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Meat Processing Plant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Previous experience in a meat processing plant or similar manufacturing setting preferred. Must be able to stand, walk, bend and/ or crawl for extended periods of time Must be able to work in extreme ...

Previous experience in a meat processing plant or similar manufacturing setting preferred.Must be able to stand, walk, bend and/ or crawl for extended periods of timeMust be able to work in extreme ...

3rd Shift Sanitation Tech $21.95

Manteca, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $21/hr

Previous experience in a meat processing plant or similar manufacturing setting preferred. Must be able to stand, walk, bend and/ or crawl for extended periods of time Must be able to work in extreme ...

Previous experience in a meat processing plant or similar manufacturing setting preferred. Must be able to stand, walk, bend and/ or crawl for extended periods of time Must be able to work in extreme ...

Previous experience in a meat processing plant or similar manufacturing setting preferred. Must be able to stand, walk, bend and/ or crawl for extended periods of time Must be able to work in extreme ...

Sanitation Technician I

Chino, CA · On-site

$24.25 - $26.25/hr

Wash and sanitize all commissary plant property using proper cleaning procedures * Clean meat crates and blue plastic pallets/crates * Clean and sanitize food processing equipment, roof, fans ...

Patty Room Packer-Laborer

Chino, CA · On-site

$23.75 - $24.50/hr

A minimum of one (1) year experience working in a meat facility, food processing plant, or similar warehouse experience * Experience with food line work; repetitive line work * Ability to move freely ...

Sanitation Technician I

Lathrop, CA · On-site

$24.25 - $25/hr

The Sanitation Technician will work evening shifts in the Meat processing department. General Responsibilities * Be directly responsible for cleaning and sanitizing the commissary plant equipment

Patty Room Packer-Laborer

Chino, CA · On-site

$23.75 - $24.50/hr

A minimum of one (1) year experience working in a meat facility, food processing plant, or similar warehouse experience * Experience with food line work; repetitive line work * Ability to move freely ...

Sanitation Technician I

Chino, CA · On-site

$24.25 - $26.25/hr

Wash and sanitize all commissary plant property using proper cleaning procedures * Clean meat crates and blue plastic pallets/crates * Clean and sanitize food processing equipment, roof, fans ...

Senior Food Scientist

Vernon, CA · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Do you enjoy working hands-on in the lab, leading plant trials, and collaborating with cross ... Preferred: Experience within meat snacks, meat processing, protein products, or other USDA ...

Quality Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Make sure all swab testing, pH, sodium, etc. are consistent with plant process needs. Education and ... Ability to work in a cold environment / meat processing. * Multitask, well-organized, and results ...

Food Quality Manager

Chula Vista, CA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

... plant process needs Education and Experience: · Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science ... cold environment / meat processing · Multitask, well organized, and results oriented ...

Food Quality Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

... plant process needs Education and Experience: · Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science ... cold environment / meat processing · Multitask, well organized, and results oriented ...

Food Quality Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

... plant process needs Education and Experience: · Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science ... cold environment / meat processing · Multitask, well organized, and results oriented ...

Plant Controller

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/hr

... financial processes? Archer Meat Snacks, one of the fastest-growing brands in the Natural and Specialty Channel, is seeking a Plant Controller to provide financial leadership across multiple ...

Beyond Meat, Inc., otherwise known as Beyond The Plant Protein Company™, is a plant protein ... The Process Engineer will report to the Head of Commercialization and work closely in a cross ...

Continuously improves and updates food/meat science and product development skills and understands all aspects of current plant process systems. * Ability to multi-task; strong interpersonal ...

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Showing results 1-20

Meat Processing Plant information

See California salary details

$5

$18

$24

How much do meat processing plant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat processing plant in California is $18.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $17.55 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.

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

The most popular types of Meat Processing Plant jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Meat Processing Plant jobs in California?

For Meat Processing Plant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Meat Processing Plant jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Meat Processing Plant jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Meat Processing Plant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Meat Processing Plant job openings:

Infographic showing various Meat Processing Plant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,450 per year, or $18 per hour.

3rd Shift Sanitation Tech $21.95

JBS USA

Manteca, CA • On-site

$21.95/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Sanitation Hourly-3rd Shift 
Location: Manteca 
Reporting to: Sanitation Supervisor 
Responsibilities: 
Cleaning and sanitizing production areas 
Complete mandatory safety training as outlined for the job assignment. 
Complete mandatory food safety/GMP training as outlined for the job assignment. 
Expected to work hands on at high speed and times to lift over 50 pounds. 
Perform various cleaning and sanitation tasks with little supervision including scrubbing walls, floors, tables, hallways, etc. 
 
Experience/Skills/Abilities: 
Previous experience in a meat processing plant or similar manufacturing setting preferred. 
Must be able to stand, walk, bend and/ or crawl for extended periods of time 
Must be able to work in extreme temperatures with frequent exposure to moving machinery, hot water and slippery floors. 
Work in a fast-paced environment, with repetitive motion work in hand scrubbing and running a hose. 
Must be able to work with multiple chemicals with proper training and personal protective equipment. 
 
Working Conditions: 
Production and maintenance settings 
Exposure to various chemicals, machinery, and knives 
Slippery floors, cold temperatures, and loud ambient noise 
Good attendance and safety records   
Education Requirements (if applicable): N/A 
The applicant who fills this position will be eligible for the following compensation and benefits:
·       Benefits: Vision, Medical, and Dental coverage begin after 60 days of employment;
·       Paid Time Off: sick leave, vacation, and 6 company observed holidays;
·       401(k): company match begins after the first year of service and follows the company vesting schedule;
·       Career Development: Our company is dedicated to supporting professional growth by offering continuous learning opportunities and a focus on career growth through various learning and development programs.
 

We offer a full range of benefits including health care, life insurance, and a 401 (K) plan.

JBS Foods is an equal opportunity employer. 

EOE, including disability/vets