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Meat Cutter Apprentice Jobs in Poughkeepsie, NY (NOW HIRING)

The Meat Apprentice under the direction of a more experienced cutter will cultivate and enhance cutting skills, perform duties related to the cutting, preparation, display and selling of meat ...

The Meat Apprentice under the direction of a more experienced cutter will cultivate and enhance cutting skills, perform duties related to the cutting, preparation, display and selling of meat ...

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Meat Cutter Apprentice information

See Poughkeepsie, NY salary details

$9

$17

$29

How much do meat cutter apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat cutter apprentice in Poughkeepsie, NY is $17.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $18.99 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Meat Cutter jobs in Poughkeepsie, NY?

The most popular types of Meat Cutter jobs in Poughkeepsie, NY are:

What are popular job titles related to Meat Cutter Apprentice jobs in Poughkeepsie, NY?

For Meat Cutter Apprentice jobs in Poughkeepsie, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Meat Cutter Apprentice jobs in Poughkeepsie, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Meat Cutter Apprentice jobs in Poughkeepsie, NY are:

What cities near Poughkeepsie, NY are hiring for Meat Cutter Apprentice jobs?

Cities near Poughkeepsie, NY with the most Meat Cutter Apprentice job openings:

Infographic showing various Meat Cutter Apprentice job openings in Poughkeepsie, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,786 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


DeCicco & Sons rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Are you a food aficionado who simply cannot learn enough about what the world food market has to offer? Do you love being around friendly people every day with the same interests and ambitions. Do you take a genuine love in your work and make sure that others feel welcome and at home in your environment?

If you answered yes to these questions, then DeCicco & Sons is the perfect place for you! If you have an interest in working with one of the fastest growing premium quality food markets in the Westchester area, please bring us a resume along with a detailed cover letter letting us know why you chose DeCicco’s and what you wish to offer with your experience and expertise. Whether you’re a chef wanting to hone your craft in our kitchens, a manager wanting to extend your invaluable food knowledge to our shoppers, or a cashier looking to find a friendly and fun place to work, we are always interested in expanding the DeCicco & Sons family.

Current Job Opportunities:

Meat Apprentice

 

Position Description:

The Meat Apprentice under the direction of a more experienced cutter will cultivate and enhance cutting skills, perform duties related to the cutting, preparation, display and selling of meat products. Following Company Apprentice program to lead to a role of butcher.  Team members work safely and adhere to all food safety and sanitation standards in each area of the department to provide customers with the highest quality meat offerings.

Your day-to-day:

  • Prepare meat for display on the sales floor.
  • Stock, price, rotate and place product on meat displays according to DeCicco & Sons standards.
  • Maintain sanitation standards in the backroom, cooler, and sales area.
  • Wash, trim, and wrap products.
  • Other duties may be assigned at the discretion of store management

Physical Demands:

  • Bending
  • Stooping
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Working on feet for entire shift

What you bring to the team:

  • Great customer service
  • Ability to work on a team
  • Good oral communication skills
  • Great work ethic

 

 

Why You will love working here!

At DeCicco & Sons, we believe that happy, loyal Team Members create happy, loyal customers – in that order. That is why we focus on comprehensive benefits that are aimed at creating happiness in your work-life, and future-life.

Benefits:

Affordable Quality Healthcare Coverage

Dental Coverage

Vision Coverage

Pension Plan

Employee Wellness Program

Voluntary Life Insurance

Yearly Pay Increase and Merit Pay

Team Member Discounts

Paid Time-off

Holiday Pay

Company Paternity & Maternity Leave

*All benefits are subject to certain eligibility requirements.

Perks – Perks are the extras-the things we do to make sure you know how amazing we think you are!

Scholarship Program

Competitive Pay Above Minimum Wage

Refer-a-friend Program

Company Bonding Events: Playland, Company BBQ, Movie Night, Holiday Party, Gym membership, Discount Cellular Phone Coverage, Holiday Costume Competitions, Food Catering Discount, Team Member Recognitions & Rewards, Team Member Assistance Program.


What DeCicco & Sons employees say

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