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Meat Packer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Meat Packer

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $19/hr

US1292 Buckhead Meat Midwest Inc.-Illinois Division Sales Territory: None Zip Code: 60140 Travel Percentage: 0 Compensation Range: $17.50 - $19.00 The compensation range provided is in compliance ...

Meat Packer

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$10 - $48/hr

US1292 Buckhead Meat Midwest Inc.-Illinois Division Sales Territory: None Zip Code: 60140 Travel Percentage: 0 Compensation Range: $10.00 - $48.00 The compensation range provided is in compliance ...

Meat Packer

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$10 - $48/hr

US1292 Buckhead Meat Midwest Inc.-Illinois Division Sales Territory: None Zip Code: 60140 Travel Percentage: 0 Compensation Range: $10.00 - $48.00 The compensation range provided is in compliance ...

Prepare and pack meat products to achieve production demands. Must adhere to USDA Safety and Sanitation Regulations and customer specifications. Location is at Chicago Stock Yards in Aurora, IL 1st ...

Meat Cutter

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

Cuts and trims meat to Costco specification using band saw and knives. Operates tenderizing machine. Transfers cut and ground meat to styrofoam trays. Loads styrofoam trays onto a large plastic tray ...

Meat Cutter

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Cuts and trims meat to Costco specification using band saw and knives. Operates tenderizing machine. Transfers cut and ground meat to styrofoam trays. Loads styrofoam trays onto a large plastic tray ...

Meat Cutter

Mettawa, IL · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Cuts and trims meat to Costco specification using band saw and knives. Operates tenderizing machine. Transfers cut and ground meat to styrofoam trays. Loads styrofoam trays onto a large plastic tray ...

Meat Cutter

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

Cuts and trims meat to Costco specification using band saw and knives. Operates tenderizing machine. Transfers cut and ground meat to styrofoam trays. Loads styrofoam trays onto a large plastic tray ...

Meat Cutter

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $21/hr

Cuts and trims meat to Costco specification using band saw and knives. Operates tenderizing machine. Transfers cut and ground meat to styrofoam trays. Loads styrofoam trays onto a large plastic tray ...

Meat Cutter

Glenview, IL · On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

Cuts and trims meat to Costco specification using band saw and knives. Operates tenderizing machine. Transfers cut and ground meat to styrofoam trays. Loads styrofoam trays onto a large plastic tray ...

Meat Cutter

Naperville, IL

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

Cuts and trims meat to Costco specification using band saw and knives. Operates tenderizing machine. Transfers cut and ground meat to styrofoam trays. Loads styrofoam trays onto a large plastic tray ...

Meat Cutter

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

Cuts and trims meat to Costco specification using band saw and knives. Operates tenderizing machine. Transfers cut and ground meat to styrofoam trays. Loads styrofoam trays onto a large plastic tray ...

Meat Cutter

Niles, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

Cuts and trims meat to Costco specification using band saw and knives. Operates tenderizing machine. Transfers cut and ground meat to styrofoam trays. Loads styrofoam trays onto a large plastic tray ...

Meat Cutter

Lake Zurich, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Cuts and trims meat to Costco specification using band saw and knives. Operates tenderizing machine. Transfers cut and ground meat to styrofoam trays. Loads styrofoam trays onto a large plastic tray ...

Meat Cutter

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

Cuts and trims meat to Costco specification using band saw and knives. Operates tenderizing machine. Transfers cut and ground meat to styrofoam trays. Loads styrofoam trays onto a large plastic tray ...

Meat Cutter

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Cuts and trims meat to Costco specification using band saw and knives. Operates tenderizing machine. Transfers cut and ground meat to styrofoam trays. Loads styrofoam trays onto a large plastic tray ...

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Meat Packer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$16

$18

How much do meat packer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat packer in Chicago, IL is $16.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $17.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a meat packer?

Meat packers are workers responsible for preparing, packaging, and labeling meat products in processing plants or factories. Their duties include cutting, trimming, weighing, and wrapping various types of meat to ensure they are ready for sale or distribution. Meat packers must follow strict food safety and hygiene regulations to maintain product quality and prevent contamination. This job often requires physical stamina and attention to detail due to the repetitive nature of the work and the need to handle sharp tools and machinery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a meat packer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Meat Packer, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, and basic food safety knowledge, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with meat processing equipment, conveyor belts, and adherence to USDA or HACCP safety standards is typically required. Good teamwork, reliability, and the ability to follow instructions are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient production, maintain food safety, and contribute to a safe and productive work environment.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a meat packer, and how does the role interact with other team members?

As a Meat Packer, your daily duties typically include inspecting, weighing, and packaging various cuts of meat according to company standards and safety regulations. You'll operate machinery for sealing and labeling products, ensure cleanliness in your work area, and monitor product quality. Collaboration is important—you'll often coordinate with butchers, quality control inspectors, and shipping staff to ensure orders are filled accurately and efficiently. Good communication and teamwork help maintain workflow and meet production targets in a fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between Meat Packer vs Butcher?

AspectMeat PackerButcher
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety trainingHigh school diploma; culinary or butchery training preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, processing plants, cold storageButcher shops, grocery stores, meat markets
Job DutiesPreparing and packaging meat productsCutting, trimming, and preparing meat for sale

While both roles involve working with meat, a Meat Packer primarily focuses on preparing and packaging meat products in processing facilities, whereas a Butcher cuts and prepares meat for retail sale in shops or markets. The skills and certifications overlap somewhat, but their work environments and daily tasks differ significantly.

Is meat packing a hard job?

Meat packing is physically demanding and often involves long hours standing, repetitive tasks, and working in cold environments. It requires strength, attention to safety protocols, and sometimes the use of tools like knives or machinery, making it a challenging job for many workers.

What are the duties of a meat packer?

A meat packer is responsible for processing, packaging, and labeling meat products to ensure quality and safety. They operate equipment such as knives, saws, and packaging machines, follow safety protocols, and maintain cleanliness in the work environment. Attention to detail and adherence to food safety standards are essential in this role.

What do you do as a meat packer?

A meat packer prepares and packages meat products for distribution by trimming, cutting, and wrapping meat according to specifications. The job often involves operating machinery, maintaining cleanliness, and following safety and sanitation standards in a processing environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Meat Packer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Meat Packer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Meat Packer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Meat Packer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Meat Packer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Meat Packer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Meat Packer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Meat Packer job openings:

Infographic showing various Meat Packer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,474 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Meat Packer

Des Plaines, IL • On-site


Sysco Corporation
Food and Beverage Wholesalers • 10K+ employees

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 323 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

120th of 366 rated logistics

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Paid breaks


$17.50 - $19/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Company:
US1292 Buckhead Meat Midwest Inc.-Illinois Division
Sales Territory:
None
Zip Code:
60140
Travel Percentage:
0
Compensation Range:
$17.50 - $19.00
The compensation range provided is in compliance with state specific laws. Factors that may be used to determine your actual rate of pay include your specific skills, years of experience and other factors.
You may be eligible to participate in the Company's Incentive Plan.
BENEFITS INFORMATION:
For information on Sysco's Benefits, please visit https://SyscoBenefits.com
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Tasks would include boxing and scanning
  • Assist machine operators in running machines and orders through the machine properly (apprentice type situation)

Skills
  • Ability to adjust to sudden changes in customer demands or operational goals
  • Commitment to work until the job is completed
  • Interacts well with others
  • Good team player
  • Results-oriented and detail-oriented
  • Customer-service oriented
  • Able to work safely with machinery, some heavy lifting required
  • Standing for long periods of time, twisted torso all day long, basic ability to read tickets and special requests, ability to recognize cuts of meat, able to write numbers and basic descriptions, basic math, reading and writing skills, able to work in a cold/wet environment fast-paced environment
  • Ability to work in a paced environment
  • Ability to be trained and learn new skills

Work Environment
  • Heavy lifting activities for this employee
  • Standing, walking and reaching are regular activities for this employee.
  • The ability to touch, feel, manipulate fingers and limbs to operate various processing and material handling equipment is necessary
  • The ability to smell is required, in order to detect levels of wholesomeness and spoilage
  • This position requires the candidate to be in refrigerated processing and warehouse areas. These areas are cold and wet and exposure to moving machinery and sharp surfaces are a regular occurrence.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

OVERVIEW:
Sysco is the global leader in foodservice distribution. With over 71,000 colleagues and a fleet of over 13,000 vehicles, Sysco operates approximately 333 distribution facilities worldwide and serves more than 700,000 customer locations.
We offer our colleagues the opportunity to grow personally and professionally, to contribute to the success of a dynamic organization, and to serve others in a manner that exceeds their expectations. We're looking for talented, hard-working individuals to join our team. Come grow with us and let us show you why Sysco is at the heart of food and service.
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION STATEMENT:
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer, and consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected factor under federal, state or local law.
This opportunity is available through Sysco Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates.


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