TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of ...
TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of ...
Agricultural Commodity Grader (Meat) (Relief Grader)
Grand Island, NE · On-site
$67K/yr
TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of ...
Agricultural Commodity Grader (Meat) (Relief Grader)
Grand Island, NE · On-site
$67K/yr
TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of ...
Agricultural Commodity Grader (Meat) (Relief Grader)
Grand Island, NE · On-site +1
$67K - $88K/yr
The incumbent typically serves as the sole grader for a shift or assignment; and is responsible for all phases of grading, inspection, and certification activities, including those involving complex ...
Agricultural Commodity Grader (Meat) (Relief Grader)
Grand Island, NE · On-site +1
$67K - $88K/yr
The incumbent typically serves as the sole grader for a shift or assignment; and is responsible for all phases of grading, inspection, and certification activities, including those involving complex ...
Meat Cutter
Opelousas, LA · 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 Cutter
Opelousas, LA · 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
AL · 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
AL · 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 · 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 · 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 · 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
Pensacola, FL · 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
Mobile, AL · 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
Mobile, AL · 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
Millry, AL · On-site
$14 - $17/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
Millry, AL · On-site
$14 - $17/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
Vancleave, MS · On-site
$12.50 - $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
Vancleave, MS · On-site
$12.50 - $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
Bayou La Batre, AL · 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
Bayou La Batre, AL · 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
Mobile, AL · On-site
$14 - $17/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 · On-site
$14 - $17/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 · 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
Mobile, AL · 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
Semmes, AL · 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
Semmes, AL · 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
Prichard, AL · 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 · 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
Mcintosh, AL · On-site
$17.50 - $21/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
Mcintosh, AL · On-site
$17.50 - $21/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 · 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
Mobile, AL · 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
Bay Minette, AL · 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
Bay Minette, AL · 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
Mount Olive, MS · 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
Mount Olive, MS · 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 · 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
Theodore, AL · 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 Grader information
See salary details
$9.62 - $11.52
23% of jobs
$11.81 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$11.52 - $13.42
14% of jobs
The median wage is $14.69 / hr.
$13.42 - $15.32
20% of jobs
$15.32 - $17.22
14% of jobs
$18.07 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$17.22 - $19.12
10% of jobs
$19.12 - $21.02
3% of jobs
$21.02 - $22.92
4% of jobs
$22.92 - $24.83
3% of jobs
$24.83 - $26.73
3% of jobs
$26.73 - $28.63
3% of jobs
$28.63 - $30.53
2% of jobs
$9
$17
$30
How much do meat grader jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 23, 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 a meat grader?
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 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 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 is the difference between Meat Grader vs Meat Inspector?
| Aspect | Meat Grader | Meat Inspector |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | Meat grading certifications, USDA approval | USDA certification, food safety training |
| Work Environment | Meat processing plants, grading stations | Processing plants, regulatory agencies |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Meat packing companies, USDA | Government 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.
How do you become a meat grader?
To become a meat grader, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may complete on-the-job training or certification programs in meat grading. Knowledge of meat quality standards, inspection procedures, and the use of grading tools is essential, and some positions require passing a certification exam from a relevant authority.
More about Meat Grader jobs
What states have the most Meat Grader jobs?
States with the most job openings for Meat Grader jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Meat Grader jobs look for?
The top searched job categories for Meat Grader jobs are:
Agricultural Commodity Grader (Meat) (Relief Grader)
Grand Island, NE
$67K/yr
Full-time
Posted 4 days ago
USDA Forest Service rating
7.4
Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
161st of 295 rated public sector bodies
Job description
This position is located with the Livestock and Poultry Program, Quality Assessment Division, Grading Services Branch, which is responsible for developing, implementing, and administering programs for the grading, certification, and inspection of QAD commodities. The incumbent typically serves as the sole grader for a shift or assignment; and is responsible for all phases of grading, inspection, and certification activities, including those involving complex or borderline determinations.Qualifications:Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.
FOR THE GS-10 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-09 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
OR 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree.
OR LL.M., if related.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level.
TRANSCRIPTS are required if:
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:This position does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER
TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.
FOR THE GS-10 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-09 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
- Independently grading and/or inspecting primary products in the commodity group and performing difficult assignments such as: regularly making borderline grading decisions on a variety of products; or applying the full range of grading skills at an extremely fast pace requiring instant determinations.
- Performing the full range of grading and/or inspection tasks involved in supplying grading services to producers or members of the trade in the commodity specialization.
- Inspecting or evaluating more complicated processing equipment and procedures, and conditions of storage or transportation and advising industry employees on product quality control methods.
- Serving as technical expert, performing final grading on reviews, making appeal determinations, resolving controversies, or providing broad technical guidance.
- Inspecting complex formulations, processing procedures, and sanitation conditions in order to generate and review reports, ensure uniform application by staff, and make recommendations for improvement, as needed.
OR 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree.
OR LL.M., if related.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level.
TRANSCRIPTS are required if:
- You are qualifying for the position based on education.
- You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education.
- This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:This position does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER
What USDA Forest Service employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
Get the full story on Breakroom
About USDA Forest Service
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Public administration and forestry
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Washington, DC, US