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Meat Cutter Jobs in Freeport, IL (NOW HIRING)

Costco Wholesale Corporation

Meat Cutter

Loves Park, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Brings cases of meat, up to 99 lbs, from cooler and empties contents onto meat cutting or other preparation area. Re-stocks meat room supplies and boxes of meat up to 99 lbs. * Inspects and ...

Costco Wholesale Corporation

Meat Cutter

Loves Park, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Brings cases of meat, up to 99 lbs, from cooler and empties contents onto meat cutting or other preparation area. Re-stocks meat room supplies and boxes of meat up to 99 lbs. * Inspects and ...

UNFI

Full Time Meat Cutter

Freeport, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Meat Cutters at Cub are responsible for cutting, wrapping, preparation and stocking for the meat and seafood department and to ensure a positive shopping experience for customers. Job ...

Meijer, Inc.

Meat Cutter - Full Time

Rockford, IL · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

This position assists in the daily cutting of fresh beef, pork, and grind. The individual also follows the production schedule to meet requirements for advertised fresh meat cuts. What You'll be ...

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Meat Cutter information

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$16

$22

How much do meat cutter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat cutter in Freeport, IL is $16.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.80 and $18.32 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 strong meat processing industry or higher living costs, such as certain metropolitan areas or states with a high demand for skilled butchers. Factors like experience, certifications, and the size of the employer also influence pay rates for meat cutters.

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?

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 long periods of standing, but it is generally manageable with proper training and safety protocols.

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 Freeport, IL? The most popular types of Meat Cutter jobs in Freeport, IL are:
What cities near Freeport, IL are hiring for Meat Cutter jobs? Cities near Freeport, IL with the most Meat Cutter job openings:
Meat Cutter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Meat Cutter job openings in Freeport, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,030 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Meat Cutter

Costco Wholesale Corporation

Loves Park, IL • On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Costco rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 1,917 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 39 rated national retailers

Job description

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 and trims and prepares raw meat for sale using saws, knives, grinder, and tenderizer. Provides a high level of member service.

Job Duties

  • Cuts and trims meat to Costco specification using band saw and knives. Operates tenderizing machine. Transfers cut and ground meat to styrofoam trays. Loads styrofoam trays onto a large plastic tray and transfers to a large, wheeled rack for wrappers. Follows safety and security procedures.
  • Assists with wrapping tasks, may include re-wrapping fish. Assists with stocking meat display case according to Meat Manager’s plan for product presentation and merchandising.
  • Brings cases of meat, up to 99 lbs, from cooler and empties contents onto meat cutting or other preparation area. Re-stocks meat room supplies and boxes of meat up to 99 lbs.
  • Inspects and reassembles equipment sanitized the previous night. Reworks display case to assess daily production needs and rotates product.
  • Operates meat grinder. Dumps meat onto the top of the machine and checks the fat content of each batch from the grinder. Follows proper department production procedures and standards for quality and consistency of finished product.
  • Cleans and sanitizes the area throughout the day. Performs duties to comply with health code, such as sanitation standards and maintaining proper temperatures. Restocks meat room supplies such as sanitizer and styro trays.
  • Performs routine maintenance for machinery, equipment, and implements.
  • Provides and ensures prompt and courteous member service.
  • Ensures proper cleanup and disposal of hazardous materials.
  • Ability to operate vehicles, equipment or machinery.
  • Assists with department duties as necessary.
  • Assists in other departments of the warehouse as necessary.

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), stock purchase plan to eligible employees.

Apart from any religious or disability considerations, open availability is needed to meet the needs of the business. If hired, you will be required to provide proof of authorization to work in the United States.

Job Description Posting Updated: July 2026                                   Job Code: 1506

Qualifications:UNAVAILABLEEducation:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: UNAVAILABLE

What Costco employees say

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Benefits

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Workplace

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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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