ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Meat Processing Plant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMeat Processing Plant JobsMeat Processing Plant Jobs in Chicago, IL

Meat Processing Plant information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$5

$18

$25

How much do meat processing plant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat processing plant in Chicago, IL is $18.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $18.32 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 Chicago, IL?

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

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

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

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

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

Meat Processing Plant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Meat Processing Plant job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,122 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Technical Sales Manager - U.S. Meat Processing (Maurer-Atmos)

MWW Food Processing USA LLC

Elk Grove Village, IL

$95K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Description

Founded i 

The Legacy Founded in 1928 and headquartered in Reichenau, Germany, Maurer-Atmos is the global gold standard for smoking, cooking, and maturing technologies. We don't just build machines; we engineer the taste, texture, and safety of the world's finest meat products.

The Mission We are seeking a Sales Champion to spearhead our expansion within the U.S. meat processing sector. This is a high-impact, autonomous role designed for a seasoned professional who is equally comfortable in a corporate boardroom and on a production floor. Your focus: delivering world-class smokehouses and batch ovens to the medium-sized processors and regional artisans who define the American meat industry.

Your Impact:

  • Drive High-Value Capital Sales: Own the full lifecycle for custom-configured thermal systems (smokehouses, batch ovens, and dry-cure systems).
  • Consultative Strategy: Perform on-site process analyses to help clients maximize yield, capacity, and energy efficiency.
  • Industry Influence: Leverage your "rolodex" of plant managers and owners to identify new installations and plant expansions.
  • Technical Translation: Partner with our German engineering teams to turn complex client needs into high-performance equipment solutions.
  • Market Intelligence: Position Maurer-Atmos as the premier choice for specialty and craft producers by staying ahead of regional trends.

MWW is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EOE/M/F/Vets/Disabled) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants.


Benefits:

  • Health insurance
  • Health Savings Account w/ ER contribution
  • Flexible Spending Account w/ ER contribution
  • Dental Insurance
  • Company Paid Disability Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Company Paid Life insurance
  • Paid holidays
  • Paid time off
  • 401k
  • Vision insurance

Requirements

What You Bring:

  • 5-10 Years of Experience: Proven success selling thermal processing systems (smoking, roasting, drying).
  • An Established Network: A deep, personal connection to the U.S. regional meat processing and butchery community.
  • Technical Fluency: You know the science behind a perfect salami, pepperoni, or smoked sausage.
  • Regulatory Mastery: Solid understanding of USDA/FDA requirements and HACCP principles.
  • The Road Warrior Spirit: Readiness for 50-70% travel across North America, with annual trips to our headquarters in Germany.

Apply