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Meat Cutter Apprentice Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Full Time Apprentice Meatcutter

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/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 ...

Full Time Apprentice Meatcutter

Durham, NC · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/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 ...

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 ...

Meat Cutter Apprentice information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$9

$17

$28

How much do meat cutter apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat cutter apprentice in Raleigh, NC is $17.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $18.70 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 are the most commonly searched types of Meat Cutter jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Meat Cutter jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Meat Cutter Apprentice jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Meat Cutter Apprentice jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Meat Cutter Apprentice jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Meat Cutter Apprentice jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Meat Cutter Apprentice jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Meat Cutter Apprentice job openings:
Infographic showing various Meat Cutter Apprentice job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $36,194 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Full Time Apprentice Meatcutter

Harris Teeter

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Harris Teeter rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 865 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 122 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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