1

Meat Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Be Seen First

Butcher/Meat Cutter/Meat Trimmer

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Inspect meat quality and ensure safety compliance Preferred Qualifications * 3+ years of experience in meat cutting * Strong knowledge of meat cutting techniques * Proficient knife handling skills

Meat Cutter

Shafter, CA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Receive and inspect meat as it arrives to the store * Ensure the cold chain is unbroken and meat remains high quality * Follow high standards of sanitation and quality control Qualifications * Must ...

New

Meat Cutter

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$19/hr

  • Retirement

Receive and inspect meat as it arrives to the store * Ensure the cold chain is unbroken and meat remains high quality * Follow high standards of sanitation and quality control Qualifications

Meat Clerk

Malibu, CA

$22 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Inspect products for quality, freshness, and proper storage temperatures. * Reduce waste through proper handling and portion control. Skills * Meat cutting and trimming * Deboning and portioning

Meat Clerk

Malibu, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Inspect products for quality, freshness, and proper storage temperatures. * Reduce waste through proper handling and portion control. Skills * Meat cutting and trimming * Deboning and portioning

Meat 2nd

Stockton, CA · On-site

$21.25 - $28/hr

The Meat 2nd assists the Meat Manager in overseeing the meat department's operations, including ... Inspect packaged products for freshness and visual appeal and pull products for re-wrapping as ...

Meat 2nd

Arroyo Grande, CA · On-site

$22 - $29/hr

The Meat 2nd assists the Meat Manager in overseeing the meat department's operations, including ... Inspect packaged products for freshness and visual appeal and pull products for re-wrapping as ...

Meat Cutter

Stockton, CA · On-site

$19.10 - $28/hr

Receive, inspect, properly rotate, and store meat upon delivery. * Sharpen knives and adjust cutting equipment. * Place fat trimmed off of meat in the proper location based on fat content. * Weigh ...

Meat Cutter

Manteca, CA · On-site

$19.10 - $28/hr

Receive, inspect, properly rotate, and store meat upon delivery. * Sharpen knives and adjust cutting equipment. * Place fat trimmed off of meat in the proper location based on fat content. * Weigh ...

Meat Cutter

Stockton, CA · On-site

$19.10 - $28/hr

Receive, inspect, properly rotate, and store meat upon delivery. * Sharpen knives and adjust cutting equipment. * Place fat trimmed off of meat in the proper location based on fat content. * Weigh ...

Meat 2nd

Manteca, CA · On-site

$22 - $29.25/hr

The Meat 2nd assists the Meat Manager in overseeing the meat department's operations, including ... Inspect packaged products for freshness and visual appeal and pull products for re-wrapping as ...

Butcher/Meat Cutter

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$16 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Full As a Butcher , you will be on the cutting edge with our beef, poultry, and other meat products ... Inspect displayed products for expired dates and remove when necessary. * Follow the established ...

Butcher/Meat Cutter

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$16 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Full As a Butcher , you will be on the cutting edge with our beef, poultry, and other meat products ... Inspect displayed products for expired dates and remove when necessary. * Follow the established ...

Butcher/Meat Cutter

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$16 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Full As a Butcher , you will be on the cutting edge with our beef, poultry, and other meat products ... Inspect displayed products for expired dates and remove when necessary. * Follow the established ...

Manager Meat

Merced, CA · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

The Meat Manager crucially directs and supervises all functions and activities of Meat department ... Inspect packaged products for freshness and visual appeal and pull products for re-wrapping as ...

Meat Clerk

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $24/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Meat Clerk creates a phenomenal shopping experience for Co-op customers by ... Receive orders, weigh in product, inspect for quality, record date received, and fill out receiving ...

New

Meat Cutter

Tracy, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $31.94/hr

Overview Job Summary Maintain desired level of fresh meat production. Ensure customer service ... Conduct visual inspections, read production guides and product labels. * Properly use cleaning ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Meat Inspector information

See California salary details

$19

$22

$24

How much do meat inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat inspector in California is $22.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.14 and $24.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a meat inspector?

To thrive as a Meat Inspector, you need a solid understanding of food safety regulations, animal anatomy, and quality control procedures, typically supported by relevant certifications or completion of government-approved training programs. Familiarity with inspection tools, laboratory testing equipment, and digital record-keeping systems is often required. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to work independently are valuable soft skills in this role. These qualifications ensure that meat products are safe for consumption and comply with all regulatory standards.

What are the typical challenges faced by meat inspectors on the job?

Meat Inspectors often encounter challenges such as working in cold or fast-paced processing environments, staying vigilant during repetitive inspections, and consistently applying complex food safety regulations. They may also need to handle difficult conversations with plant staff when identifying violations or unsafe practices. Despite these challenges, inspectors play a crucial role in protecting public health and often work alongside other quality assurance professionals. Regular training and a supportive team structure help overcome these challenges and promote professional growth in the field.

How do you become a meat inspector?

To become a meat inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training in meat inspection or food safety. Many states require passing a written exam and gaining certification from agencies such as the USDA, which may also involve on-the-job training and periodic recertification.

Is it hard to become a meat inspector?

Becoming a meat inspector typically requires completing relevant education or training, such as a high school diploma or equivalent, and passing a certification exam. The process involves understanding food safety standards, inspection procedures, and often includes on-the-job training, making it moderately challenging but achievable with proper preparation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Meat Inspector jobs in California?

The most popular types of Meat Inspector jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Meat Inspector jobs in California?

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Meat Inspector jobs?

Cities in California with the most Meat Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various Meat Inspector job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,085 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Meat Cutter

Brown's Top Shelf Meats

Westlake Village, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Brown's Top Shelf Meats is seeking a Meat Cutter to join our on-site team in Westlake Village, CA.

Position Summary

As a Meat Cutter, you will prepare high-quality meat products for sale by cutting, trimming, and portioning according to established standards. You’ll play a key role in maintaining product consistency, cleanliness, and presentation for our customers.

This is a full-time, onsite position where attention to detail, safe handling practices, and teamwork are essential to delivering exceptional products every day.

Key Responsibilities
  • Cut, trim, portion, and package meats to meet portion and quality specifications

  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of work areas, tools, and equipment throughout each shift

  • Follow safe food handling practices, including proper storage, labeling, and rotation of inventory

  • Inspect products for quality and identify issues to ensure only the best items are prepared

  • Support daily production needs and assist with maintaining supply levels for the cutting station

Required Qualifications
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet daily production expectations

  • Demonstrated experience with meat cutting, trimming, and portioning (or equivalent hands-on preparation experience)

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to consistent quality and presentation

  • Ability to safely lift and handle items typical of food production settings

  • Understanding of basic food safety practices and willingness to follow all sanitation procedures

Preferred Qualifications
  • Prior experience in a retail butcher shop, specialty food store, or food production environment

  • Familiarity with standard meat cuts and customer-facing product preparation

  • Experience working with inventory rotation practices to support freshness and consistency

  • A strong safety mindset and consistent adherence to cleaning schedules and procedures