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Meat Processing Plant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Meat Sales and Processing Associate

Elephant Butte, NM · On-site

$14 - $18/hr (+ commission)

The right person will spend part of their time working inside Fiesta Meats learning our products and meat processing operation and part of their time outside the plant developing customers, making ...

Support cooler organization and load-out for wholesale and custom orders as needed Requirements * 1+ years of meat cutting or meat processing experience in a processing plant, wholesale operation, or ...

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Fast-Paced, High-Demand, Real Room to Grow At Cuttin' Up Custom Meat Processing , our hooks are ... plant, or custom processing facility (grocery retail counter experience alone does not qualify)

New

Opportunity for advancement Come MEAT Us! We grew up here. We are family-owned and call Idaho home ... Join our team at our brand new, state-of-the-art beef processing plant in Jerome, ID. We produce ...

Opportunity for advancement Come MEAT Us! We grew up here. We are family-owned and call Idaho home ... Join our team at our brand new, state-of-the-art beef processing plant in Jerome, ID. We produce ...

Opportunity for advancement Come MEAT Us! We grew up here. We are family-owned and call Idaho home ... Join our team at our brand new, state-of-the-art beef processing plant in Jerome, ID. We produce ...

Opportunity for advancement Come MEAT Us! We grew up here. We are family-owned and call Idaho home ... Join our team at our brand new, state-of-the-art beef processing plant in Jerome, ID. We produce ...

Opportunity for advancement Come MEAT Us! We grew up here. We are family-owned and call Idaho home ... Join our team at our brand new, state-of-the-art beef processing plant in Jerome, ID. We produce ...

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Meat Processing Plant information

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How much do meat processing plant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat processing plant in the United States is $18.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a meat processing plant?

A meat processing plant is a facility where animals are slaughtered, processed, and packaged into meat products for consumer or commercial use. These plants handle various stages of meat preparation, including cutting, deboning, grinding, and packaging. Meat processing plants are regulated by government agencies to ensure food safety and sanitation standards are met. Workers in these plants perform a variety of roles, from machinery operation to quality control. The facilities are essential in bringing processed meat products to grocery stores and food service providers.

What are some typical challenges faced by workers in a meat processing plant, and how can they be addressed?

Employees in a meat processing plant often encounter challenges such as physically demanding tasks, repetitive motions, and maintaining strict hygiene standards. To address these issues, many facilities provide ergonomic equipment, regular safety training, and scheduled breaks to minimize fatigue and prevent injuries. Teamwork and clear communication are also emphasized to ensure efficiency and safety throughout the production process. Supportive supervisors and ongoing training can further help employees adapt and thrive in this fast-paced environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a meat processing plant, and why are they important?

To thrive in a meat processing plant, you need a solid understanding of food safety, sanitation protocols, and basic meat cutting or butchery skills, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with specialized equipment like band saws, grinders, and packaging machinery, as well as knowledge of HACCP or OSHA safety standards, is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and physical stamina are crucial soft skills for working efficiently and safely in a fast-paced environment. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure product quality, maintain safety standards, and support effective plant operations.

What is the difference between Meat Processing Plant vs Meat Cutter?

AspectMeat Processing PlantMeat Cutter
CredentialsHigh school diploma, food safety certificationsNone typically required, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentFactories, processing lines, cold environmentsButcher shops, processing plants, retail stores
Industry UsageLarge-scale meat production facilitiesMeat preparation and retail
Job FocusSupervising processing, quality controlCutting, trimming, packaging meat products

Meat Processing Plant workers oversee large-scale meat production, focusing on processing and quality control, often in factory settings. Meat Cutters specialize in preparing meat for sale, working directly with cuts and trims. Both roles require knowledge of food safety, but their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

How much does a meat processing plant worker make?

A meat processing plant worker typically earns between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and specific duties. Entry-level positions may pay closer to the minimum wage, while experienced workers or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages. Overtime and shift differentials can also increase overall pay.

Is working at a meat processing plant hard?

Working at a meat processing plant can be physically demanding, involving repetitive tasks, standing for long periods, and handling heavy or sharp equipment. The job often requires adherence to safety protocols and may involve working in cold environments, but it can also offer structured shifts and skill development opportunities.
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What cities are hiring for Meat Processing Plant jobs?

Cities with the most Meat Processing Plant job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Meat Processing Plant jobs?

The most popular types of Meat Processing Plant jobs are:

What states have the most Meat Processing Plant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Meat Processing Plant jobs include:

Infographic showing various Meat Processing Plant job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,947 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Work Study - Animal Science - Meat Lab Pre-Operation & Processing Assistant

Laramie, WY • On-site

University of Wyoming
Education • 10K+ employees

$12/hr

Part-time

Posted 20 days ago


University Of Wyoming rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 36 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Join Our Campus Community! 

Thank you for your interest in joining the University of Wyoming.Our community thrives on the contributions of talented and driven individuals who share in our mission, vision, and values. If your expertise and experience align with the goals of our institution, we would be thrilled to hear from you. We encourage you to apply and become a valued member of our vibrant campus community today! 

At the University of Wyoming, we are committed to creating a supportive and enriching workplace. 

JOB TITLE: 

Animal Science - Meat Lab Pre-Operation & Processing Assistant

DEPARTMENT INFORMATION: 

Animal Science Department. 

Job location: Animal Science Building

Pay rate or range: $12/hr.

JOB PURPOSE: 

Assist with duties in Meat Lab and with Cowboy Branded Meats' program as needed. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Assisting the meat laboratory manager with daily operations of a state-inspected meat processing plant. Including, but not limited to, slaughter, fabrication and processing of meat animals, cleaning and sanitation of a state-inspected meat processing plant, and supporting the meat laboratory manager with any teaching, research and extension activities. Willingness to learn and think while working. Hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and strength to safely and properly process meat; ability to learn safe operation of tools and equipment used in meat processing. Lift 35lbs 50% of the time, lift 50lbs 30% of the time, lift 75lbs or greater 20% of the time with or without reasonable accommodation. 

This job will primarily emphasize job tasks associated with pre-operation, as well as carcass fabrication and processing.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS: 

Assist with other daily operations as assigned by supervisor.

COMPETENCIES: 

Reliable, responsible and on-time.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

Currently enrolled student at UW.

Must be eligible, have received and accepted work study award through Student Financial Aid for the applicable semester and/or academic year.  

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

Meat processing experience.

EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS APPLICABLE TO CAREERS: 

Students will gain a number of skills working in this environment applicable to all career types. Specifically, many interpersonal soft-skills, including communication, teamwork, and problem solving. Students will also gain understanding in how a state-inspected meat processing plant functions.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS:

Complete the online application.  The department additionally requests candidates upload the following document(s) for a complete application: 

  1. Cover letter 
  2. Resume or C.V. 

WORK LOCATION: 

On-campus: This position provides vital support to campus customers, and the successful candidate must be available to work and perform essential job functions on campus, understanding our location is at 7,220 feet above sea level. 

HIRING STATEMENT/EEO: 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. In compliancewith the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position, please contact us at 307-766-2377 or emailjobapps@uwyo.edu. 

ABOUT LARAMIE: 

The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, a charming town of 30,000 residents nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West. The state of Wyoming continues to invest in its only 4-year university, helping to make it a leader in academics, research, and outreach with state-of-the-art facilities and strong community ties. We invite you to learn more about Laramie by visiting the About Laramie website. 

Located in a high mountain valley near the Colorado border, Laramie offers both outstanding recreational opportunities and close proximity to Colorado's Front Range and the metropolitan Denver area. Laramie's beautiful mountain landscape offers outdoor enjoyment in all seasons, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. For more information about the region, please visit http://visitlaramie.org/ 


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About University of Wyoming

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Wyoming (UW) is a renowned institution known for its commitment to academic excellence, vibrant community, and stunning natural surroundings. As the only four-year university in Wyoming, UW offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields of study. With a history dating back to 1886, the university has established a strong reputation for its rigorous academics, distinguished faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities. Located in Laramie, Wyoming, UW's campus provides a picturesque backdrop for students' educational journey. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Rocky Mountains and vast plains, students at UW enjoy access to a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities. Beyond the scenic landscape, the university fosters a strong sense of community, where students, faculty, and staff form lasting connections. With a relatively small student-to-faculty ratio, UW offers a supportive and engaging environment for students to thrive academically and personally.

Industry

Education

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Laramie, WY, US

Year founded

1886

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