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Meat Grader Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

University of Arizona

Food Specialist II

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$18.15 - $22.69/hr

Responsibilities involve the preparation of meat, adherence to safety and sanitation standards, and ... The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university ...

Phase2 Technology

Food Specialist II

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$18.15 - $22.69/hr

Responsibilities involve the preparation of meat, adherence to safety and sanitation standards, and ... The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university ...

JBS Imports

VA MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN 2ND SHIFT

Tolleson, AZ · On-site

$22.75 - $29.50/hr

Troubleshoot, maintain, and repair electrical systems on meat processing and packaging equipment ... Install, test, and calibrate electrical components and instrumentation in a washdown, food-grade ...

JBS USA

VA MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN 2ND SHIFT

Tolleson, AZ

$22.75 - $29.50/hr

Troubleshoot, maintain, and repair electrical systems on meat processing and packaging equipment ... Install, test, and calibrate electrical components and instrumentation in a washdown, food-grade ...

JBS USA

VA MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN 2ND SHIFT

Tolleson, AZ · On-site

$24.50 - $31.25/hr

Troubleshoot, maintain, and repair electrical systems on meat processing and packaging equipment ... Install, test, and calibrate electrical components and instrumentation in a washdown, food-grade ...

JBS USA

VA MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN 2ND SHIFT

Tolleson, AZ

$24.50 - $31.25/hr

Troubleshoot, maintain, and repair electrical systems on meat processing and packaging equipment ... Install, test, and calibrate electrical components and instrumentation in a washdown, food-grade ...

JBS USA

VA MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN 2ND SHIFT

Tolleson, AZ · On-site

$23.25 - $30.50/hr

... food-grade environmentRead and interpret electrical schematics, ladder logic diagrams, and OEM ... Minimum of 2 3 years of electrical maintenance experience in a meat processing or food ...

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

AZ · On-site

$50K/yr

... management, meat science, physiology of lactation, poultry science, ruminant nutrition, swine ... The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. Experience ...

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

AZ · On-site

$50K/yr

... management, meat science, physiology of lactation, poultry science, ruminant nutrition, swine ... The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. Experience ...

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

AZ

$50K/yr

... management, meat science, physiology of lactation, poultry science, ruminant nutrition, swine ... The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. Experience ...

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

AZ · On-site

$50K/yr

... management, meat science, physiology of lactation, poultry science, ruminant nutrition, swine ... The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. Experience ...

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

AZ

$50K/yr

... management, meat science, physiology of lactation, poultry science, ruminant nutrition, swine ... The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. Experience ...

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All JobsMeat Grader JobsMeat Grader Jobs in Arizona

Meat Grader information

See Arizona salary details

$8

$15

$28

How much do meat grader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat grader in Arizona is $15.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.77 and $18.80 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?

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.

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.

What are popular job titles related to Meat Grader jobs in Arizona?

For Meat Grader jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Meat Grader jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Meat Grader jobs in Arizona are:

Meat Grader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Meat Grader job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,114 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Meat Cutter, Custom - Stock Yards

US Foods, Inc.

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$15.15 - $21.08/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

US Foods rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 243 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

90th of 366 rated logistics

Job description

ARE YOU A CURRENT US FOODS EMPLOYEE? PLEASE APPLY DIRECTLY THROUGH OUR INTERNAL WORKDAY CAREER SITE

Join Our Community of Food People!

THE STOCK YARDS STORY
We’ve been providing chefs with expertly cut and portioned beef and pork for over 120 years, based on rigid meat-selection criteria, precise beef aging and expert trimming. Whatever your need, from white-linen presentation to casual family dining, our procurement experts will find the best-quality options that work for your budget and pack-size needs, carefully selected from our extensive meat assortment.
Prepare high quality cuts of meat according to customer specifications using company standards and adhering to all safety requirements. Able to keep within yield and time benchmarks.

1st shift

Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00 am - 3:30 pm

Stock Yards Facility

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

  • Trim and customize portions of meat products using knives, band saws or other meat production equipment.

  • Count and stack on tray portions per customer and company specifications.

  • Label portion with supplied product labels.

  • Read and understand cut tickets. 

  • Set up the cutting room as required.

  • Keep cutting rooms and surrounding area clean and sanitized.

  • Follow company GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) to maintain sanitary conditions.

  • Work continually in a refrigerated environment 35°F- 45°F.

  • Complete miscellaneous other duties as assigned.

  • Finish time is when work is completed and could require overtime without notice.

SUPERVISION:

  • N/A

RELATIONSHIPS

  • Internal: The incumbent is required to interact with employees, sales, and management at levels of responsibility throughout the company in a professional manner.

  • External: N/A

WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Onsite: Must be able to work continually in a refrigerated environment 35°F- 45°F.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Skilled as a specialty meat cutter using knives required. 

  • Minimum (1) year experience as a meat cutter.

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment. 

  • Ability to read and understand customers’ specifications and do basic math functions.

EDUCATION

  • High school diploma or GED equivalent preferred.  

CERTIFICATIONS/TRAINING

  • Knowledge of poultry, beef, lamb, and pork products including USDA grades and standards.

LICENSES

  • N/A

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience with band saws, laser portion machinery or other meat production equipment is preferred.

  • Knowledge of NAMA guidelines and product cut numbers preferred.

PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS

  • Must be able to perform the following physical activities for the described length of time.

OCCASIONALLY: 1% - 33 / FREQUENTLY: 34% - 66% / CONTINUOUSLY: 67% - 100% or NEVER

JOB REQUIRES WORKER TO:

FREQUENCY:

STAND: CONTINUOUSLY

WALK: OCCASIONALLY

DRIVE VEHICLE: N/A

SIT: OCCASIONALLY

LIFT

1-10 lbs (Sedentary): OCCASIONALLY

11-20 lbs (Light): FREQUENTLY

21-50 lbs (Medium): FREQUENTLY

51-100 lbs (Heavy): OCCASIONALLY

Over 100 lbs (Very Heavy): N/A

CARRY

1-10 lbs (Sedentary): OCCASIONALLY

11-20 lbs (Light): OCCASIONALLY

21-50 lbs (Medium): FREQUENTLY

51-100 lbs (Heavy): OCCASIONALLY

Over 100 lbs (Very Heavy): N/A

PUSH/PULL 1: FREQUENTLY

CLIMB/BALANCE 2: FREQUENTLY

STOOP/SQUAT: FREQUENTLY

KNEEL: FREQUENTLY

BEND: FREQUENTLY

REACH ABOVE SHOULDER: OCCASIONALLY

TWIST: FREQUENTLY

GRASP OBJECTS 3: CONTINUOUSLY

MANIPULATE OBJECTS 4: FREQUENTLY

MANUAL DEXTERITY 5: FREQUENTLY

1 (Push/Pull: Hand truck, gate, straps, metal ramp, truck door, dolly, boxes, truck gear shift)

2 (Climb/Balance: In/Out Truck/Trailer to cab. On/Off ramp to ground level and side doorsteps and Platform of trailer. Stairs)

3 (Grasp Objects: Hand truck, boxes, cartons, steering wheel)

4 (Manipulate Objects: Boxes, dolly, metal truck ramp, hand truck, paperwork, truck gate, straps)

5 (Manual Dexterity: Typing, use of office machines such as copiers, printers)

Compensation depends on relevant experience and/or education, specific skills, function, geographic location, and other factors as applicable by law (for example: state minimum wage thresholds). The expected base rate for this role is between $15.15 and $21.08 hr.

As applicable, this role may also receive overtime compensation.

Benefits for this role may include health insurance, pre-tax spending accounts, retirement benefits, paid time off, short-term and long-term disability, employee stock purchase plan, and life insurance. To review available benefits, please click here: https://www.usfoods.com/careers/benefits.html.

***EOE – Race/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Age/Genetic Information/Protected Veteran/Disability Status*** 

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About US Foods

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

US Foods® is one of America's great food companies and a leading foodservice distributor, partnering with approximately 300,000 restaurants and foodservice operators to help their businesses succeed. With nearly 28,000 employees and more than 70 locations, we provide our customers with a broad and innovative food offering and a comprehensive suite of e-commerce, technology and business solutions.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Rosemont, IL, US

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