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Ridley's Family Markets, Inc.

Meat Cutter - Part Time

Kuna, ID · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

High School diploma or general education degree (GED); or related job experience, training or schooling in the seafood and meat industry is required. EQUIPMENT: Required to use or operate meat saw ...

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How much do meat industry jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat industry in the United States is $18.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In the meat industry, high-paying roles such as experienced butchers, plant supervisors, or specialized processing managers can earn around $4,000 weekly without a formal degree, often requiring extensive experience, skills, and certifications. These positions typically involve hands-on work, leadership, and knowledge of safety standards, with some roles offering overtime or shift differentials to reach that income level.

What is the meat industry?

The meat industry encompasses all businesses and activities involved in the production, processing, packaging, and distribution of meat from animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep, and poultry. This sector includes farms, slaughterhouses, processing plants, and retailers. The industry is responsible for supplying meat products to consumers and plays a significant role in the global food supply chain. It also addresses issues such as food safety, animal welfare, and environmental impact.

Who are the Big 4 in the meat industry?

The Big 4 companies in the meat industry are Tyson Foods, JBS, Cargill, and Smithfield Foods. These corporations dominate the global meat processing market and often require workers to have knowledge of food safety standards and processing equipment. They offer a range of roles from processing to quality control within the industry.

What is the difference between Meat Industry vs Butcher?

AspectMeat IndustryButcher
CredentialsFood safety certifications, HACCP trainingMeat handling certifications, food safety training
Work EnvironmentProcessing plants, slaughterhouses, retail storesButcher shops, grocery stores, meat departments
Employer & Industry UsageMeat processing companies, food productionRetail meat shops, supermarkets
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Meat Industry encompasses a broad range of roles involved in meat processing, production, and distribution, including butchers, meat packers, and processing plant workers. Butchers specifically focus on cutting, preparing, and selling meat products in retail settings. While both roles require food safety knowledge and certifications, the Meat Industry covers a wider scope of employment, whereas butchers primarily work in retail environments handling meat preparation and customer service.

What are jobs in the beef industry?

Jobs in the beef industry include roles such as butchers, meat processors, quality control inspectors, and farm workers. These positions often require knowledge of meat handling, safety standards, and sometimes certifications like HACCP. Workers typically operate in slaughterhouses, processing plants, or on farms, and may work in shifts to meet production demands.

How much do meat factory workers make?

Meat factory workers typically earn an average hourly wage of $12 to $16, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $25,000 to $35,000. Wages can vary based on experience, location, and whether the worker has specialized skills or certifications, such as food safety training. Overtime and shift differentials may also increase overall earnings.

What are some common challenges faced by employees working in the meat industry, and how can they be managed?

Employees in the meat industry often encounter challenges such as physically demanding work, maintaining strict safety and hygiene standards, and adapting to fast-paced production schedules. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as roles often require close coordination with colleagues on the processing line. Many companies provide thorough training on equipment use and safety protocols to help manage these challenges, and workers are encouraged to take regular breaks and use proper protective gear. Developing resilience and focusing on safety can make the work environment safer and more manageable.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the meat industry, and why are they important?

To thrive in the meat industry, you need knowledge of food safety, meat processing techniques, and relevant industry regulations, often supported by vocational training or certifications such as HACCP. Familiarity with meat processing equipment, quality control systems, and inventory management software is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills are vital soft skills for ensuring operational efficiency and workplace safety. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining product quality, meeting regulatory standards, and supporting a safe and productive work environment.
More about Meat Industry jobs
What cities are hiring for Meat Industry jobs? Cities with the most Meat Industry job openings:
What states have the most Meat Industry jobs? States with the most job openings for Meat Industry jobs include:
Meat Industry jobs near you
Infographic showing various Meat Industry job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,449 per year, or $19 per hour.
Meat Cutter - Part Time

Meat Cutter - Part Time

Ridley's Family Markets, Inc.

Kuna, ID • On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Ridley's Family Markets rating

4.7

Company rating: 4.7 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

106th of 119 rated grocery stores

Job description

Description:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty with accuracy and maintain a high level of productivity. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Possible ‘Reasonable Accommodations’ will be researched to determine if any are available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform any essential job duties.

  1. Exhibit and develop maximum customer relations through friendly and courteous behavior.
  2. Promote a high level of morale within department and store, utilizing friendly but professional methods of honest and open communication.
  3. Maintain good working relationships with other department managers with the objective of improving sales storewide.
  4. At all times remember that our success will be dependent upon our ability to work together.
  5. Comply with all company policies, programs and directives as specified in the Code of Conduct.
  6. Learning and demonstrating knowledge of and maintaining strict adherence to all company and governmental regulatory agency standards and guidelines for the entire meat department with respect to proper receiving methods, processing invoices, refrigeration requirements, pricing procedures, acceptable temperature ranges of cases and processing areas.
  7. Is learning to have a thorough knowledge of fish, seafood and meat products and responds to questions from guests regarding ingredients, preparation, related products, and equipment required for preparation.
  8. May be responsible for learning to do the ordering and maintaining proper inventories of products and supplies as directed by the Meat Manager.
  9. Learning to properly identify, cutting and processing, rotating, and merchandising all types of meat products according to company standards and guidelines. Demonstrates knowledge of and maintains all grinds as per company standards.
  10. Required to function as a Fishmonger as needed. Must learn to be capable of handling, gutting, boning, filleting, rotating and merchandising seafood products.
  11. Capable of properly filing, rotating, merchandising products in display cases and coolers.
Requirements:

CERTIFICATES/LICENSES:

  • City, county, state, and/or federal certifications may be required.
  • Pallet jack operation.


COMMUNICATION:

  • Ability to write, speak, hear, and understand the spoken word to respond promptly to pages, requests, team members and guests.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance manuals.


COMPUTER:

Basic computer skills required.


EDUCATION:

High School diploma or general education degree (GED); or related job experience, training or schooling in the seafood and meat industry is required.


EQUIPMENT:

Required to use or operate meat saw, knives, grinder, cubing machine, wrapping machine, slicer, scales, box cutters, two-wheelers, etc.


EXPERIENCE

Experience as a meat cutter is preferred.


MATH:

  • Basic math skills using units of money, weight, measurement, volume addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and percentages required.
  • An understanding of gross projections, invoices, transfers, labor goals, inventory, and other paperwork as assigned by store management is required.

MINIMUM AGE:

18 years old.


PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

  • Regularly required to walk, stand, sit, twist, and bend; hands to fingers to handle or feel, repetitive use of hands and arms to push, pull, carry, lift, reach, grip and balance; occasionally stoop, crouch, kneel or crawl.
  • Lifting may include floor to shoulder and overhead lifting.
  • Occasional use and climbing of step stools or ladders required.
  • Required to frequently lift and/or move up to 90 pounds.


REASON ABILITY:

Ability to apply common sense understanding to instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form or when helping resolve a team member or guest concern.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary.

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