1130 industrial Ave., West Salem, WI
  • Phone: 608-793-9306 

We Deliver the Goods:

  • Competitive pay and benefits, including Day 1 Health & Wellness Benefits, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, 401K Employer Matching, Education Assistance, Paid Time Off, and much more
  • Growth opportunities performing essential work to support America’s food distribution system
  • Safe and inclusive working environment, including culture of rewards, recognition, and respect
Position Purpose:
Portion cut, slice and package meats/seafood to specific sizes and weights according to work order specifications and customer preferences, clean and sanitize tools ensuring all safety, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and quality standards are met and to maintain the efficient flow of product through the production process. Functions as a team member within the department and 
organization, as required, and perform any duty assigned to best serve the company.
Responsibilities may include, but not limited to:
  • Review work schedule, perform safety check on equipment, obtain supplies required to perform the work and prepare for operations. At the end of the shift secure all equipment and complete all necessary paperwork. 
  • Check cutting list and obtain stock from coolers, open cases and place trash in proper receptacle. 
  • Cut various size portions of raw meat/seafood (Beef / Pork / Lamb / Seafood) by hand with knives using proper cutting techniques. 
  • Clean and sanitize knives and tools, maintain and abide by USDA regulations and standards as required. 
  • Cut portions of meat/seafood using band saw or slicer, check weights and place cut meat portions into proper tubs. 
  • Remove totes and tubs of scrap and place in pick-up area. 
  • Assist Packers and Sanitizers as required. 
  • Perform general housekeeping duties, clean packaging work area and equipment, maintain and abide safety and quality regulations and standards as required. 
  • Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:

High School Diploma/GED or Equivalent Experience
0 - 6 Months Meat/Seafood cutter experience or related area

Company description


Performance Foodservice, PFG’s broadline distributor, maintains a unique relationship with a variety of local customers, including independent restaurants and hotels, healthcare facilities, schools, and quick-service eateries. A team of sales reps, chefs, consultants, and other experts builds close relationships with customers — providing advice on improving operations, menu development, product selection, and operational strategies. The Performance team delivers delicious food but also goes above and beyond to help independent restaurant owners achieve their dreams.

Awards and Accolades

Performance Food Group and/or its subsidiaries (individually or collectively, the "Company") provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all applicants and employees, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations. Please click on the following links to review: (1) our EEO Policy; (2) the "EEO is the Law" poster and supplement; and (3) the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.

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