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Meat Cutter Apprentice Jobs in Excelsior, MN (NOW HIRING)

Meat Cutter

Plymouth, MN

$16 - $21.25/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 ...

Meat Cutter

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$16 - $21.25/hr

... cutter or apprenticeship program completed preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Must ... meat machinery. • Must have expert packaging and wrapping skills. • Ability to cut and weigh ...

Meat Cutter

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$16 - $21.25/hr

... cutter or apprenticeship program completed preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Must ... meat machinery. • Must have expert packaging and wrapping skills. • Ability to cut and weigh ...

Meat Cutter Full Time

Apple Valley, MN · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

... cutter or apprenticeship program completed preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Must ... meat machinery. • Must have expert packaging and wrapping skills. • Ability to cut and weigh ...

Meat Cutter Apprentice information

See Excelsior, MN salary details

$11

$20

$33

How much do meat cutter apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat cutter apprentice in Excelsior, MN is $20.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.21 and $21.49 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 cities near Excelsior, MN are hiring for Meat Cutter Apprentice jobs? Cities near Excelsior, MN with the most Meat Cutter Apprentice job openings:

$16 - $21.25/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago


Fresh Thyme rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 61 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 122 rated grocery stores


Job description

If you're someone who has a genuine desire to help people live better and healthier lives, join us as we work to be a trusted resource in our communities, offering real people, real food at real affordable prices across the Midwest. If you are ready to immerse yourself in an environment, that helps shoppers naturally, intuitively, and enjoyably find real, honest, affordable goodness to meet them wherever they are on their wellness journey, we'd like to hear from you. Join us to begin YOUR journey and be a part of the Fresh Thyme Market Team!

Fresh Thyme Rewards

  • Weekly pay

  • Scheduling flexibility

  • Paid parental leave

  • Team member discount

  • Career growth opportunities

Are you passionate about the retail grocery market and organic products? Are you a leader? Are you ready to join one of the fastest growing companies in the retail grocery market? If so, Fresh Thyme Farmers Market is the place for you! Our unique business model, fast paced and growing environment, promote from within culture, and excellent benefits make Fresh Thyme the best employer in the grocery market. Careers have been blooming at Fresh Thyme since our inception in 2002 - yours should be no different!
The Meat Cutter is responsible for keeping store meat cases stocked and clean during business hours. They are required to assist customers as needed and maintain a friendly, energetic demeanor. This position requires adhering to all procedural guidelines set by the Meat Department.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Stocks meat cases; includes presentation of product, facing, filling, and organization of all product items as set by the Meat Department schematics as well as ensuring tag and pricing accuracy.

Ensures cleanliness of meat aisles, storage area, and work area for safety; includes cleaning of shelves and products, keeping floors free of liquid spills or water, removing hazardous debris from floor and sweeping.

Monitors the rotation of all meat products paying particular attention to expired stock.

Responds positively to customer's inquiries and assists customers with purchases, information and product selection while working the meat counter; requires selling and cross selling of products.

Receives, inspects, and logs products for accuracy of shipment, temperature, and quality.

Requires operating and using equipment such as knives, scales, wrappers, compactors, garbage disposals, pallet jacks, and hand trucks.

Monitors that proper temperatures are being maintained at all stages during the production of meat and seafood items.

Cuts, trays, and packages all of the required meat and seafood products required for the day.

Maintains the organization, stacking, and rotating of all meat products in the cooler and freezer.

Uses knowledge of scales, weight measures, and tares to accurately weigh and label meat products; includes packaging and wrapping product and following the proper dating procedures.

Prepares various specialty meat and seafood products using the recipe standards set by Fresh Thyme; includes using the appropriate ingredients and proper assembly for product being made.

Maintains proper safety practices and care while using all the cutting accessories available in the meat department; complies with the use of mesh gloves while using a knife.

Participates in pre-inventory preparation; includes back stock and assuring tags match products.

Sustains a high level of product knowledge and product preparation.

Walks department regularly to ensure an organized, sanitary, and overall clean appearance at all times.

Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalency degree.

Must have a minimum of 2 years professional experience.

Preferred 2-3 years grocery retail experience in Meat department processes and procedures.

Previous experience in a natural foods industry is a plus.

Journeyman cutter or apprenticeship program completed preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Must maintain the highest level of customer service at all times.

Ability to adapt to the ever changing high volume retail while working in a cross-functional team environment.

Must have the capacity to take initiative when problems arise.

Flexibility to adapt in a variety of situations.

Must have advanced attention to detail with the capability to prioritize and meet deadlines.

Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills for dealing cross functionally with peers and senior management.

Ability to multitask and have excellent organizational skills is essential.

Must be able to support and contribute to team goals

Ability to work varied hours/days as business dictates.

Must be familiar with Health Department guidelines and regulations as they pertain to a grocery retail environment.

Must have basic knowledge of math, weights, and measures.

Must have skills working with knives, tenderizers, grinders, and general meat machinery.

Must have expert packaging and wrapping skills.

Ability to cut and weigh various amounts of meat and seafood.

Understands COOL compliance for seafood products; what country the various products are coming from.

Job Function Analysis

Physical Demands

Sit Rarely 1-2 hours

Stand Continuously 1-8 hours

Walk Continuously 2-8 hours

Drive Frequently 2-4 hours

Balance Frequently 34-66%

Bend Occasionally 1-33%

Climb (2-6 ft) Occasionally 1-33%

Crawl Occasionally 1-33%

Crouch/Squat Occasionally 1-33%

Kneel Occasionally 1-33%

Reach (forward & overhead) Frequently 34-66%

Twist (45 degrees at waist) Occasionally 1-33%

Lifting/Carrying

0-10 lbs. Occasionally 1-33%

11-25 lbs. Occasionally 1-33%

26-50 lbs. Occasionally 1-33%

51-100 lbs. Never 0%

Repetitive Motion

Right & Left Grasping Frequently 34-66%

Fine Manipulation Occasionally 1-33%

Pushing and Pulling Occasionally 1-33%

Lower extremities Never 0%

Environmental Conditions:

Some extreme temperatures are possible. Some ventilation and exhaust fans.

At Fresh Thyme, our team members Thrive. We offer competitive compensation, incentive programs, and recognition programs that allows our most successful team members to be rewarded for the results they consistently drive and for being passionate about working safely to ensure 200% accountability - 100% accountability for self and 100% accountability for your fellow team members. Therefore, we are committed to offering competitive pay that reflects market standards and ensures consistency within our organization.

This job generally starts between the rates belowwith raises occurring in accordance with the Fresh Thyme Market plan policy. The actual rate offered will meet or surpass the legal wage requirement for the job's location.

$20.00 - $22.50


Our team members Thrive because we are committed to the whole person. Not only do we offer a comprehensive benefits package for our full time team members that includes medical, dental, and life insurance, but we also offer a variety of programs designed to support our part time members as well. ALL Fresh Thyme team members enjoy paid parental leave, our 24/7 Employee Assistance Program, and our 401(k) plan with an employer match. We are dedicated to creating a work environment that promotes long-term health and financial security. Come Thrive with us!


What Fresh Thyme employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Fresh Thyme logo

About Fresh Thyme

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We have a simple mission at Fresh Thyme: to improve the way our communities eat by offering fresh and healthy food at amazing values. Our food doesn't only look, smell and taste good, but it's good for you, too. Get all of the nutrients you need and all the flavors you crave while supporting trusted partners, brands and farmers. Shop confidently and let your appetite guide the way knowing that every item in our store has been hand-selected with care. We pride ourselves on offering an assortment of healthy options backed by our commitment to quality. To us, more variety means a more complete basket, more ways of making meals and more ways to support our communities.In our store, you’ll find a large assortment of all-natural and organic foods, alongside trusted national brands and local favorites - all at everyday low prices.

Industry

Retail

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Downers Grove, IL, US

Year founded

2012