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Meat Packaging Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Tiefenthaler Quality Meats

Meat Processor

Holstein, IA · On-site

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 ...

Texas Roadhouse

Meat Cutter

Davenport, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Want to learn the lost art of meat cutting? If you like precision, are detail-oriented, and you do ... The total rewards package includes, but is not limited to, the following: * A choice of medical ...

Texas Roadhouse

Meat Cutter

Dubuque, IA

$14.50 - $19/hr

Want to learn the lost art of meat cutting? If you like precision, are detail-oriented, and you do ... The total rewards package includes, but is not limited to, the following: * A choice of medical ...

Texas Roadhouse

Meat Cutter

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $19/hr

Want to learn the lost art of meat cutting? If you like precision, are detail-oriented, and you do ... The total rewards package includes, but is not limited to, the following: * A choice of medical ...

Texas Roadhouse

Meat Cutter

Davenport, IA

$13.50 - $18/hr

Want to learn the lost art of meat cutting? If you like precision, are detail-oriented, and you do ... The total rewards package includes, but is not limited to, the following: * A choice of medical ...

Costco Wholesale Corporation

Meat Cutter

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Job Duties * Cuts and trims meat to Costco specification using band saw and knives. Operates ... We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, health benefits - medical ...

Costco Wholesale Corporation

Meat Cutter

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

Job Duties * Cuts and trims meat to Costco specification using band saw and knives. Operates ... We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, health benefits - medical ...

Costco Wholesale Corporation

Meat Cutter

Coralville, IA · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

Job Duties * Cuts and trims meat to Costco specification using band saw and knives. Operates ... We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, health benefits - medical ...

Costco Wholesale Corporation

Meat Cutter

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Job Duties * Cuts and trims meat to Costco specification using band saw and knives. Operates ... We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, health benefits - medical ...

Costco Wholesale Corporation

Meat Cutter

Davenport, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Job Duties * Cuts and trims meat to Costco specification using band saw and knives. Operates ... We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, health benefits - medical ...

Costco

Meat Wrapper / Sanitation

Coralville, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Wraps and labels meat products using wrapping machine. Stocks display cases and operates meat ... We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, health benefits (medical ...

Quillins

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 ...

Quillin's

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 ...

Bubba's 33

Meat Cutter

Davenport, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

As a Meat Cutter your responsibilities would include: * Reading prep sheet * Following Bubba's 33 ... The total rewards package includes, but is not limited to, the following: * A choice of medical ...

Texas Roadhouse

Meat Cutter

Davenport, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

As a Meat Cutter your responsibilities would include: * Reading prep sheet * Following Bubba's 33 ... The total rewards package includes, but is not limited to, the following: * A choice of medical ...

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All JobsMeat Packaging JobsMeat Packaging Jobs in Iowa

Meat Packaging information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$15

$16

How much do meat packaging jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat packaging in Iowa is $15.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $16.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a meat packaging job?

Meat packaging jobs involve preparing, wrapping, and labeling meat products for distribution and sale. Workers in this field typically handle tasks such as cutting, weighing, inspecting, and sealing various types of meat in a clean and safe environment. These roles are essential in ensuring that meat products are properly preserved and meet health and safety standards before reaching consumers. Meat packaging jobs are often found in processing plants, grocery stores, and warehouses, and may require adherence to strict hygiene protocols.

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

To thrive as a Meat Packer, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, and the ability to follow food safety guidelines, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with meat processing equipment, packaging machinery, and compliance with USDA or HACCP standards is typically required. Reliability, teamwork, and a focus on cleanliness are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure products are packaged safely and efficiently while maintaining quality and meeting regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced in a meat packaging role, and how can they be managed effectively?

Meat packaging roles often involve working in cold environments and performing repetitive tasks, which can be physically demanding. Employees must also adhere to strict hygiene and safety protocols to ensure product quality and prevent contamination. To manage these challenges, it’s important to dress appropriately for the temperature, take scheduled breaks to prevent fatigue, and follow all safety guidelines closely. Many companies also provide on-the-job training and encourage teamwork, which helps employees adapt and maintain a supportive work environment.

What is the difference between Meat Packaging vs Meat Processing?

AspectMeat PackagingMeat Processing
Primary FocusPackaging and preparing meat products for distributionTransforming raw meat into finished products through cutting, grinding, and curing
Work EnvironmentPackaging lines, cold storage facilitiesProcessing plants, slaughterhouses
Required CertificationsFood safety, OSHA safety trainingFood safety, HACCP certifications
Industry UsageFood packaging companies, meat suppliersMeat processing plants, slaughterhouses

Meat Packaging focuses on preparing meat products for sale by packaging and labeling, while Meat Processing involves transforming raw meat into various products through cutting, curing, and other techniques. Both roles are essential in the meat industry but differ in their primary tasks and work environments.

How much does a meat packaging worker make?

A meat packaging worker typically earns between $12 and $18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer. The job often requires physical stamina and familiarity with packaging equipment, with some positions offering overtime pay or shift differentials.

Is meat packaging a hard job?

Meat packaging is a physically demanding job that involves repetitive tasks, standing for long periods, and working in cold environments. It requires attention to safety protocols and often involves operating packaging machinery, making it moderately challenging but manageable with proper training.

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Meat Packaging jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Meat Packaging job openings:

Meat Packaging jobs near you
Infographic showing various Meat Packaging job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,432 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

Meat Processor

Holstein, IA • On-site

Tiefenthaler Quality Meats
Food and Drink Manufacturing • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Tiefenthaler Quality Meatsexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 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