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Meat Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Butcher/Meat Cutter

Renner, SD

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Receive and inspect incoming livestock or carcasses to ensure quality and freshness. Prepare and portion meat products for wholesale and retail sales, ensuring accurate weights and consistent quality.

Meat Cutter

Croghan, NY ยท On-site

$15.75 - $21/hr

Pre-operational inspection of equipment for cleanliness Setting up equipment Cut, grind, and prepare meats and smoked meat products for retail and custom sale according to cut sheet Keep knives sharp ...

Meat Cutter

Jersey Shore, PA

$14.25 - $19/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 ...

Meat - Meat Cutter

Rexburg, ID ยท On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

Receive, inspect, and store meat deliveries, ensuring quality and freshness. * Monitor inventory levels and assist with ordering and restocking meats as needed. * Follow food safety guidelines and ...

Meat - Meat Cutter

Rigby, ID ยท On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

Receive, inspect, and store meat deliveries, ensuring quality and freshness. * Monitor inventory levels and assist with ordering and restocking meats as needed. * Follow food safety guidelines and ...

Meat - Meat Cutter

Afton, WY ยท On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Receive, inspect, and store meat deliveries, ensuring quality and freshness. * Monitor inventory levels and assist with ordering and restocking meats as needed. * Follow food safety guidelines and ...

Meat Wrapper

Lock Haven, PA ยท On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/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 ...

Meat Wrapper

Lock Haven, PA ยท On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/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 ...

Meat Cutter

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$19/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

Meat Cutter

Towanda, PA ยท On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/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 ...

Meat Cutter

Mertztown, PA

$14.50 - $19/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 ...

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Meat Cutter

Berkeley, CA ยท On-site

$19 - $26/hr

Inspect meat quality to meet standards * Adhere to safety and sanitation regulations * Operate both manual cutting tools and automated machines * Understanding of meat types, cuts, and preparation ...

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Meat Inspector information

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$19

$22

$25

How much do meat inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat inspector in the United States is $22.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Meat Inspector position, and why are they important?

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.

Is it hard to become a food inspector?

Becoming a meat inspector typically requires completing relevant education, such as a high school diploma or equivalent, and passing a certification exam. The process may also involve on-the-job training and meeting specific health and safety standards, making it a structured but achievable career path for those interested in food safety. Skills in inspection procedures, attention to detail, and knowledge of food processing are important for success in this role.

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.

What is a Meat Inspector job?

A Meat Inspector is responsible for ensuring that meat products meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards. They examine livestock, carcasses, and packaging processes to identify potential contamination, disease, or defects. Inspectors follow government regulations and may work in slaughterhouses, processing plants, or distribution centers. Their role is crucial in protecting public health and maintaining food safety standards.

What cities are hiring for Meat Inspector jobs? Cities with the most Meat Inspector job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Meat Inspector jobs? The most popular types of Meat Inspector jobs are:
What states have the most Meat Inspector jobs? States with the most job openings for Meat Inspector jobs include:

Subject Matter Expert (SME) Opportunity: Online Course Development, AFF-1010: Principles of Meat ...

Vermont State University

Randolph Center, VT โ€ข On-site

Part-time

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Program Overview and Course Structure

VTSU CAFE โ€“ The Applied Meat Processing & Butchery Arts Certificate Program is a hybrid training program for a career in the meat industry. The meat industry demands technical expertise with a deep understanding of safety and ethical standards. As consumers increasingly seek transparency and quality, professionals who can merge skill and regulatory knowledge are in high demand. This certificate gives candidates the chance to build a robust foundation while adapting to the ever-changing landscape of food production and processing. To meet these evolving needs, the MeatCraft Butcher Program at VTSU provides a comprehensive curriculum, within three stackable levels, designed to develop well-rounded professionals

Total Credits

Level 1: MeatCraft Apprentice Butcher: ย  13 credits

Level 2: MeatCraft Artisan Butcher: ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  23 credits

Level 3: MeatCraft Master Butcher: ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  30 credits

Program Outcomes

  1. Understand the science and develop skills to expertly process beef, pork, lamb and poultry.
  2. Employ industry standards of safety for meat products and meat fabrication.
  3. Tackle realistic problems and variables in complex, high-pressure workforce scenarios.
  4. Demonstrate value-added skills with sausage-making, marketing, and culinary techniques (Level 2).
  5. Understand advanced meat product development, and be able to employ ethical and humane methods for livestock harvesting (Level 3).
  6. Complete a hands-on abattoir internship within a production environment (Level 3).
  7. Identify career pathways in the industry and establish professional contacts.

Program Structure:

ย 

Description and Details

Structure

Sequential, skill-building format, practical understanding, foundational concepts, specialized techniques, safety, sanitation, butchery, processing, regulatory compliance

Format

Hybrid delivery, online lecture, hands-on intensives, mentorship, peer collaboration, focused instruction, abattoir (meat facility) internship, regional partner sites, traceability, humane handling, value-added meat products

Completion

Certificate in Meat Processing and Food Safety, Credentials valued by employers

Targeted Population

High school students (dual and early college enrollment), working adults, culinary professionals, aspiring butchers, Retail meat operations, processing plants, butcher shops, local food systems

As an SME, you will create and revise original course materials following VTSU Onlineโ€™s established course development process, including templates, milestones, and quality reviews. Compensation per course is $ 1,000.00/credit.

Course Details:

AFF-1010: Principles of Meat Science

Course 2: Muscle Matters โ€” Principles of Meat Science

Catalog Title: Principles of Meat Science

Credit Hours: 2ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 

Format: 100% Online, Fall, AFF1010

Catalog Description: This course delves into the scientific foundations of meat processing. Students explore muscle anatomy and composition, the biochemical processes affecting meat quality, and the factors influencing flavor, tenderness, and color. The curriculum also covers meat inspection, grading standards, and emerging technologies in the industry.

Learning Outcomes:

  1. Explain muscle structure and its influence on meat quality.
  2. Interpret inspection and grading criteria.
  3. Assess shelf life, safety, and sensory attributes of meat.
  4. Explore innovations and challenges in meat science.

Prerequisite: None.

Minimum Qualifications

Required minimum qualifications:

  • Qualified candidates should have applied (workforce) subject matter experience, either through direct work experience in the industry, educational degree(s)/certifications, or a combination thereof.ย  Prior experience teaching is preferred.ย 
  • Applicants should include a brief statement of interest and a resume or CV showing any relevant work and/or educational experience.ย