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Meat Grader Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ASIA INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Meat Cutter

Long Beach, CA

$19/hr

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

Poke House

Kitchen Staff

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Prepare Poke House menu items to be served (e.g. raw meat, cooked meat, fresh produce, cooked rice ... Our sushi-grade fish is delivered daily, and our fruits and vegetables are locally sourced ...

Poke House

Kitchen Staff

Alameda, CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Prepare Poke House menu items to be served (e.g. raw meat, cooked meat, fresh produce, cooked rice ... Our sushi-grade fish is delivered daily, and our fruits and vegetables are locally sourced ...

Petaluma Market

Deli Clerk

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Deli products include deli meats, cheeses, salads, sandwiches, dips, gourmet and hot case items ... Bilingual in English/Spanish is a plus. - Ability to read and write at the 8th grade level. - Must ...

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

CA

$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

CA

$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)

CA

$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

CA · 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 ...

Leonesse Cellars

Line Cook

Temecula, CA

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

... grade of meat o Recognize customer intoxication o Understand government health, hotel or food service regulations Performing for or Working Directly with the Public -- Performing for people or ...

City of Folsom

Part-Time Zoo Commissary Aide

Folsom, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

Accepting deliveries of produce, meat, prey items, and other packages. Compliance with Zoo Safety ... D., or equivalent to the completion of the 12th grade Must be at least 18 years of age by time of ...

Jetro Restaurant Depot

Buyer - Seafood

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Deep understanding of meat cuts, quality grades, and industry regulations. * Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze market reports and inventory data. * Organization: Highly organized to handle ...

Leonesse Cellars

Line Cook

Temecula, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

... grade of meat o Recognize customer intoxication o Understand government health, hotel or food service regulations Performing for or Working Directly with the Public -- Performing for people or ...

City of Folsom

Part-Time Zoo Commissary Aide

Folsom, CA · On-site

Accepting deliveries of produce, meat, prey items, and other packages. * Compliance with Zoo Safety ... E.D., or equivalent to the completion of the 12th grade. Must be at least 18 years of age by time ...

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All JobsMeat Grader JobsMeat Grader Jobs in California

Meat Grader information

See California salary details

$9

$16

$30

How much do meat grader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat grader in California is $16.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.39 and $19.90 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 California?

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

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

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

Meat Grader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Meat Grader job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $35,069 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Meat Cutter

ASIA INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Long Beach, CA

$19/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Asia International, Inc. is a premier protein distributor headquartered in San Francisco. We are family owned and are proud to work closely with vendors, customers, and our internal team to provide the highest quality meat and the most trusted customer service.

Position Summary

We are looking to employ 2 meat cutters to join our team in Long Beach, California. The successful candidates will have had prior experience working as a butcher. Job responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Cuts, trims, and prepares meat for sale to customers.
  • Receives, inspects, and stores meat upon delivery, to ensure meat quality.
  • Receives and fulfills custom orders.
  • Packages meat.  
  • Labels meat to indicate cut, grade, preparation 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.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.


Skills

  • 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 knives, scales, and other implements safely and with precision.
  • Good verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to concentrate on a singular task.
  • 2+ years of experience


Physical Requirements

  • Ability to stand for long periods of time.
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds at times.
  • Excellent hand-eye coordination. 


Schedule: Monday – Friday must be available from 6:00am - 2:30pm. Overtime as needed.