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Meat Cutter Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Costco Wholesale Corporation

Meat Cutter

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

Cuts, trims and prepares raw meat for sale using saws, knifes, grinder, and tenderizer. For additional information about pay ranges, click here. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including ...

Costco Wholesale Corporation

Meat Cutter

Davenport, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Cuts, trims and prepares raw meat for sale using saws, knifes, grinder, and tenderizer. For additional information about pay ranges, click here. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including ...

Costco Wholesale Corporation

Meat Cutter

Coralville, IA · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

Cuts, trims and prepares raw meat for sale using saws, knifes, grinder, and tenderizer. For additional information about pay ranges, click here. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including ...

New Pioneer Food Co-op

Cutter I

Cedar Rapids, IA

$14 - $16/hr

Meat and Seafood Cutter I Cut and prepare local, thoughtfully sourced and responsibly raised meats and sustainable seafood for our customers. Position Summary The Meat & Seafood Cutter I is an ...

New Pioneer Food Co-op

Cutter I

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

Meat and Seafood Cutter I Cut and prepare local, thoughtfully sourced and responsibly raised meats and sustainable seafood for our customers. Position Summary The Meat & Seafood Cutter I is an ...

New Pioneer Food Co-op

Cutter I

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

Meat and Seafood Cutter I Cut and prepare local, thoughtfully sourced and responsibly raised meats and sustainable seafood for our customers. Position Summary The Meat & Seafood Cutter I is an ...

Tiefenthaler Quality Meats

Meat Processor

Holstein, IA · On-site

Meat Processor / Meat Cutter / Meat Packager Tiefenthaler Quality Meats is seeking a self-starting, career minded individual for a full time meat processor/meat cutter/meat packager. We are a small ...

Tiefenthaler Quality Meats

Meat Processor

Holstein, IA · On-site

Meat Processor / Meat Cutter / Meat Packager Tiefenthaler Quality Meats is seeking a self-starting, career minded individual for a full time meat processor/meat cutter/meat packager. We are a small ...

Walmart

Meat/Produce Team Associate

Washington, IA · On-site

$15 - $28/hr

Opening, Morning Location Walmart Supercenter #1475 2485 HIGHWAY 92, WASHINGTON, IA, 52353, US Job Overview Meat / Produce associates are focused on keeping the Fresh area fully stocked. They also ...

Walmart

Meat/Produce Team Associate

Pella, IA · On-site

$15 - $28/hr

Opening, Morning Location Walmart Supercenter #751 1650 WASHINGTON ST, PELLA, IA, 50219, US Job Overview Meat / Produce associates are focused on keeping the Fresh area fully stocked. They also ...

Walmart

Meat/Produce Team Associate

Coralville, IA · On-site

$15 - $28/hr

Opening, Morning Location Walmart Supercenter #2827 2801 COMMERCE DR, CORALVILLE, IA, 52241, US Job Overview Meat / Produce associates are focused on keeping the Fresh area fully stocked. They also ...

Fareway Meat & Grocery

Market Clerk

Grinnell, IA

Your expertise in meat cutting and product knowledge will contribute to our reputation for delivering top-notch quality meats and exceptional service. Prospective employees should be outgoing ...

Fareway Meat & Grocery

Market Clerk

Monticello, IA

Your expertise in meat cutting and product knowledge will contribute to our reputation for delivering top-notch quality meats and exceptional service. Prospective employees should be outgoing ...

Fareway Meat & Grocery

Market Clerk

Norwalk, IA

Your expertise in meat cutting and product knowledge will contribute to our reputation for delivering top-notch quality meats and exceptional service. Prospective employees should be outgoing ...

Fareway Meat & Grocery

Market Clerk

Shenandoah, IA

Your expertise in meat cutting and product knowledge will contribute to our reputation for delivering top-notch quality meats and exceptional service. Prospective employees should be outgoing ...

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All JobsMeat Cutter JobsMeat Cutter Jobs in Iowa

Meat Cutter information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do meat cutter jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat cutter in Iowa is $16.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Where do meat cutters get paid the most?

Meat cutters tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and in larger retail or wholesale establishments. States or areas with a strong meat processing industry or higher demand for skilled labor often offer better pay rates for meat cutters. Experience, certifications, and working in unionized environments can also influence salary levels.

What is the difference between Meat Cutter vs Butcher?

AspectMeat CutterButcher
CredentialsNone required, but some certifications availableTypically same as Meat Cutter, certifications optional
Work EnvironmentSupermarkets, grocery stores, meat processing plantsButcher shops, grocery stores, meat markets
Job DutiesCutting, trimming, preparing meat for saleButchering, custom cuts, meat preparation
Industry UsageCommonly used in retail and food serviceMore traditional, often associated with specialty shops

While both Meat Cutters and Butchers work with meat preparation, Meat Cutters typically focus on cutting and preparing meat in retail settings, often following specific guidelines. Butchers may perform more custom butchering and work in specialized shops. The roles overlap significantly, but the term "Butcher" often implies a more traditional or artisanal approach.

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

To thrive as a Meat Cutter, you need expertise in meat preparation, knife skills, and a solid understanding of food safety regulations, often gained through on-the-job training or a high school diploma. Familiarity with commercial meat cutting equipment, scales, and safety systems is commonly required. Attention to detail, physical stamina, and strong customer service abilities set top performers apart in this role. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring product quality, workplace safety, and customer satisfaction in a fast-paced retail or processing environment.

What does a meat cutter do?

A meat cutter is responsible for cutting, trimming, boning, and preparing various types of meat for sale or further processing. They use specialized tools and equipment to portion meat according to customer or business specifications, ensure product quality, and maintain cleanliness and safety standards in their work area. Meat cutters often work in grocery stores, butcher shops, or meat processing plants, and may also advise customers on meat selection and cooking methods.

What are some common challenges faced by meat cutters in maintaining product quality and safety?

Meat cutters often encounter challenges related to maintaining strict food safety standards while working efficiently. This includes ensuring all equipment is properly sanitized, monitoring temperatures to prevent spoilage, and following precise cutting techniques to avoid cross-contamination. Additionally, handling heavy carcasses and sharp tools can pose physical risks, so proper training and adherence to safety protocols are essential. Staying updated on best practices and regularly communicating with team members helps ensure both product quality and a safe working environment.

Is a meat cutter a hard job?

A meat cutter job involves working with sharp knives and meat processing equipment, requiring physical strength, attention to safety, and precision. The work can be physically demanding and may involve early or long hours, but with proper training and experience, it becomes manageable. Overall, it can be considered moderately challenging depending on individual skills and work environment.

How much do meat cutters make a year?

Meat cutters typically earn an average annual salary of around $25,000 to $40,000, depending on experience, location, and employer. Experienced meat cutters with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages, and some work full-time in retail or wholesale environments with benefits.

What jobs pay 700 a day?

For a Meat Cutter, earning $700 a day typically requires working in high-volume or specialty meat processing facilities, often with overtime, weekend shifts, or advanced skills. Such pay rates are more common in supervisory roles, union positions, or in regions with higher living costs, and may also depend on experience and certifications. Most standard meat cutter positions pay less, but top earners in the field can reach or exceed this daily rate with additional responsibilities or hours.

What Does a Meat Cutter Do?

A meat cutter, also known as a butcher, is a food service professional who specializes in breaking down whole animals or large pieces meats into the various cuts and portions most often used in homes and restaurants. Meat cutters meticulously clean, maintain, and sharpen the knives and tools needed for this precision work. They also are very knowledgeable about food safety rules and regulations, maintaining compliance with health codes at all times.

More about Meat Cutter jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Meat Cutter jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Meat Cutter jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Meat Cutter jobs in Iowa? For Meat Cutter jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Meat Cutter jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Meat Cutter jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Meat Cutter jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Meat Cutter job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Meat Cutter jobs in IA? For Meat Cutter jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Meat Cutter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Meat Cutter job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 41% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,002 per year, or $16.3 per hour.
Meat Cutter

Meat Cutter

Costco Wholesale Corporation

West Des Moines, IA • On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Costco rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 1,900 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 39 rated national retailers

Job description

California applicants: Please click here to review the Costco Applicant Privacy Notice.
The jobs listed are examples of the typical kinds of positions that Costco may hire for when openings exist.
The listing does not mean that any positions are currently open or available at Costco.
Position Summary:
Cuts, trims and prepares raw meat for sale using saws, knifes, grinder, and tenderizer.
For additional information about pay ranges, click here.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, health benefits (medical/dental/vision/hearing aid/pharmacy/behavioral health/employee assistance), health care reimbursement account, dependent care assistance plan, short-term disability and long-term disability insurance, AD&D insurance, life insurance, 401(k), and stock purchase plan to eligible employees.

What Costco employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Costco

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Costco is a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing our members the best possible prices on quality brand-name merchandise. With more than 800 locations worldwide, Costco provides a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of specialty departments and exclusive member services, all designed to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one. Today, as the company evolves, it stays true to the qualities that helped attract and retain millions of loyal members around the globe: Commitment to quality. Costco warehouses carry about 4,000 SKUs (stock keeping units) compared to the 30,000 found at most supermarkets. By carefully choosing products based on quality, price, brand, and features, the company can offer the best value to members.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Issaquah, WA, US

Year founded

1983

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