1

Meat Inspector Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Meat Processor / Meat Cutter / Meat Packager Tiefenthaler Quality Meats is seeking a self-starting ... Inspectors Keep product labels updated and within compliance Master the art of sausage and jerky ...

Meat Cutter

Waukon, IA

$14.25 - $19/hr

Assists with scheduled inspections of packaged products for freshness and for visual appeal ... Previous experience with Meat Department operations * Familiarity with products carried in the Meat ...

Meat Cutter

Waukon, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Assists with scheduled inspections of packaged products for freshness and for visual appeal ... Previous experience with Meat Department operations * Familiarity with products carried in the Meat ...

Meat Manager

West Union, IA

$20 - $26.50/hr

Follows approved Meat department plans for effective space management based on product movement ... Implements a procedure for making regularly scheduled inspections of packaged products for ...

Meat Manager

IA · On-site

$20 - $26.50/hr

Follows approved Meat department plans for effective space management based on product movement ... Implements a procedure for making regularly scheduled inspections of packaged products for ...

Meat Manager

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

Meat Supervisor: Assistant Branch Manager/Branch Manager FLSA: Non-exempt (Paid by the hour ... Ensures that employees are performing the proper inspections to meet HACCP regulations as well as ...

Meat Manager

Urbandale, IA

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

Meat Supervisor: Assistant Branch Manager/Branch Manager FLSA: Non-exempt (Paid by the hour ... Ensures that employees are performing the proper inspections to meet HACCP regulations as well as ...

Meatroom Operator - Days

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

Inspect meat blocks for foreign material, spoilage, off odor, green meat and/or excess denaturing. Reverse plate and change knives. Wash down floor and equipment between batches. Shovel scrap meat ...

Breaking Plant

New Hampton, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

A-Breaker Machine Operator Inspect liquid egg for imperfections (i.e. bloodspots, meat spots or rots) Pick shell fragments out of cups and discard into inedible bucket Pull trigger handle on cup when ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Meat Inspector information

See Iowa salary details

$18

$21

$23

How much do meat inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat inspector in Iowa is $21.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.18 and $23.03 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 sometimes gaining experience in meat processing environments, making it a specialized but attainable career path for those with the necessary skills and training.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Meat Inspector job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $43,861 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Meat Processor

Tiefenthaler Quality Meats

Holstein, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Help wanted in our growing Specialty Meat Store.

Monday through Friday during the week which also includes working every other Saturday mornings from 8 am to Noon.

ALL APPLICANTS MUST FILL OUT JOB APPLICATION AT TQMEATS.COM TO BE CONSIDERED.

Meat Processor / Meat Cutter / Meat Packager

Tiefenthaler Quality Meats is seeking a self-starting, career minded individual for a full time meat processor/meat cutter/meat packager.  We are a small family owned and operated meat processing facility located in Holstein, Iowa providing the northwest Iowa area with custom processing services as well as top quality specialty meats.  Tiefenthaler Quality Meats has over 170 different meat products that we sell to consumers in our own specialty meat retail store.  Tiefenthaler’s also service over 60 local grocery stores with some of our products.  Tiefenthaler Quality Meats strives to give every customer more than they expect and seek to continually improve all aspects of our business.

Only applicants that have filled out the full online application located on our website will be reviewed and considered.

All individuals must be punctual, self-motivated, service oriented, and enjoy working with others.

Successful applicants will perform (but not limited to)  the following tasks.

Cut & package meat for the retail store and customer requests
Cut Individual Customer Orders for Whole, side, quarters of beef, hogs, sheep, goats, deer, etc.
Help retail customers with orders (making retail cuts and wrapping to order)
Keeping retail and HACCP records / working with State of Iowa Inspectors
Keep product labels updated and within compliance
Master the art of sausage and jerky making among other products
Some maintenance and/or cleaning duties required for daily operations
Load out customers meat purchased or custom processed
Work in coolers and freezers
Clean & Sanitize all equipment and processing rooms at the end of the working day/shift
Heavy lifting of 60 lb. meat lugs
All other duties necessary to business operations not listed here.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and fully subscribe to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity.  Applicants and/or Employees are considered for hire, promotion and job status, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex marital status, national origin, age, physical or mental disability.

Benefits:

Tiefenthaler Quality Meats offers a comprehensive benefit package to full time employees.  Benefits begin after the 90 day introductory period ends and include:

– Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance
– Company Match Simple IRA plan to 3%
– Paid Time Off accruing after 90 day introductory period ends
– Retail store discounts for meat products