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Meat Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Meat on Ocean

Butcher

Santa Monica, CA

$22 - $28/hr

Receive, inspect, and store meat upon delivery * Cut, bone, or grind pieces of meat * Weigh, wrap, and display cuts of meat * Cut or prepare meats to specification or customer's orders * Store meats ...

R.W. Zant

Meat Production Packer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18.42/hr

Receive, inspect, and organize incoming meat products. * Operate packaging equipment, including scales, vacuum sealers, and labelers. * Portion, weigh, and accurately label products. * Maintain a ...

Archer Meat Snacks

FSQA Supervisor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Archer Meat Snacks, the #1 jerky brand in the Natural and Specialty Channel, is looking for a ... Overseeing plant inspections, testing, verification, pre-shipment reviews, and audits * Partnering ...

Northgate Market

Meat Lead- Store 11 Full-Time

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Safety * Inspect and maintain equipment in good working conditions and immediately report any ... Meat Cutter Certification * Safety Leadership Training Skills Required * Must be able to calculate ...

Cattlemens

MeatCutter

Selma, CA · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Receive, inspect, and manage bulk meat and other center-of-the-plate inventory. * Cut and portion steaks and proteins to precise Cattlemens specifications and quality standards. * Maintain accurate ...

Tawa Supermarket Inc

Meat Dept Manager

Chino Hills, CA · On-site

$25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform other duties as assigned Qualifications * 1 year of supervisory experience in a meat ... Ability to inspect and evaluate product quality * Proficient with computer programs for data entry ...

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Meat Inspector information

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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:

Meat Inspector jobs near you
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.

Butcher

Meat on Ocean

Santa Monica, CA

$22 - $28/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description


Located on the corner of Ocean and Broadway in Santa Monica, Meat on Ocean is not your traditional world-class steakhouse. We're exactly what we sound like though, a meat-centric restaurant with breathtaking views of the Pacific.

Competitive hourly rate $22 - $28 / hour depending on experience.

We keep it reel! Free shift meals, premium benefits, an amazing culinary family, growth opportunities, and more! Are you hooked yet?

What do we bring to the table?

  • Growth Opportunities
  • Great training and commitment to promotions from within!
  • Teamwork / Flexible Hours
  • Education Reimbursement
  • Generous Dining Discount
  • Professionalism
  • Productive Environment
  • Strong company culture
  • Delicious food in a beautiful restaurant!

The butcher/meat cutter positions are one of the most important positions we have in executing accurate prep with consistency and quality control to ensure that every guest has a memorable meal. As a butcher, you will be executing the portioning and breaking down sub-primals into various cuts of meats. You will also be involved in creating charcuterie trays and producing custom sausages.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Minimum of 18 years of age.
  • Ability to satisfactorily communicate verbal and written English with Guests, management and co-workers.
  • Ability to maintain complete knowledge of the following:
    • All cutting techniques which are required.
    • All menu and special items, their preparation method/time, all ingredients and quality standards, taste, appearance, texture, temperature, garnish and method of presentation.
    • Correct maintenance and use of food serving and preparation equipment.
  • 2 years experience as a butcher.
  • Food Handlers Card

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Sharpen and adjust cutting equipment
  • Receive, inspect, and store meat upon delivery
  • Cut, bone, or grind pieces of meat
  • Weigh, wrap, and display cuts of meat
  • Cut or prepare meats to specification or customer’s orders
  • Store meats in refrigerators or freezers at the required temperature
  • Keep inventory of meat sales and order meat supplies
  • Twice daily checking of dry age room humidity and room temperature
  • Rotation of dry aged products and detailed logging of product
  • Logging of weights of product along with tracking of waste and portioning
  • Clean equipment and work areas to maintain health and sanitation standards:
  • Complete opening and closing duties as assigned, including the following:
    • Set up physical aspect of station.
    • Make preparation list of necessary food items.
    • Requisition all listed food items and transport from walk-in, etc. to assigned station.
    • Check quality and quantity of all stock and supplies.
    • Ensure cleanliness and condition of assigned station.
  • Follow supervisor’s instruction.
  • Follow maintenance program and cleaning schedule.
  • Alert Chef or Sous Chef as to any deficiencies of food items.
  • Notify management of any pertinent information related to shift activities.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High School graduate.
  • Any previous culinary training.
  • Certification in sanitation requirements.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS:

  • Ability to understand co-workers service needs.
  • Ability to be well organized, maintain concentration and think clearly when providing service to co-workers.
  • Ability to focus attention to performance of tasks despite frequent, stressful or unusual interruptions.
  • Ability to assemble and disassemble food preparation and cooking equipment to restaurant standards.
  • Ability to comprehend food orders.
  • Ability to converse calmly with irate co-workers and supervisors in sometimes tense, emotional situations.

Equal Opportunity Employer