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Meat Processing Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Processing Technician I SUMMARY Under the direction of the Processing Supervisor, processes all raw ... Understands the procedures for hanging smoked meats. * Assembles Weiler grinder and mixer/blender ...

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Perform slaughter, processing, and precise portion cutting of various meats (beef, bison, lamb, pork). * Safely handle heavy machinery and butchery tools. * Work collaboratively with a small ...

Be Seen First

Perform slaughter, processing, and precise portion cutting of various meats (beef, bison, lamb, pork). * Safely handle heavy machinery and butchery tools. * Work collaboratively with a small ...

Be Seen First

Perform slaughter, processing, and precise portion cutting of various meats (beef, bison, lamb, pork). * Safely handle heavy machinery and butchery tools. * Work collaboratively with a small ...

Be Seen First

Perform slaughter, processing, and precise portion cutting of various meats (beef, bison, lamb, pork). * Safely handle heavy machinery and butchery tools. * Work collaboratively with a small ...

Perform slaughter, processing, and precise portion cutting of various meats (beef, bison, lamb, pork). * Safely handle heavy machinery and butchery tools. * Work collaboratively with a small ...

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Meat Processing Technician information

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$35

How much do meat processing technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat processing technician in the United States is $24.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $28.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a meat processing technician?

Meat Processing Technicians are skilled workers responsible for preparing, processing, and packaging meat products in facilities such as slaughterhouses and meat processing plants. Their duties include inspecting, cutting, deboning, grinding, and packaging meat, as well as ensuring that all safety and hygiene regulations are followed. They may also operate specialized machinery and maintain detailed records for quality control. This role requires attention to detail, physical stamina, and knowledge of food safety standards.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a meat processing technician?

To thrive as a Meat Processing Technician, you need knowledge of meat cutting, food safety protocols, and basic machinery operation, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industry-standard equipment, HACCP certification, and use of safety and sanitation systems are typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for maintaining quality and collaborating within production teams. These competencies ensure safe, efficient processing and high-quality products, meeting both regulatory standards and consumer expectations.

What are common challenges faced by meat processing technicians, and how can they be managed?

Meat Processing Technicians often face challenges such as maintaining strict hygiene standards, working in cold environments, and adhering to safety protocols when handling sharp equipment. Managing these challenges involves staying vigilant about sanitation procedures, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, and participating in regular safety training. Many workplaces also rotate tasks to reduce physical strain and support cross-training, which helps technicians stay engaged and versatile in their roles.

What is the difference between Meat Processing Technician vs Butcher?

AspectMeat Processing TechnicianButcher
CertificationsFood safety, HACCP, OSHANone required, but some may have food handling certifications
Work EnvironmentProcessing plants, industrial facilitiesButcher shops, grocery stores, markets
Job FocusProcessing, packaging, quality controlCutting, preparing, selling meat products

While both roles involve working with meat, Meat Processing Technicians focus on processing, safety, and quality control in industrial settings, whereas Butchers primarily cut and prepare meat for retail sale in shops or markets. The roles differ mainly in scope and environment, but both require knowledge of meat handling and safety standards.

How to become a meat processing technician?

To become a meat processing technician, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue on-the-job training or technical programs in meat processing or food technology. Skills in operating processing equipment, understanding food safety standards, and maintaining hygiene are essential, and some employers may require certification in food safety or sanitation.

Is working at a meat processing technician plant hard?

Working as a meat processing technician can be physically demanding, involving repetitive tasks, standing for long periods, and handling heavy or sharp equipment. The job requires attention to safety protocols and often involves working in cold environments, but it can also offer steady hours and skill development opportunities.

What cities are hiring for Meat Processing Technician jobs?

Cities with the most Meat Processing Technician job openings:

What states have the most Meat Processing Technician jobs?

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

What are popular job titles related to Meat Processing Technician jobs?

For Meat Processing Technician jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Meat Processing Technician job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,319 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Enterprise Technologist, Meat Processing

Fayetteville, AR • Hybrid

Conagra Brands
Food Services and Drinking Places • 10K+ employees

$82K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Conagra Brands rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 134 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Reporting to the Director of Project Management, you will serve as the regional technical leader driving operational excellence, standardization, and continuous improvement across production facilities that process raw meat proteins into finished and semifinished goods. You will partner closely with Subject Matter Experts, Site Specialists, and plant operations, maintenance, and process engineering teams to ensure best practices are adopted and sustained while supporting network capability development.

A Taste of Your Responsibilities

  • Provide technical leadership and regional guidance to site teams on meat processing.
  • Share site level insights, challenges, and lessons learned across the network to strengthen knowledge transfer.
  • Track adoption and effectiveness of Theory of Operations (ToO) documentation and operational standards.
  • Facilitate crosssite collaboration and drive enterprise alignment.
  • Support the development, enhancement, and deployment of ToO documentation including process flow maps, operating envelopes, minimum standards, troubleshooting guides, and training materials.
  • Coordinate with sites to confirm priorities and resource needs for ToO execution.
  • Break down work into clear, manageable streams with defined accountability.
  • Validate technical standards and ensure they align with enterprise requirements.
  • Organize and facilitate training for operations, maintenance, and quality teams, including classroom, handson, and onthejob training.
  • Identify skills gaps and recommend targeted training solutions to support consistent performance.
  • Mentor site specialists and junior engineers to support talent development across the network.
  • Lead data mining and trending activities to identify lossreduction opportunities and ensure consistent outcomes.
  • Support loss tree and instability trigger analysis, including causeeffect mapping and escalation protocols.
  • Collaborate with site teams to prioritize and resolve major equipment losses, including case packer and cartoner downtime.
  • Ensure ToO documentation is accurate, accessible, and aligned with enterprise standards.
  • Participate in monthly knowledgesharing sessions to review action items, documentation updates, and capability metrics.
  • Escalate unresolved issues to SMEs and align with enterprise governance boards.
  • Promote a culture of continuous improvement, standardization, and technical mastery.
  • Drive adoption of best practices and innovative solutions across the network.
  • Maintain relationships with external experts and leverage industry trends to enhance operational capability.

Ingredients Required for Your Success

  • Bachelor's degree in meat science, food science, engineering, or a related field preferred.
  • 5+ years of experience in food manufacturing with specific depth in meat processing.
  • Deep technical knowledge of meat processing equipment and processes.
  • Experience developing and delivering training programs.
  • Strong analytical, problemsolving, and communication skills.
  • Travel required up to 50-75%.
  • Continuous improvement mindset and commitment to operational excellence.
  • Comfortable working in both office and plant environments, including extended standing, climbing, and exposure to noise, temperature variation, and wet or slippery conditions.

#LI-Hybrid
#LI-EB1
#LI-MSL

Compensation

Pay Range:$82,000-$120,000

The annual salary listed above is the expected offering for this position. An employee's actual annual salary will be based on but not limited to: location, relevant experience/level and skillset, while balancing internal Conagra employees' equity.Conagra Brands will comply with applicable law regarding minimum salaries for exempt employees.

Our Benefits

We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role:

  • Health: Comprehensive healthcare plans, wellness incentive program, mental wellbeing support and fitness reimbursement

  • Wealth: Great pay, bonus incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan

  • Growth: Career development opportunities, employee resource groups, on-demand learning and tuition reimbursement

  • Balance: Paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role) and volunteer opportunities

Our Company

At Conagra Brands, we have a rich heritage of making great food. We aspire to have the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. As a member of our 18,000+ person team across 40+ locations, you are empowered to reach your potential, make an impact and own your career. We're in the business of building champions - within our people and our iconic brands like Birds Eye, Slim Jim and Reddi-Wip.

Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to embracing new solutions that positively impact our team, the communities we serve and the health of our planet. Foodies Welcome.

Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request.


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About Conagra Brands

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Conagra Brands (NYSE: CAG) is an approximately $11 billion company that combines a rich heritage of making great food with a sharpened focus and entrepreneurial spirit. We're transforming the way we operate to fulfill what consumers and customers want, in a smart, simple way. We're modernizing our iconic food brands, leveraging fresh opportunities and adapting to a changing landscape - all with a culture that's ready to capture growth and drive shareholder value.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1919

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