1

Meat Processing Plant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Meat Cutter - Butcher

Riley, KS · On-site

$17 - $25/hr

Requires hands-on work in a meat processing environment * Ability to walk the plant floor, including exposure to noise and production equipment * Wet or humid conditions and slippery surfaces at ...

Requires hands-on work in a meat processing environment * Ability to walk the plant floor, including exposure to noise and production equipment * Wet or humid conditions and slippery surfaces at ...

SANITATION C SHIFT

Cactus, TX

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

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

SANITATION C SHIFT

Cactus, TX · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

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

Butcher/Meat Cutter

Grand Bay, AL · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Previous butcher or meat processing experience. * Willingness to learn and assist in multiple plant areas. * Ability to work in a cold environment (42°F). * Steel-toe boots are required. Key ...

SANITATION C SHIFT

Cactus, TX · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

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

SANITATION C SHIFT

Cactus, TX

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

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

SANITATION C SHIFT

Cactus, TX · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Previous experience in a meat processing plant or similar manufacturing setting preferred.Must be able to stand,walk, stoop, crawlfor extended periods of timeMust be able to work in extreme ...

SANITATION C SHIFT

Cactus, TX · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

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

SANITATION C SHIFT

Cactus, TX · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

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

next page

Showing results 1-20

Meat Processing Plant information

See salary details

$5

$18

$24

How much do meat processing plant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 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 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.
More about Meat Processing Plant jobs
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $37,947 per year, or $18.2 per hour.
Meat Cutter - Butcher

Meat Cutter - Butcher

MeatWorks

Riley, KS • On-site

$17 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Company Description:  

Booth Creek Wagyu is a family-owned beef company built on a vertically integrated model that gives us control of every step, from ranch to final cut. Our cattle are raised on the rolling tallgrass prairie north of Manhattan, Kansas at Booth Creek Wagyu Ranch, where careful attention to genetics, nutrition, and animal care sets the foundation for exceptional beef. They are finished through our Wagyu Feeders operation, where a focus on animal health, ethical care, and consistent nutrition helps develop the marbling and flavor Wagyu is known for. Processing takes place at Meatworks of Kansas, our USDA-inspected harvest and fabrication facility, allowing us to oversee harvest, aging, and cutting while maintaining strict quality standards and full transparency. Through a combination of e-commerce and retail sales, Booth Creek Wagyu delivers premium beef directly to customers who value craftsmanship, consistency, and knowing exactly where their food comes from. 

Job Description:  

The Skilled Meat Processor / Butcher performs a variety of hands-on meat processing duties in a local locker environment, including slaughter floor support, carcass breakdown, cutting standard and premium beef cuts, sausage making, smoking, packaging, sanitation, and occasional customer-facing store support. The ideal candidate is dependable, safety-minded, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced production environment. 

Duties & Responsibilities:  

  • Perform custom beef processing tasks, including cutting, trimming, grinding, packaging, and related production work 
  • Break carcasses and prepare standard and premium beef cuts according to company, customer, and production needs 
  • Assist with sausage making, smoking, and processed meat production as needed 
  • Support slaughter floor operations as needed 
  • Operate knives, band saws, grinders, and other meat processing equipment safely and properly 
  • Follow food safety, sanitation, quality, and production standards at all times 
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area throughout the shift 
  • Assist with packaging, labeling, cooler/freezer organization, and product handling 
  • Work as part of a team and communicate clearly with supervisors and coworkers 

Education & Experience 

  • Experience with meat cutting, butchering, meat processing, or similar hands-on production work preferred 
  • Knowledge and skill in making standard and specialty beef cuts preferred 

Required Skills & Abilities:  

  • Ability to safely operate a band saw and other meat processing equipment 
  • Willingness and ability to assist on the kill floor as needed 
  • Experience with, or willingness to learn, smokehouse operation and processed meat production 
  • Dependable attendance and strong work ethic 
  • Ability to follow directions, work safely, and maintain quality standards 
  • Comfortable working in cold, wet, warm, and fast-paced production areas 
  • Must be eligible to work in the United States without visa sponsorship 
  • Must be 18 years or older 

Physical Requirements & Working Environment 

The physical requirements described here represent those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodation may be made. 

  • Requires hands-on work in a meat processing environment  
  • Ability to walk the plant floor, including exposure to noise and production equipment 
  • Wet or humid conditions and slippery surfaces at times  
  • Exposure to both warm and cool environments  
  • Use of equipment and machinery 
  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 80 pounds occasionally with assistance 
  • Must be able to follow all safety, PPE, and USDA facility requirements 
  • Ability to work standard business hours with flexibility based on production schedules 

Pay & Benefits:  

  • Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision) 
  • 401(k) with Company Match 
  • Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay 

Why Join Us? 

  • Learn valuable, hands-on skills in meat processing 
  • Be part of a small, supportive team 
  • Work with locally sourced, high-quality products 
  • Opportunity to grow as we expand our Wagyu program 

MeatWorks of Kansas is a small locally owned custom meat processing butcher serving Riley, Manhattan, and surrounding areas. We work with local producers to provide fresh, quality pork and beef to our consumers. Our expert staff is trained in butchering hogs and cattle and will work with both producers and consumers to offer the best meat possible. Recently, we have begun specializing in Wagyu beef, and look forward to our new partnership with Booth Creek Wagyu Ranch. Choose MeatWorks of Kansas and become a part of a winning team!