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Meat Processing Plant Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Repair and maintain a variety of pea, corn and meat processing equipment located within the plant * During off season, conduct preventative maintenance and repair equipment to get ready for next pack ...

Sanitation Associate

Foley, MN · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

FULL * Cleaning of meat processing equipment. * Evening shift: 3pm-9pm * The more you learn, the ... Comply with all GMP, safety, sanitation and any other plant rules as established by the company.

Sanitation Associate

Foley, MN · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

FULL * Cleaning of meat processing equipment. * Evening shift: 3pm-9pm * The more you learn, the ... Comply with all GMP, safety, sanitation and any other plant rules as established by the company.

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Meat Processing Plant information

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$5

$17

$24

How much do meat processing plant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat processing plant in Minnesota is $17.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.97 and $17.40 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 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.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Meat Processing Plant jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Meat Processing Plant jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Meat Processing Plant jobs in Minnesota? For Meat Processing Plant jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Meat Processing Plant jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Meat Processing Plant jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Meat Processing Plant jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Meat Processing Plant job openings:
Infographic showing various Meat Processing Plant job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,166 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Plant Maintenance Mechanic

Lakeside Foods

Plainview, MN

$22.05 - $28.93/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Lakeside Foods rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 435 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

At Lakeside Foods and our family of companies, we're committed to providing wholesome foods to enrich people’s lives through food. We are a culture that pursues our vision of growth and innovation with passion, confidence, and commitment. We are strongest together – valuing collaborative contribution, transparency and new ideas to enable change and growth. We are committed to an inclusive and respectful environment that promotes a healthy work-life balance, and there’s a seat at the table for you.

Become One Of Our Valued Mechanics:

Here at Lakeside Foods, our maintenance technician team is the backbone of our operations, ensuring equipment runs optimally while maintaining the facility. Maintenance mechanics/technicians are respected “Jack of All Trades” team members, performing mechanical and/or fabrication updates and using their knowledge to improve production processes. If you are a creative problem-solver who perseveres through challenging equipment repairs, we want to talk with you. 

What You’ll Get:

Pay Range

  • $22.05 - $28.93 per hour based on education and experience.
  • $1500 SIGN ON BONUS

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental and Vision
  • HSA/FSA
  • Life Insurance
  • Short and Long Term Disability
  • Accident, Hospital, and Critical Illness
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellness programs
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Profit Sharing
  • Profit Incentive

Additional

  • Stable work environment with a growing company
  • Flexible schedules during the off-season (November – May)
  • Prescription safety glasses & safety shoe reimbursement
  • Mechanical Progression Program/Advancement Opportunities
  • Paid onsite and offsite training
  • An Employer that works hard to ensure your safety on the job

 What You’ll Do:

  • Repair and maintain a variety of pea, corn and meat processing equipment located within the plant  
  • During off season, conduct preventative maintenance and repair equipment to get ready for next pack season
  • Supervise and train production staff to produce high quality vegetables and meat
  • Adhere to all Lakeside Foods policies, procedures and training requirements.

 What You’ll Bring:

  • Prior experience with mechanical/automotive maintenance
  • Refrigeration/ammonia/HVAC is a plus, willing to provide training
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED) is required
  • Prior welding experience is a plus
  • Positive attitude
  • Strong work ethic
  • Safety mindset

Where You’ll Work:

WELCOME TO PLAINVIEW

Located 30 miles from Rochester, 35 miles from Winona and 33 miles from Red Wing, Plainview residents have the best of both worlds—”big city” jobs, amenities in nearby cities… and the comfort and security of “small town living”.  If you love the outdoors, you’ll love Plainview! Area attractions include Lark Toys in Kellogg, The National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Carley State Park and Whitewater State Park, the Weaver Dunes and numerous DNR areas in the Whitewater, Zumbro and Mississippi River Valleys.  Most are within fifteen minutes to a half-hour from Plainview and offer year-round activities and interpretive centers

Lakeside Foods and our family of companies welcomes people of all backgrounds and the varied ideas they bring to the workplace. Being an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer is part of our heritage and culture. We recruit, hire and promote employees based on qualifications and merit, without regard to race, religion, age, gender, disability, marital or veteran status. Lakeside Foods participates in E-Verify.

M/F/D/V 


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