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Meat Grader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Meat Cutter

Opelousas, LA ยท On-site

$12 - $16/hr

Labels meat to indicate cut, grade, preparation date, best-by date, and other relevant information. * Maintains the sharpness, cleanliness, and sterilization of knives and tools. * Ensures ...

Meat Wrapper

Mobile, AL ยท On-site

$12.75 - $15.25/hr

Meat Wrapper The key to a successful Meat Department starts with the people. Training and ... Knowing Quality & Grade of Products * Space Allocation and Location (explain why) * Cleaning and ...

Meat Wrapper

Prichard, AL ยท On-site

$13.25 - $16/hr

Meat Wrapper The key to a successful Meat Department starts with the people. Training and ... Knowing Quality & Grade of Products * Space Allocation and Location (explain why) * Cleaning and ...

Meat Wrapper

Semmes, AL ยท On-site

$13 - $15.75/hr

Meat Wrapper The key to a successful Meat Department starts with the people. Training and ... Knowing Quality & Grade of Products * Space Allocation and Location (explain why) * Cleaning and ...

Meat Wrapper

AL ยท On-site

$12.75 - $15.50/hr

Meat Wrapper The key to a successful Meat Department starts with the people. Training and ... Knowing Quality & Grade of Products * Space Allocation and Location (explain why) * Cleaning and ...

Meat Wrapper

Pensacola, FL ยท On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

Meat Wrapper The key to a successful Meat Department starts with the people. Training and ... Knowing Quality & Grade of Products * Space Allocation and Location (explain why) * Cleaning and ...

Meat Wrapper

Pensacola, FL ยท On-site

$13 - $15.75/hr

Meat Wrapper The key to a successful Meat Department starts with the people. Training and ... Knowing Quality & Grade of Products * Space Allocation and Location (explain why) * Cleaning and ...

Meat Wrapper

Beaumont, MS ยท On-site

$13.25 - $16/hr

Meat Wrapper The key to a successful Meat Department starts with the people. Training and ... Knowing Quality & Grade of Products * Space Allocation and Location (explain why) * Cleaning and ...

Meat Wrapper

Prichard, AL ยท On-site

$13.25 - $16/hr

Meat Wrapper The key to a successful Meat Department starts with the people. Training and ... Knowing Quality & Grade of Products * Space Allocation and Location (explain why) * Cleaning and ...

Meat Wrapper

Robertsdale, AL ยท On-site

$12.25 - $15/hr

Meat Wrapper The key to a successful Meat Department starts with the people. Training and ... Knowing Quality & Grade of Products * Space Allocation and Location (explain why) * Cleaning and ...

Meat Wrapper

Montgomery, AL ยท On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Meat Wrapper The key to a successful Meat Department starts with the people. Training and ... Knowing Quality & Grade of Products * Space Allocation and Location (explain why) * Cleaning and ...

Meat Wrapper

Fairhope, AL ยท On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

Meat Wrapper The key to a successful Meat Department starts with the people. Training and ... Knowing Quality & Grade of Products * Space Allocation and Location (explain why) * Cleaning and ...

Meat Wrapper

Quitman, MS ยท On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Meat Wrapper The key to a successful Meat Department starts with the people. Training and ... Knowing Quality & Grade of Products * Space Allocation and Location (explain why) * Cleaning and ...

Meat Wrapper

Prichard, AL ยท On-site

$13.25 - $16/hr

Meat Wrapper The key to a successful Meat Department starts with the people. Training and ... Knowing Quality & Grade of Products * Space Allocation and Location (explain why) * Cleaning and ...

Meat Wrapper

Mount Olive, MS ยท On-site

$12 - $14.50/hr

Meat Wrapper The key to a successful Meat Department starts with the people. Training and ... Knowing Quality & Grade of Products * Space Allocation and Location (explain why) * Cleaning and ...

Meat Wrapper

Theodore, AL ยท On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Meat Wrapper The key to a successful Meat Department starts with the people. Training and ... Knowing Quality & Grade of Products * Space Allocation and Location (explain why) * Cleaning and ...

Meat Wrapper

Mobile, AL ยท On-site

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

Meat Wrapper The key to a successful Meat Department starts with the people. Training and ... Knowing Quality & Grade of Products * Space Allocation and Location (explain why) * Cleaning and ...

Meat Wrapper

Robertsdale, AL ยท On-site

$12.25 - $15/hr

Meat Wrapper The key to a successful Meat Department starts with the people. Training and ... Knowing Quality & Grade of Products * Space Allocation and Location (explain why) * Cleaning and ...

Meat Wrapper

AL ยท On-site

$12.75 - $15.50/hr

Meat Wrapper The key to a successful Meat Department starts with the people. Training and ... Knowing Quality & Grade of Products * Space Allocation and Location (explain why) * Cleaning and ...

Meat Wrapper

Ellisville, MS ยท On-site

$13.25 - $16/hr

Meat Wrapper The key to a successful Meat Department starts with the people. Training and ... Knowing Quality & Grade of Products * Space Allocation and Location (explain why) * Cleaning and ...

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Meat Grader information

See salary details

$9

$17

$30

How much do meat grader jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat grader in the United States is $17.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.54 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Meat Grader vs Meat Inspector?

AspectMeat GraderMeat Inspector
CertificationsMeat grading certifications, USDA approvalUSDA certification, food safety training
Work EnvironmentMeat processing plants, grading stationsProcessing plants, regulatory agencies
Employer & Industry UsageMeat packing companies, USDAGovernment agencies, USDA, meat processing facilities

Meat Graders evaluate meat quality based on marbling, color, and texture, assigning grades for sale and processing. Meat Inspectors focus on ensuring meat safety, inspecting for contamination, disease, and compliance with health standards. While both roles work in meat processing environments and require USDA certifications, Meat Graders concentrate on quality grading, whereas Meat Inspectors prioritize safety and regulatory compliance.

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

To excel as a Meat Grader, you need a solid understanding of meat quality standards, anatomy, and grading procedures, often obtained through on-the-job training or vocational courses. Familiarity with grading tools, inspection equipment, and regulatory systems like USDA grading standards is typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for accurately assessing products and working with processing teams. These skills ensure consistent product quality, compliance with regulations, and help maintain consumer trust in the food supply chain.

What are meat graders?

Meat graders are professionals responsible for evaluating the quality and safety of meat products in processing plants and slaughterhouses. They inspect meat for factors such as texture, color, marbling, and fat distribution, assigning grades based on established standards. Their assessments help ensure that meat sold to consumers meets quality and safety requirements, and the grades influence pricing and marketability. Meat graders typically work for government agencies or meat processing companies and require training in food safety and inspection procedures.

What are some common challenges faced by meat graders in their daily work?

Meat graders often face challenges such as working in cold environments for extended periods, maintaining concentration while inspecting large volumes of meat, and adhering to strict food safety and quality standards. The role requires keen attention to detail, as even minor inconsistencies can affect grading accuracy. Collaboration with butchers, quality assurance staff, and production teams is essential to ensure that grading aligns with both regulatory requirements and customer expectations.

What type of inspectors make the most money?

In the meat industry, senior or specialized meat graders and quality inspectors tend to earn higher salaries due to their expertise and certifications. Supervisory roles or those with advanced knowledge of grading standards and food safety regulations typically have the highest pay among meat inspectors.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

A Meat Grader typically earns less than $4,000 per week, as this role usually pays between $15 and $25 per hour. High-paying jobs that can reach $4,000 weekly without a degree often include skilled trades like commercial truck driving, sales positions, or certain entrepreneurial ventures, but these usually require experience, certifications, or specialized skills.

What qualifications do I need to be a quality inspector?

To become a meat grader, which is a type of quality inspector, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant experience in meat processing or food safety, along with knowledge of grading standards and sometimes certification from industry organizations, is often required. Strong attention to detail and the ability to operate inspection tools are also important.

How to become a meat grader?

To become a meat grader, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue training or certification through industry programs or vocational schools. Experience in meat processing or food inspection can be beneficial, and knowledge of meat quality standards and grading tools is important for the role.
More about Meat Grader jobs
What cities are hiring for Meat Grader jobs? Cities with the most Meat Grader job openings:
What states have the most Meat Grader jobs? States with the most job openings for Meat Grader jobs include:
Infographic showing various Meat Grader job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,535 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Meat Cutter

BENNY'S SUPERMARKET

Opelousas, LA โ€ข On-site

$12 - $16/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Cuts, trims, and prepares meat for sale to customers.
  • Receives and fulfills custom orders.
  • Packages and displays meat.
  • Labels meat to indicate cut, grade, preparation date, best-by date, and other relevant information.
  • Maintains the sharpness, cleanliness, and sterilization of knives and tools.
  • Ensures preparation areas are kept clean.
  • Closely follows all safety and sanitation procedures.
  • Answers questions regarding types, cuts, and suggested preparation of meats.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:
  • Thorough understanding of types, cuts, and preparation methods of meat.
  • Understanding of, or ability to quickly learn, applicable food handling and sanitation requirements.
  • Ability to use meat saws, knives, scales, and other implements safely and with precision.
  • Good verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to concentrate on a singular task.
Experience:
  • Must have at least 1 year of meat cutting experience using both knives and meat saws
Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time.
  • Must be able to lift up to 60 pounds at times.
  • Excellent hand-eye coordination.