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Meat Cutter Jobs in Freeport, IL (NOW HIRING)

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$9

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How much do meat cutter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

Is a meat cutter a hard job?

A meat cutter job involves working with sharp tools and handling heavy cuts of meat, which can be physically demanding and require attention to safety procedures. The role often requires standing for long periods and developing skills in butchering and customer service, making it moderately challenging for some individuals.

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 earnings.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,030 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Bandsaw Meat Cutter Operator - Hiring Immediately

Rockton, IL

Buckhead Meat and Seafood
Food and Drink Manufacturing • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Buckhead Meat and Seafoodexternal

$15 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

*No experience required

* No se requiere experiencia

JOB SUMMARY

  • Accurately cut to trim and yield specifications as specified by information provided by cut tickets
  • Provide communication to the supervisor of any discrepancies between cutting tickets and normal customer purchases
  • Pull raw materials and pre-cut inventory according to code dates and report any short shelf-life items to the supervisor
  • Properly label all products and equipment to conform to all legal and safety regulations
  • Properly and accurately record all necessary data to produce assigned cutting yield tests
  • Accurately count product inventory levels and maintain levels set forth by the supervisor
  • Ensure that all product specifications are being met according to guidelines
  • Maintain work areas in compliance with U.S.D.A. guidelines
  • Assemble and tear down any equipment in the work area at the beginning and/or end of your shift
  • Properly clean, store and maintain all knives, scales, etc. assigned to you
  • Manage profitability by achieving product yields and meeting deadlines for product readiness
  • Complete other duties as assigned
  • To know and understand the companys safety and health goals and its objectives. Assist the company in achieving these goals by participating in the safety program
  • To help develop and follow all safe work practices
  • To give a written report of unsafe conditions or unsafe acts to management
  • To report all accidents, injuries or illnesses to my supervisor immediately
  • Prior experience with portion cutting meat
  • Ability to perform mathematical calculations and conversions to determine the amounts and sizes of products needed for orders
  • Ability to read, write and communicate in the English language

Skills

  • Ability to adjust to sudden changes in customer demands or operational goals
  • Commitment to work until the job is completed
  • Interacts well with others
  • Good team player
  • Results-oriented
  • Customer-service oriented
  • Detail-oriented


Physical Demands and Working Environment

  • Physical strength to lift and maneuver 50-60 pounds
  • Standing, stooping and climbing are regular activities for this employee
  • The employee must have the ability to negotiate throughout the production and warehouse areas unassisted without disrupting regular production and warehousing activities.
  • Normal levels of eyesight and hearing after correction
  • Color vision is required
  • The ability to touch, feel, manipulate fingers and limbs to operate various processing and material handling equipment is necessary
  • The ability to smell is required, in order to detect levels of wholesomeness and spoilage
  • This position requires the candidate to be in refrigerated processing and warehouse areas
  • These areas are cold and wet and exposure to moving machinery and sharp surfaces are a regular occurrence
  • This is a high noise area
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
Required
    Preferred
      Job Industries
      • Media & Entertainment

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