Meat Cutter
Grand Bay, AL · On-site
$13.50 - $18/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
Grand Bay, AL · On-site
$13.50 - $18/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
AL · On-site
$12.50 - $16.75/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
AL · On-site
$12.50 - $16.75/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
Mobile, AL · On-site
$12.50 - $16.50/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
Mobile, AL · On-site
$12.50 - $16.50/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
Mcintosh, AL · On-site
$17.25 - $22.75/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
Mcintosh, AL · On-site
$17.25 - $22.75/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
Prichard, AL · On-site
$13 - $17.25/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
Prichard, AL · On-site
$13 - $17.25/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
AL · On-site
$12.50 - $16.75/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
AL · On-site
$12.50 - $16.75/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
AL · On-site
$12.50 - $16.75/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
AL · On-site
$12.50 - $16.75/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
Pensacola, FL · On-site
$13 - $17/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
Pensacola, FL · On-site
$13 - $17/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
Grove Hill, AL · On-site
$13.50 - $18/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
Grove Hill, AL · On-site
$13.50 - $18/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
Moss Point, MS · On-site
$12.75 - $16.75/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
Moss Point, MS · On-site
$12.75 - $16.75/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
Ellisville, MS · On-site
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
Ellisville, MS · On-site
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
Semmes, AL · On-site
$12.75 - $17/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
Semmes, AL · On-site
$12.75 - $17/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
Jay, FL · On-site
$14.75 - $19.75/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
Jay, FL · On-site
$14.75 - $19.75/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
Pensacola, FL · On-site
$13 - $17/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
Pensacola, FL · On-site
$13 - $17/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
Quitman, MS · On-site
$14.25 - $19/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
Quitman, MS · On-site
$14.25 - $19/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
AL · On-site
$12.50 - $16.75/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
AL · On-site
$12.50 - $16.75/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
Mount Olive, MS · On-site
$11.75 - $15.75/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
Mount Olive, MS · On-site
$11.75 - $15.75/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
Grand Bay, AL · On-site
$13.50 - $18/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
Grand Bay, AL · On-site
$13.50 - $18/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
Vancleave, MS · On-site
$12.25 - $16.25/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
Vancleave, MS · On-site
$12.25 - $16.25/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
Prichard, AL · On-site
$13 - $17.25/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
Meat Cutter
Prichard, AL · On-site
$13 - $17.25/hr
Meat Cutter * LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS * PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING ... KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS * KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
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 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?
| 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.
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:
What job categories do people searching Meat Grader jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Meat Grader jobs are:
$13.50 - $18/hr
Full-time
Re-posted 28 days ago
Job description
Meat Cutter
- LEARN & UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICIES & SAFETY STANDARDS
- PROPER RECEIVING, HANDLING & STORING OF MEAT
- TEMPERATURE CONTROLS (HOW & WHY)
- UNDERSTAND PRICE BOOK & AD PLANNER BULLETINS
- KNOW WRAPPING AND WEIGHING STANDARDS, BE FAMILIAR WITH PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION PLU / UPC
- BE SKILLED WITH THE SAFE USE OF ALL EQUIPMENT
- BE FAMILIAR WITH FRESHNESS / CODE DATING
- KNOW DATED PRODUCT PULL POLICIES
- UNDERSTAND COMPANY POLICY FOR RECORDING OF REDUCED PRODUCTS ON KNOWN LOSS REPORTS.
- BE SKILLED AT CUTTING, TRIMMIMG, TRAYING, AND PRESENTATION OF FRESH MEATS. COMPLY WITH GREER'S SET STANDARDS (CUTTING LISTS AND WHY THEY ARE IMPORTANT)
- BE FAMILIAR WITH GROUND BEEF PROGRAM, GRINDING, HOLDING PROCEDURES AND THE HANDLING OF FRESH TRIM INCLUDING BONING STANDARDS LEAN TO FAT RATIO ETC.
- UNDERSTAND MERCHANDISING FOR PROFIT (REFER TO AD PLANNER)
- KNOW HOW TO FILL & ROTATE ALL MEAT CASES (HOW & WHY)
- UNDERSTAND CUSTOMER SERVICE AND COMPANY REQUIREMENTS
- KNOW QUALITY AND GRADE OF ALL PRODUCTS
- KNOW SPACE ALLOCATION AND LOCATION AND UNDERSTAND WHY
- KNOW PROPER CLEANING AND SANITIZING KNOW HOW, WHY AND RESULTS
- KNOW PROPER SIGNING OF PRODUCTS UNDERSTAND WHY AND RESULTS
- KNOW PRODUCT USAGE (BEST COOKING METHOD FOR EACH CUT, USE CORRECT IDENTIFICATION & RECEIPE LABELS)
- LEARN & UNDERSTAND MERCHANDISING/CROSS MERCHANDISING
- UNDERSTAND MEAT VARIETY
- LEARN & UNDERSTAND SUPERMARKET MATH